I like to buy a quality cut of meat or fish, and seasonal produce, with a couple of recipes in mind. Then I spend the next hour or so (depending on the recipes)

I like to buy a quality cut of meat or fish, and seasonal produce, with a couple of recipes in mind. Then I spend the next hour or so (depending on the recipes) preparing and cooking a delicious meal. Cutting vegetables. Trimming meat. Making a fricassee (or learning that it's between a sauté and a stew). Broiling. Frying. It's all more visceral than my day to day work. It let's me empty my mind and focus on creating something that I will enjoy that evening, without worrying about tomorrows or next weeks.