Imagine yourself trying to ignite a campfire. You must have seen some of those survival programs. It feels like you’re solving a Rubik’s Cube with your eyes closed. The wind is your enemy and your patience is wearing thin. A stoves and fires is not something you can do in a hurry. It requires a little trial and error.

 

Centuries back, our ancestors developed fire skills out of necessity. Simple but powerful, open flames provided warmth, security, and comfort. Although we don’t have to worry about saber-toothed creatures, we still love the crackling sound of flames. The dance of flames is still captivating, despite the fact that it’s not always on!

Come into the kitchen where the modern range is king. Now, what was once a simple utilitarian item has become a design statement. It’s time to forget the rickety old kitchen stove of your grandmother. Today, we talk about multi-burner stainless steel wonders that have their own minds. Funny how humble appliances can become a battleground for recipes and culinary experiments.

Talking of stoves…ever walk down the aisle of an appliance store and feel as if you would need to have the paycheck envy of TV chefs in order for one to be affordable? Like a reality contestant, gas, electric or induction competes with each other for attention. Debates flare up like tabloid feuds. Electric fans claim that theirs are easy to clean, but gas supporters argue for precision in heat control. Induction users can only smile in satisfaction, knowing they’ve won a lottery of efficiency.

Campfires and stoves are two very different things. One is wild and untamed, and the other one is controlled and predictable. It’s the same as choosing between an impromptu trip and a carefully planned itinerary. Both provide unique pleasures with vastly differing vibes. I’ll tell you a tale: once, I cooked dinner over a camping fire. Short story: we ate way more smoke that steak. Lesson learnt: only trust seasoned professionals, or bring an assortment snacks.

Some people are now mesmerized – not by flames – but by the screens and buttons on electric stoves. Never press a button unless it’s clear what its function is! It’s almost like gambling – will you create a 5-alarm kitchen mess or simmer bliss?

The wood stove is the purist’s heaven. It’s the epitome comfort. With a warm embrace and crackling sounds, it’s like being in a grandma’s arms. It draws attention to itself like a charismatic mayor at a city hall — it is always present and never hurried. Imagine a cozy chair, a great book, and lullaby of the wood stove. Everything else pales into insignificance.

But I digress. It doesn’t matter whether stoves and flames are a necessity for survival or an emblem of culinary expertise, they continue to be a fascination. Maybe it’s the unpredictable nature of them? It could be their strange affinity with human spirits–rapid and soothing, yet endlessly fascinating.

Next time you turn on the stove or light a candle, remember that this is a part of our unending tradition. It’s a dance we’ve done for centuries with the flame. It taps into a primal human instinct. While you’re igniting the flame, give a nod towards our ancestors. They managed to do it without YouTube videos.