One of my favorite life hacks for feeling productive after I’ve wasted away in bed all morning is getting in the kitchen and cooking a substantial meal. I’ve engaged in a hobby, rewarded myself with something delicious, and created leftovers to enjoy for the rest of the week? Nothing can stop me now! I may be biased, but it’s times like these where basic cooking skills truly feel like a blessing.

At the same time, it would be wrong for me to act like cheffing up a storm is all smiles and rainbows and tradwife cosplay in frilly aprons. The reality is, most of us cook because our bank balances and our waistlines can’t afford to be ordering takeout every day. Thankfully, cooking memes appreciate both the pleasure and the pain that comes from making food. They work well as an appetizer or dessert to accompany whatever meal you may be having.