The Contemplative Cook's Kitchen
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meet the cook, Alissa
As a lover of good food and a former mindfulness teacher, I’m curious about the ordinary ways that our life can be enriched with meaning, and discovering the places, people, and rhythms that inspire and enliven the soul through cooking.
For me, it is in the quiet of the kitchen where I feel most at home, and my most creative; where the simple acts of putting on an apron, and spending time with the ingredients before me has a way of slowing me down, instilling a sense of reverence to my day, and more ease and joy in my life.
my approach to hands-on cooking sessions
Cooking sessions are intentionally designed one-to-one, or small intimate groups on occasion, so you can receive undivided attention and discover the magic that can happen when we spend time together. So let’s pare things back to its simplest form: just you and me, some fresh ingredients, and us cooking. Slow and steady.
mindful cooking + you
Join me in my home kitchen for some creative contemplative cooking, to inspire connection, reverence and joy.
private cook + bespoke meal service
Love good food but don't have time (or interest) to cook?
Let me make your life easier,
your home more peaceful,
and your belly happier
with homemade comfort food, made just for you.
Our approach to mindful cooking
our approach to cooking
Our cooking sessions are intentionally designed small and one-to-one so you can receive undivided attention, and the chance to discover the magic that can happen when we spend time together. This isn’t about learning special cooking techniques (although that may happen), it's about slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. So let’s pare things back to it’s simplest form: just you and me, some fresh ingredients, and us cooking. Slow and steady.
why we cook
Cooking for us is of course about eating good food!
But it is much more than that. Surprisingly, we don’t have to look far for ways in our everyday life where we can find a little peace, a little grounding, and reconnect to what is most meaningful to us. We eat everyday, so why not start there? Plus, I don’t know about you, but cooking makes me happy, and I like to do the things that bring me joy.
Naturally with cooking our senses are enlivened; there is much to see, smell, taste, and feel in the kitchen. We can use this kind of sensory experience as a way to anchor our attention to the task at hand when disconnecting from our busy lives and settling into some quiet reflection doesn't come easily. To help us re-orientate our attention towards the inner life we can find solace in giving our minds and hands something life-giving and creative to do.
In the end, we get to enjoy what we have made, and how wonderful is that?
how we do it
Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. And it’s not about getting it right. It’s about shifting our attention towards simplicity, beauty, and a slower rhythm as best we can. Tie on an apron. Take in the room. Then settle in: wash, chop, stir, chat, pour more tea. Let me guide you.
Our sessions feature an ingredient from the Ontario landscape, our way of celebrating this abundant province. In the end, we will package up our creation for you to take home with you to share with those you love. They will taste the care and devotion you put into it, we're sure of it.
where we gather
Cooking sessions are held in the Contemplative Cook's home kitchen near Creemore, Ontario. Nothing fancy, just a regular kitchen where extraordinary things happen.
who can cook with us?
Anyone! All ages are welcome, and no cooking or meditation experience is necessary. A bit of curiousity will work wonders.