National Hobby Month: Cooking

Ever since my parents embarked on their globe-trotting adventure, I've found myself with a new freedom and an exciting opportunity to cook every meal for myself. It turns out, with a bit of extra time and some motivation from my empty stomach, cooking is an activity that I actually really enjoy.

My recent culinary journey began with a thoughtful gift from my mom – a set of trusty cast iron pans. These sturdy companions have become the cornerstone of my cooking, providing the perfect tool to make an endless number of different recipes. The first challenge I took on was perfecting the art of cooking meat, more specifically: beef. It isn’t always a pretty process, smoke usually fills the kitchen as the meat hits the hot surface – but it's a sensory experience that's both challenging and rewarding.

One dish that holds a special place in my heart is runzas, a family recipe that was perfected and passed down by my late grandfather, John. Introduced to my family over a decade ago, these perfectly-sized pockets of midwestern comfort food are a testament to the power of tradition. Typically filled with ground beef, cheese, and veggies, cooking up a batch not only fills the house with a nostalgic scent but also connects me to cherished memories of my grandpa.

In addition to mastering the art of searing steaks and recreating family classics, I've also ventured into the world of bread-making – also inspired by my grandfather. While the cast iron pans take a backseat in this particular endeavor, the challenge and gratification of this process remain the same. What captivates me most about baking bread is the simplicity of its ingredients – just yeast, flour, salt, sugar, and water. Yet, the end result, a warm and inviting loaf, consistently steals the spotlight at any meal, making the entire process a satisfying and indispensable addition to my culinary journey.

- Zoumana

Koné Consulting
CELEBRATING 14 YEARS INSPIRING CHANGE
AND LASTING IMPROVEMENTS

Zoumi KoneJanuary 22, 20241 Comment