Welcome to our English lesson today! We will practice our listening and speaking skills and also learn some interesting vocabulary and expressions. Our story for today is “Cooking is my life” Listen carefully. Emily: Hi, I'm Emily. Cooking has always been a huge part of my life. Emily: My passion for cooking began when I was a child. I used to watch my grandmother in the kitchen, mesmerized by her skills and the delicious aromas that filled the house. Emily: The first dish I ever made was a simple scrambled egg. I was so proud of myself even though I made a mess in the kitchen. Emily: As I grew older, I started experimenting with different recipes. I loved baking cookies and cakes, especially during the holidays. Emily: One of my favorite dishes to cook is pasta. I enjoy making fresh pasta from scratch, kneading the dough and rolling it out by hand. It's a labor of love but totally worth it. Emily: I also enjoy trying out international cuisines. Cooking dishes from different cultures has taught me a lot about ingredients and techniques that I never knew before. Emily: A memorable cooking experience was when I hosted a dinner party for my friends. I made a three-course meal with a salad, a main dish of grilled salmon, and a chocolate mousse for dessert. My friends were impressed and it was a great success. Emily: Cooking is not just about making food; it's a way to express creativity and show love and care for others. Emily: Every weekend, I dedicate time to trying new recipes. Sometimes they turn out great, and other times not so much, but it's all part of the learning process. Emily: Cooking also helps me relax and unwind. I find chopping vegetables and stirring pots to be very therapeutic. Emily: My dream is to open my own restaurant one day. A place where people can enjoy delicious food made with passion and care. Emily: Until then, I'll keep experimenting and enjoying every moment in the kitchen. Cooking truly is my life. Learn some interesting words and expressions: Now let's learn some interesting English vocabulary and expressions from the story we've just covered to improve our English. The phrase "labor of love" means work done for the pleasure of it rather than the reward. Example: Gardening is a labor of love for her. "Mesmerized" means to be captivated or fascinated. Example: The audience was mesmerized by the magician's performance. "Express creativity" means to show your creative ideas and talents. Example: She loves to express her creativity through painting. "Therapeutic" means having a healing effect. Example: Listening to music can be very therapeutic. "Experimenting" means trying out new ideas or methods. Example: He enjoys experimenting with different ingredients in the kitchen.
