The new year calls for learning a new skill

Demarco adds that cooking for yourself every day can be a battle, but meal prepping for a few days can help a lot.

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — The New Year is a good time to learn a new skill. It can sometimes be a challenge, but if you put your mind to it, you may be surprised with the outcome.

Now that we are in the new year, some of us have in mind to chop up a new skill to feel better about ourselves.

Reporter: “Is cooking as hard as it seems?”
Demarco: “Sometimes people are a little intimidated.”

So, we took our curiosity to the kitchen, where Chef Kevin Demarco with Demarco Family Kitchen teaches us a new skill– cooking.

Reporter: “What are we cooking today?”
Demarco: “Today, I came up with a recipe just for you guys. It’s a homemade Saffron Fettuccini.”

So, let’s get cooking!

“We’re going to have some caramelized eggplant, some shallot, some fava beans.
Reporter: “Is today’s dish more Mediterranean theme?”
Demarco: “Yes.”

Reporter: “Why do you like cooking?”
Demarco: “I love cooking because it’s really important to be at the table and also have a community– meaning cook with your family. Teach them skills that they’re going to teach to their family as they get older.”

Demarco has been a chef for 30 years. His skill has taken him from being a private chef to working with celebrity chefs, to even being a pastry chef in the Big Apple.

“Nowadays, a lot of stuff is processed, and you don’t know what you’re eating, but if you’re cooking the food and you’re not going out to eat a lot, you will feel better,” Demarco said.

Reporter: “Talk to me about the benefits of cooking your meal.”
Demarco: “Learning how to cook makes you self-independent. You save money, and you don’t have to order out as much.”
Reporter: “Ladies also love a man who can cook.”
Demarco: “Oh, come on! That’s how I swooned my wife!”

By the end, we had Saffron Fettuccini. It wasn’t the easiest. However, Demarco says if you’re going to try to start cooking more, gradually ease into the habit.

“Make it a lifestyle. Don’t make it where ‘oh! I’m going to do this tomorrow.’ and go from 0 to 60. No. It’s a lifestyle. Do it gradually,” Demarco said.

And if your meal doesn’t go according to plan, just try it again.

“How long does it take for you to perfect something in your life,” Demarco questioned. Also preparations. Think of what you want to cook beforehand.”

Demarco adds that cooking for yourself every day can be a battle, but meal prepping for a few days can help a lot.