Cooking - Women's Role or Fun?

[genuinegirly]

Spurred from Sweetpea's great journal entry, seems like a great thing to bring to the LL.

Here are a few questions to get your minds moving...

For any gal to answer:

- Do you love cooking?

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others?

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking?

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience?

- If you do not cook, is it because you don't know how, or because it simply doesn't suit you?

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Grandmother?


For those of you who cook regularly:

- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"?

- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch?

- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child?

- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals?

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance?

- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them?

- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"?

- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining?

My response:

I love cooking. I enjoy it more when I get to cook with a group! I love cooking for large groups of people. I am vegetarian, and love introducing people to delicious veggie meals they've never tried before. I like cooking with groups partially so others can make meat dishes, which keep my carnivore friends happy.

I love cooking for others. Breakfasts are often my favorite meals to make. Because I wake up earlier than most, they wake up with a smile, to the smell of cinnamon/nutmeg-filled french toast, or huevos rancheros.

My mother always cooked meals for our family. Her meals were bland, and when I visit now, I find them nearly unbearable. My father's cooking has always been far superior, with refined tastes, but he only rarely prepared them. Our meals were by no means regularly served, we did not often eat as a family. I have since learned that eating with a group of people can be among the most rewarding experiences, and Tt and I make it a point to eat breakfast and dinner together each day.

I often get Tt's help in the kitchen, but it does not bother me when he does not wish to help. Sometimes, our little kitchen is too cramped with the two of us working on a meal.

One of my friends' mothers always prepared the most delicious goodies every time we visited. She had a social kitchen, with a bar that looked into the cooking area. She could easily keep up a conversation while whipping up a batch of somosas or hummus. We always loved visiting her house because of her unique culinary adventures. I hope to be a bit like her when I have children, and I definitely want that style of kitchen.

Meal preparation is a social event, made more fun when many hands - even little hands like my niece and nephew - get involved.

[ShaniFaye]

- Do you love cooking? I have a love hate relationship with cooking lol I like inventing new things, I dont like cooking the same things I've been cooking forever

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others?I LOVE to cook for others

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking? Wont say that he *enjoys* is, but he does it without complaining lol

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience? I dont feel obligated, but thats *my* thing. Dave does all the other household stuff and the cooking is mine. Unless I dont feel like it....then he does lol

- If you do not cook, is it because you don't know how, or because it simply doesn't suit you?

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Grandmother? My mother and grandmother cooked regardless of anything. Dave and I trade off with no disagreement about it


For those of you who cook regularly:
- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"? I def dont see it as my role to cook, I just do it better than Dave

- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch? I cook from scratch. The closest I come to using something else is brownie mix or sometimes cake mix from a box

- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child? My mother was always the cooker, but I always helped, I started helping in the kitchen at the age of 4

- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals? Its not a big deal for me. We eat a lot of veggies between us and I grill most of our meat

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance? Nope

- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them? not really because I abhor shopping....for anything

- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"? I enjoy when Dave helps....not anyone else

- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining? nope

[StellaLuna]

Wow! Great topic!

I love cooking, especially to feed people I love. My girlfriend doesn't mind cooking-- I'm not sure if I'd call it love. And the man of the house isn't a terrible cook, he just doesn't do it often. Cooking is a means of self-expression and a tasty tasty way for me to say "I love you" as well as a kind of "quiet time" for me to get my feet back under me when I get home from a crappy day at work. Of course, there are some times I feel obligated to cook... but those are usually the times when I've planned a week's meals in advance! If we want pizza, though, we get pizza. We're trying to save money lately, so I guess I need to make sure I just have pizza fixin's in the fridge and yeast to make pizza crust.
I've discovered that I really am a lot like Mom and my father's mother (Nana) when it comes to being in the kitchen; it's how they said "I care about you and your welfare." I don't mind using frozen meals to speed dinner along, though. There's no way in hell I'm going to make homemade ravioli on a Wednesday night, and some of those "skillet meals" are awesome on a busy day. It doesn't mean I love anyone any less. There's still dinner on the table.

