Another Christmas, Another Cookbook… Does Anyone Cook?

It was a busy December afternoon, and the shopping centre was packed. Not unusual in the lead-up to Christmas. But what caught my eye was this incredibly long queue — stretching past store after store. Naturally, I did what any curious person would do: I followed it.

I expected a big celebrity, a giveaway, maybe even a new phone launch. But no — they were all lined up for… a cookbook. Yes, the latest cookbook, hot off the press, personally signed by the author. Apparently, the must-have Christmas gift.

I couldn’t help but smile. Another cookbook! Just what every kitchen shelf needs — next to the last three, still in mint condition.

Don’t get me wrong, cookbooks are beautiful. Glossy pages, mouth-watering photos, recipes with ingredients I can’t pronounce. They look great stacked on the bench, giving the illusion that something magical might emerge from the kitchen any day now.

But here’s the thing — does anyone actually cook from them?

Or are they just seasonal trophies? You buy one, maybe flip through it on Boxing Day, then forget it behind the cereal boxes. Until next Christmas… when the next “must-have” cookbook comes out.

I have a theory: for some, it’s not about the cooking. It’s the idea of cooking. The dream of having a quiet Sunday making roasted duck with cranberry glaze. Reality? Toast, tea, and the same takeaway menu.

So this Christmas, if you get a shiny new cookbook, try opening it — and not just the first page. Who knows? You might actually make something. Or, at the very least, it’ll look great next to the others.

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