What Cooking Looks Like In The Age Of COVID-19

Jack Quantock stood in his kitchen trying to make a spinach, chicken and rice bowl. The senior advertising and communication technology major had almost finished the recipe before realizing he didn’t have chicken broth.

“Being the creative person I am, I strained out the contents of Progresso soup,” Quantock said. “It was awful.’

That night, Quantock decided to trade in his apron for a quick trip to McDonald’s. He had success the next night when he decided to try and give a rice-based dish another go, adding ground beef and a homemade Sriracha mayo aioli. Quantock said he has been finding recipes online and taking inspiration from them while also putting his own personal creative spin on it.

It has been a little over a month since Gov. Jay Inslee announced the stay-at-home order for Washington state residents to aid in flattening the curve of the coronavirus pandemic.

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic leaving people contained in their homes, some have found cooking as an opportunity to pass time, try something new, and learn throughout the process.

“I’m more willing to experiment because I do have a little bit more time on my hands with the current stay-at-home order,” Quantock said.

Whether it be from an online recipe, a family favorite, or a Tik Tok video, cooking can be an opportunity to unleash creativity and experiment with a variety of foods.

“I have always been the predominant cook of my household, so it isn’t much of a new routine,” Emily Olsen, a Spokane resident, said. “It’s a comforting routine and a way to care for those around me.”

Olsen said cooking is a form of art and experimentation. It is easy to take a few ingredients that sound like they would pair well together and experiment with the different flavors and textures. As someone who doesn’t typically follow directions, Olsen said she will throw something together and if she ends up loving how it turns out, she will write it down and keep the recipe.

“I’ve always been adventurous and always try as many new things as I can,” Olsen said. The extra time has allowed Olsen to practice and perfect her skills, such as dicing and mixing, while also providing a therapeutic outlet for her.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, researchers concluded that those who attempt small, creative projects typically feel more realized and happier on a day-to-day basis. The study showed those that completed small tasks were more likely to be enthusiastic about the following days ahead.

Justin Macdonald, a Spokane resident, said he had always desired to be a chef because he always enjoyed the creativity that took place whenever he made a meal.

“Cooking is an art in a sense that you start with the basic ingredients and create something as you go along and it pays off once you have the final product,” said Macdonald.

Other than just with food, Macdonald said he has been taking his experimentation to the bar in his own home.

“Drinking a Moscow Mule that you’ve spent time making is a lot more satisfying than just cracking open a can of beer.”

Cooking can be an individual creative outlet, but also something to do with family, Macdonald said. A lot of families may be struggling to be around each other currently with the stay-at-home order, but that hasn’t been the case in his own household.

“My dad will be making dinner and sometimes I’ll go in the kitchen and ask what I can do to help,” said Macdonald. “Eventually my brother will hop in and suddenly we’re all helping out, enjoying each others’ company.”