Reclaiming the Forgotten Skills of Cooking

In a society of meal delivery apps and prepackaged foods, the timeless art of cooking, once a treasured skill, is slipping through our fingers.

by Laurie Richardone

A cultural shift is underway, where scratch cooking and mastering basic culinary skills are reclaiming our health and human connections.

Many of us are seeking greater autonomy over our lives and food quality. Scratch cooking offers a profound opportunity to reclaim control over our nutrition, reduce reliance on industrialized food systems, and foster creativity.

This movement is a nostalgic nod to the past and a critical adaptation to modern challenges, addressing rising health concerns and the erosion of essential life skills. By embracing the art of cooking from scratch, we can reimagine the role of food in our lives, grounding our diets in intention, authenticity, and resilience in an increasingly complex world.

This shift in mindset—where cooking from scratch becomes a tool for nourishment and personal empowerment paves the way for rediscovering simple yet profoundly rewarding culinary skills.

One such skill is making pie crust from scratch, which, despite its reputation, is much easier than you might think.

There are uncomplicated methods of making pie crust by hand. It helps you reconnect with time-honored techniques and sets the stage for creating a base that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether preparing a sweet fruit tart or a savory quiche, this tart shell is the perfect foundation.

Now that we understand the beauty of this bare shell, let’s explore how to bring it to life in your kitchen. You’ll need four ingredients: flour, butter, salt, and water. Cut cold butter into your flour with your hands until it forms small crumbs.

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt, then slowly mix in ice-cold water until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Roll it out, shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill for 15 minutes.

And voilà! You’ve got a buttery, flaky crust ready to roll out for your favorite pie. A teaspoon each of vanilla extract and sugar is optional. Mastering this skill is quick, rewarding, and much more delicious than store-bought!

It is a simple yet powerful reminder of the return to traditional skills, much like the modern homesteading movement. Many of us desire to grow our food, preparing it from nurtured ingredients.

This way of living revives self-sufficiency and a deeper connection to what we eat. It brings the wisdom of the past into our daily lives for a more intentional, sustainable future.

Cooking from scratch was once second nature to our ancestors. This modern return to self-sufficiency and embracing forgotten skills like scratch cooking—signals a collective yearning for authenticity and connection in a world of convenience.

These essential skills offer more than just the satisfaction of a well-tended garden or a home-cooked meal; they’re a pathway to resilience and a deeper relationship with the resources that sustain us.

If you are a curious person or cook join me on my Podcast- A Taste for All Seasons

Listen to the latest episode - Forgotten Skills Of Cooking.

All episodes are on LaurieRichardone.com - or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Laurie Richardone is a seasonal chef, teacher of gluten-free cooking, and Wellness Coach

To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com/contact