Cooking for Therapy

Some people go to psychiatrists, councilors, pastors or friends. But for me, nothing is more therapeutic, soul soothing or relaxing than getting in the kitchen and cooking. 

I can cook. Pretty well most of the time. Although there have been plenty of disasters (just look at my pots and pans and you'll see the've been burned dry on more than one occasion). But on the whole, I go alright in the kitchen ;)

Once I get in a rhythm, it's hard to stop. This past Saturday I intended to make a lasagna to freeze for hubby's lunches during the week. Aside from setting our meal plan for a fresh meal every night (none of these are for our nightly dinners) I ended up cooking a lasagna, risotto, pumpkin soup, potato and leek soup, anzac biscuits, choc-chip biscuits, home-made ice cream, zuchinni slice, strawberry sorbet, a loaf of five grain bread, vanilla custard, pasta sauce and a birthday cake for my parents.

Ok, so I got a little carried away ;)

Now I bet you're wondering 'how the hell did she do all that on one day and still have time to spend with the family, clean the house etc etc. 

I am not superwoman. I do not have magical powers. But I do have a little kitchen secret.

This is my new love.










It's called a Thermomix. It's a magical, wondrous, do everything, make anything kitchen appliance.

It has literally changed my life.

I have cleared my kitchen cupboards of my blender, rocket blender, rice cooker, ice cream maker, steamer and more. Given the de-cluttering bender I've been on over the last few months, this is makes me happy :)

The Thermomix (or TM31 for short) does it all. In the words of celebrity chef Dorinda Hafner (who I used to love watching with Bert in the mornings years ago!),


'It grinds my nuts, creams my eggs, stews my meat, steams my fish, chills my ice cream, kneads my dough, weighs my stuff, keeps track of the time of preparation and cooking of my food, makes my juices run then, would you believe, it even cleans itself!'


I can make perfect mushroom risotto in 17 minutes and I don't have to stir it. Not once!

I can make beautifully refreshing strawberry sorbet (or any other fruit for that matter!) in 2.5 minutes!

I can knead perfect bread ready for baking in 2.5 minutes and I don't have to lift a finger.

I can pulverise grains and rice into flour, raw sugar into castor/icing sugar, juice fruits and veges.

Seriously.

This thing SAVES time. No more standing around to cook dinner...I can set it & go off and organise kids, clean, do washing, blog, facebook...whatever ;)

It SAVES sanity. No more last minute stresses over what to cook for dinner.

It SAVES your health. The TM31 allows you too cook anything from scratch simply so you can be sure that the only food going into your body is actually food... no nasties.

It SAVES you money in the long run. Buy in bulk and save on grocery bills. Easy cooking, added convenience and fast meals means less 'convenience'/take away food. Better quality, additive free foods mean less money spent in the long term on medical expenses. All wins in my book.

I know what you're thinking. It costs a fortune right? I've heard the rumours. You have to sell a kidney to get one yeah? Well yes and no. It is pricey...but it's 100% worth it. We don't have much money. But this was absolutely an investment in my families health.

My biggest fear in buying a Thermomix was that it would take away the 'joy' of cooking... the therapeutic aspect if you like, because it makes everything so quickly. But if anything, it has completely enhanced my passion for cooking! I am so in love! I feel like a Masterchef ;)

How can you get one?

TM31's are sold through demonstrations only. You can't buy them at the shops. I've seen them on e-bay, but would strongly suggest you don't buy one that way because they will not come with warranty and a demonstration on how to correctly and safely use the TM31 which is absolutely essential.

The demo is an incredible food experience in itself. You're whipped up a six course meal before your eyes, all which you and 3-4 four friends can sit down and enjoy together.


Trust me, you won't be disappointed. There's not a single person that I know, who has a Thermomix (and I know quite a few now!) that aren't completely in love with it and wish they'd found it sooner. It will change your life. One small appliance...BIG impact on your culinary world.