Cooking with Color: How Food Fuels My Art and Soul

When you’re a writer, poet, or artist, it’s easy to fall into the trap of endless desk hours—hands clinging to a pen, fingers tapping the keys, and mind lost in shadows and words. But there’s one place where I find my daily escape, my tangible art form: the kitchen.

Cooking is my reset button, my way of pulling myself out of the ethereal and back into the visceral. It’s not just about food; it’s about creativity, movement, and vibrant, soul-satisfying color.

My Palette of Ingredients

Think of the produce aisle as my artist’s studio. Carrots, bell peppers, spinach, and ripe mangoes are my paints; herbs and spices, my brushstrokes. I’m not tied to any diet or culture—I let my instincts guide me. Some days, that means a simple Mediterranean-inspired spread of roasted veggies and couscous; other days, I’ll find myself tossing sesame seeds and soy sauce into a wok full of sizzling greens.

My cooking isn’t about rules or restrictions. It’s about listening to what my body craves. Sweets? Yes, please. Carbs? Bring them on. A steaming plate of pasta with basil pesto or a delicate slice of homemade cake isn’t indulgence—it’s nourishment.

From Desk to Chopping Board

When the writing feels heavy, when the shadows of my poetry start pressing too close, I head to the kitchen. Chopping vegetables becomes a meditation—rhythmic, steady, grounding. Kneading dough lets my hands work through emotions my words can’t quite grasp. Watching rice simmer is a gentle reminder that patience brings beauty to the surface.

And let’s not underestimate the joy of plating. Swirling a dollop of yogurt over bright orange lentil soup or arranging jewel-like pomegranate seeds on a green salad—it’s as close to painting as I’ll ever get.

The Joy of Sweetness

I have a soft spot for desserts, and I’m not sorry. Chocolate, fruit tarts, or a warm batch of cookies fresh from the oven—they remind me that life doesn’t need to be all discipline and deadlines. It needs indulgence, celebration, and joy, too.

But sweets aren’t just for eating—they’re for sharing. A slice of homemade pie or a bowl of halva brings people together, makes them linger. And isn’t that what food is about? Connection. Nourishment. Memory.

Cooking as a Writer’s Ritual

For me, cooking and writing aren’t separate pursuits—they feed into each other (pun intended). A well-cooked meal is like a well-crafted poem: balanced, surprising, and deeply satisfying.

When I’m stuck on a line, I step away to sauté onions or whisk a vinaigrette. The act of creating something tactile often untangles the knots in my head. By the time I’m back at my desk, the words flow freer, the shadows seem less daunting.

An Invitation to the Table

So, here’s my philosophy: cook with color. Eat with intuition. Embrace variety, carbs, and sweets. Let your kitchen be as wild and wondrous as your mind.

Food isn’t just fuel—it’s art, comfort, and a love letter to yourself. And when you’re done making that meal, take a moment to savor it. Taste the life you’re living, the beauty you’re creating, both on the plate and on the page.

If you want to see what I’m cooking, check out the pictures I’ve shared here. Maybe they’ll inspire you to turn your kitchen into your next creative playground. And remember, whether it’s a poem, a painting, or a perfectly roasted sweet potato—you’re an artist. Let your meals be a masterpiece, too.

Bon appétit,
Eeta