When the Kitchen Feels Like a Battlefield

As a mom of five boys, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. A lot. Cooking for one picky eater is one thing, but five different appetites? That is its kind of sport.

Over the years, I’ve gone through every stage of cooking. The “supermom with a meal plan” phase. The “just fry something because we’re all tired” phase. The “let’s try something new and hope no one complains” phase. And of course, the “please let this one meal be enough for everyone” phase. If you’re a mom, you know what I mean.

When Cooking Becomes Routine

Feeding a big family can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. The hardest part is not even the cooking. It is the thinking. What to cook. What will everyone eat? What ingredients are still in the fridge? I’ve had days when I stand in front of the stove, trying to muster the energy to feel excited about another ulam.

It’s not about fancy meals. It’s about creating something that feels like a sense of comfort. Something that makes the boys come to the table hungry and leave with full bellies and big smiles. But when I’ve already juggled writing deadlines, school reminders, and the daily noise that comes with a house full of growing boys, even the most comforting meal can start to feel like a chore.

One Simple Twist That Made a Difference

I’ve always believed in small wins. And one of the small wins I discovered recently? Adding a bit of Eden Cheese to our meals.

It sounds simple, and it is. But that slight touch made a big difference. Suddenly, a familiar dish feels new again. Our usual Chicken Afritada? Now creamier and more flavorful with some Eden mixed in. The leftover veggies I almost gave up on? Turned into cheesy lumpia that disappeared in minutes.

Why Eden Works for Moms Like Me

Eden Cheese has been around since I was a kid. I grew up seeing it in our fridge, and now here I am, still reaching for it. It’s creamy and malinamnam, made with real cheese and milk, and even packed with vitamins like A, D, and Calcium, which I quietly count as bonus points when I’m trying to feed growing boys with growing appetites.

I also love how it plays well with both local dishes and a few international experiments I try from time to time. I saw how Erwan used Eden in his chicken enchiladas, and it gave me the push to try something new. (Yes, it was wiped out at dinner. I call that a win.)

The Best Part? They Keep Coming Back for Seconds

I still have days when I stare at the fridge and wish dinner would make itself. But I’ve learned that I don’t always have to do something big to make mealtime feel special. Sometimes, it’s just about finding that one ingredient that brings a little spark back into cooking.

So if you’re a mom like me who is tired of the usual, maybe it’s time to try making your dishes Eden better. A slight twist can go a long way in turning a tired meal into something your family will ask for again.

You can find more recipes at www.twistandmake.com/eden. I’ve bookmarked a few already, and my boys are more than happy to be my taste testers.