The Joy of Cooking: A therapeutic journey of creativity and connection

Lily Ciric Hoffmann
Culinary therapy for all
3 min readAug 25, 2018

Cooking holds a special place in my heart, offering a source of joy and empowerment. In the midst of life’s uncertainties, the kitchen becomes my sanctuary, allowing me to take control of the food I make and eat. With a focus on creativity and mindfulness, cooking has become a therapeutic journey that nourishes both body and soul.

Cultivating a positive relationship with food and self

Cooking has transformed my relationship with food, guiding me towards a positive and mindful approach. No longer bound by strict diets or trends, I prioritize foods that make me feel good and healthy. It is an act of self-nurturing, nurturing my body and soul, as I choose wholesome and fresh ingredients. By listening to my body’s needs, I have discovered a newfound harmony with food.

Salad with green onions, cucumbers and homemade falafels.

Unleashing creativity and finding solace in the kitchen

The kitchen is my canvas, and cooking serves as my artistic expression. Similar to painters or musicians, I find solace and inspiration as I create dishes from scratch. Each visit to the refrigerator sparks my creativity, as I transform humble ingredients into diverse and delicious meals. From zucchini’s multiple forms to exploring new flavor combinations, cooking becomes a medium for endless possibilities and self-expression.

Me indulging in beignets at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans. Yep, eyes closed 😋

The healing power of food and connection

Food transcends mere sustenance, opening doors to new cultures, customs, and connections. With an adventurous spirit, I embark on culinary journeys, seeking out local delicacies and embracing diverse flavors. Each bite is an invitation to experience the world, as I immerse myself in the stories behind the dishes. Through sharing and learning about food, I forge meaningful connections, gaining insights into the lives and passions of others.

I invited our neighbors over for some homemade bread, popovers, arugula and caprese salad.

Spreading joy through food and building bonds

Cooking holds a transformative power when shared with others. I extend my appreciation and love by cooking for those dear to me. It is a mutual exchange of care and gratitude, where the act of creating something from scratch holds immeasurable value. Through food, I express my affection, forging connections, and creating cherished memories. The kitchen becomes a space of joy and warmth, where conversations flow easily and understanding deepens.

Overall cooking is pure emotion for me, the full spectrum. If I eat something I don’t like, or I am let down by the taste, or if a recipe doesn’t turn right, I feel it, it affects me profoundly. When I hear “but it’s just food” it’s never “just” food for me.

Cooking, beyond its practicality, serves as a gateway to self-discovery, creativity, and connection. As I navigate the culinary world with passion and mindfulness, I am reminded that the act of cooking is more than just food. It is a source of personal growth, a way to nurture oneself and others, and a bridge that spans cultures and experiences.

So, I ask you, do you share a similar relationship with food?

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Lily Ciric Hoffmann
Culinary therapy for all

Customer education specialist and a creative techie who uses cooking and baking as a form of therapy. Founder of Dishmeetup, https://dishmeetup.slack.com/