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For those who enjoy food, there is nothing more rewarding than cooking a meal for loved-ones. When there is an occasion for celebration, whether it may be a birth, graduation or maybe, a Sunday brunch, cooking always seem to unite everyone. After a challenging day at the office, running around transporting your kids to soccer practice, there is nothing more comforting than to be served a cooked meal. Cooking says that someone cares.

That's what it is for my dear friend of over twenty years. Although she has two children, spouse, and a full time job in a law office; she still finds time to plant the family's produces. For her, it is not work. It relaxes her tremendously. Some people unwind by going to a gym or play golf; but, for my good pal, her delight is to plant and cook. She finds joy in cultivating her very own fruits, herbs and vegetables. She takes pride in the idea that her food source comes from her backyard to the dining table. A visit to her abode is like a food haven. There seems to be a constant supply of fresh and colorful produces doubling as decorations and of course, supplies to be devoured after they are skillfully cooked by her.

She has the way of surprising your palette with the pairing of grilled fruits and vegetables. I can still savor the exquisite taste from my last meal during my visit over the summer break. The grilled watermelon still has me salivating, wanting more. To her, cooking and the preparation of a meal is relaxation, a getaway of sort. The dishes that she prepares constantly appeal to your senses because they are presented with a "five star" appearance and taste. It is amazing how she rapidly revives the state of a few wilted and speckled ripe bananas and transform them into a delectable nutty loaf of bread. Nothing goes to waste. A day whole bread can be speedily turned into a creamy and delicious pudding.

I have taken a leaf from my dear friend's book. I truly believe that it has changed my life in a great way. Over the years, I had been a little timid in the kitchen in respect of experimenting with different dishes. However, since my visit at my friend's last summer, I have found myself "cooking up a storm". First, I secure a few basic cook books. Moreover, I have been making use of the different websites that encourage the good art of cooking. Yes, the other day I cooked a four course meal. I went Italian. My bunch of friends were satisfied and elated.

I have not tried my hands with planting my own produce. However, I intend getting a few pots of herbs to stick in my window sill. I confess, cooking has rewarded me with a great mate. He liked my garlic pasta. I am proud of yours truly; I did not burn the garlic! Here's to cooking!

Learn more about this author, Betty Blake.
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