The Game – A Spice of Regret

It’s funny, isn’t it? We’re all chasing something, a shimmering goal, a validation we crave. And sometimes, that pursuit can feel… brittle. Like a perfectly crafted gingerbread house, suddenly crumbling under the weight of expectation. That’s the feeling, really. The Game. It’s a pressure cooker, a constant hum of “What if?” It’s the ghost of a victory, the shadow of a missed opportunity, and lately, it’s been whispering that we’ve lost it.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, about the Game. It wasn’t always a *big* deal, you see. Back in the day, when I was starting out, ‘the Game’ was just… cooking. Making a simple pasta dish, perfecting a sourdough loaf, creating something honest and delicious. It was a small victory, a small joy, a quiet affirmation of my skills.

But then, the expectations started to shift. The magazines, the critics, the *idea* of ‘success’ – it all started to feel like a relentless, invisible pressure. It started to feel like the Game itself was shifting, and I wasn't keeping up.

I remember a time, a few years back, when I was obsessed with creating a *perfect* lamb stew. Years of tweaking the herbs, adjusting the lamb’s fat, perfecting the simmering time. I was convinced, almost desperately, that I’d achieved the pinnacle of flavour. And I did. It was exquisite. But… it tasted… safe. And in that moment, I realized the Game wasn’t about the flavour, it was about *not* being surprised. It was about a flawless performance, a polished presentation. It was about not stumbling, not misjudging, not letting the sauce run.*

Now, it’s a quiet, almost shameful thought. I’ve started seeing the edges of the Game, the spaces where it’s slipping away. It’s not necessarily about *losing* it, not completely. But it’s about letting the *anticipation* become the real thing. It’s about the feeling of wanting something more, the tremor of doubt.

And that’s where paprika comes in, my boy. A generous pinch, a smoky warmth, a subtle reminder of the deliciousness that *could* be. It's a small thing, really. But paprika has a way of anchoring you, of reminding you that even the most intense heat can’t completely extinguish a flicker of pleasure.

So, today, I’m choosing to focus on the *process*, not the outcome. I’m letting myself savor the act of creating, the simple pleasure of a well-executed recipe, the warmth of the oven. It’s a tiny act of rebellion against the relentless pressure. It’s about appreciating the *spice* of the moment, rather than fixating on the destination.

Let’s not chase the Game, my boy. Let’s just… cook.

***Recipe: Spicy Lamb & Coriander Stew – A Moment of Simple Satisfaction***

Ingredients:

• 1 kg Lamb Shoulder, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Coriander
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 cup Lamb Stock
• 1/2 cup Dried Apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander, chopped
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• A generous sprinkle of Paprika

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the lamb, working in batches.
• Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Add lamb stock and apricots. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the lamb is very tender.
• Stir in fresh coriander and a generous sprinkle of paprika just before serving.

Enjoy, my boy. Don’t let the Game define you.