Cooking can be such a creative experience

Initially, Patrick began with simple things like dal and chawal. But when he actually began cooking, he realised what a great experience that was. And graduated from the ordinary dal-chawal to the more exotic pork chops and fish curries. Says Patrick, “I found cooking very artistic. It can be such a creative experience.

“We Indians do not give much importance to the presentation. But I find that to be the most exciting part. In fact, I used to make the dish I served look so exciting that my sons would prefer eating what I had made to my wife’s dull-looking dish”.

It was this creativity that led Patrick into buying books on cookery and get deeper into the intricacies of cooking. And over the years, he has gathered so much experience that he can pinpoint to his son (who is doing his hotel management) his mistakes.

Though Patrick can cook up almost anything, his forte in the kitchen is jiffy meals. “I don’t like to cook dishes that take long. Besides, I do not have the patience to chop vegetables and make the dough for the chappatis. But if unexpected guests turn up and there are only two packets of Maggi noodles at home, I can turn it into a tasty and wholesome meal by putting in potatoes, beans, carrots and shredded chicken. Quick meals are no problem at all”.

Though Patrick does not cook everyday, Sunday meals are his responsibility. “I have never found cooking a burden, in fact, I love buying the meat and vegetables and serving it in a most exciting way”.