I recently had the pleasure of diving into the world of Apple TV's new series, "Lessons in Chemistry." It's based on a book, which interestingly enough, I'd read earlier at the recommendation of a dear friend. What struck me the most is how closely the story resonated with my own journey, and the life-changing decision I made to leave the laboratory in pursuit of my passion for cooking.

In this brilliantly crafted series, the protagonist, Elizabeth Zott, is a woman who navigates the complex world of chemistry, much like I did. With a burning desire to earn a Ph.D in the subject and make her mark, she, too, faces the unique challenges that come with being a woman in a male-dominated field. Her journey, much like mine, is a testament to the resilience and determination that is often required to break through the glass ceilings and stereotypes.

It's not just the parallels in our educational backgrounds and the hurdles we faced, but it's the profound love for the art and science of cooking that defines the core of the story. Elizabeth's fascination with chemistry doesn't just reside within the walls of a laboratory; it extends into her kitchen, where she crafts dishes with the precision and flair of a chemist. Her transformation from chemist to home cook, exploring the world of flavors and reactions, reminds me vividly of my own journey. I, too, left the world of test tubes and beakers for the sizzle of pans and the aroma of spices.

I share Elizabeth's awe at the way chemistry weaves its magic in the culinary world. The way it influences the texture of a sauce, the balance of flavors in a dish, and the science behind perfecting a soufflé. It's a realm where the knowledge of chemistry becomes a powerful tool to create culinary wonders, and watching her journey on screen, I couldn't help but recall my own transition from the laboratory to the kitchen.

Like Elizabeth, I discovered that a scientific background is more than just equations and formulas; it's a way of thinking, of understanding processes and reactions. It's this unique perspective that has allowed me to approach cooking as a blend of art and science, much like the character in the series.

"Lessons in Chemistry" is not just a gripping story; it's a reflection of the myriad paths women can take, especially in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented. It's a celebration of the endless possibilities that life offers, should we have the courage to pursue our true passions. And, for me, that passion lies in the alchemy of flavors and the joy of cooking.

So, while the series may be set in a different time and place, the resonance with my own journey is undeniable. It's a reminder that the love for cooking, fueled by a background in chemistry, has led me to a path rich with culinary adventures and the creation of Asma's Table. Watching "Lessons in Chemistry" was like watching a part of my own life unfold on the screen, a testament to the extraordinary places our passions can take us.

Chef Asma

Ph.D in Chemical Engineering

Links :

• https://tv.apple.com/us/show/lessons-in-chemistry/umc.cmc.40yycssgxelw4zur8m2ilmvyx

• https://www.amazon.ca/Lessons-Chemistry-Novel-Bonnie-Garmus/dp/038554734X