[abaya]

- Do you love cooking?
No. I occasionally like to bake (as in, 2-3 times a year).

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others?
No. I just get more stressed. Alone, I resort to 1-step foods or ramen, no joke.

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking?
YES. Very much.

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience?
No, I don't feel obligated to cook, so it doesn't taint my experience. However, because my husband cooks almost all the time, I do feel like I need to reciprocate by a) washing the dishes, and b) occasionally trying to make a simple meal to give him a night off, and I don't see that as an obligation. More like a "thank you."

- If you do not cook, is it because you don't know how, or because it simply doesn't suit you?
Both. I mean, I know how to make some Thai dishes, from my family... but I don't like doing it. My mom had a Thai restaurant for a few years, and I worked there as a waitress, but I never really paid attention to the cooking. It just held absolutely no appeal for me.

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Grandmother?
Could not be more opposite from any of them. They basically served their men hand and foot, without question... there was no other way for them. Not for my marriage... for us its a matter of balance and doing what we enjoy/are good at, not a matter of gender roles.

... and I didn't answer any other questions because they do not apply to me. Good survey question-writing, though! You should be a social scientist.

[Jenna]

I like to cook, but not ALL of the time. I'm a better cook than my boyfriend, but we share the responsibility. And I'm not that GREAT of a cook. I used to actually really dislike it, but I've grown to like it more.

My mother was always the one to prepare meals, but I take after my dad. And she never really taught me how to cook.

Our meals are half and half, some from scratch, some frozen, and some prepare type of meals (hamburger helper, etc.).

[mixedmedia]

For any gal to answer:

- Do you love cooking? I like cooking.

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others? Absolutely.

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking? No. He tries, but...no.

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience? Yes and no.

- If you do not cook, is it because you don't know how, or because it simply doesn't suit you? N/A

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Very similar.
Grandmother? My grandmother never cooked, lol.

For those of you who cook regularly:

- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"? I don't see it as my 'role' but I see it as my responsibility.

- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch? I prefer to use fresh ingredients as is practical. Like, I don't make spaghetti sauce from scratch, but I will add fresh vegetables to a really good jarred sauce. Soups, stews and most other meals are made totally from scratch. We do eat frozen meals occasionally, but there aren't many that we like.

- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child? Yes. She was an incredible cook...doesn't cook much anymore, my stepfather does.

- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals? I don't buy organic simply because it costs too much in this town. I do incorporate healthful alternatives into my meals. Always.

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance? Uh...am I supposed to? Nope. I plan my meals at the grocery store most of the time unless I am planning something special.

- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them? Sometimes, yes.

- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"? No way. Get out.

- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining? Nope. I live in an apartment, they didn't ask about my style of cooking, lol...and I very, very, very rarely have people over for dinner (other than P when he is staying with us). We don't even have a dining room table...nor a dining room, for that matter.

[snowy]

- Do you love cooking? Yes, it's a passion of mine. I love to create meals of all kinds, whether they're super complicated or something simple. I have a number of recipes I've devised on my own, and enjoy experimenting with my culinary skills. For instance, last night I made old-fashioned macaroni and cheese flavored with a bit of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others? Yes, I like my food to be appreciated.

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking? Yes, and so we switch off cooking responsibilities. Some nights I'm too tired to put all the effort into preparing a meal that I would like to, or too busy with other obligations (work, volunteering, etc), so he takes care of it.

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience? That's the great thing, because of the equitable division of labor in regards to cooking, I never feel obligated to cook.

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Grandmother? My mother is an amazing cook, but she has performance anxiety. She is always fearful that people aren't going to like what she cooks, but they always do. Plus, she would prefer to entertain than be stuck in a kitchen, and given their current house setup, it's impossible to do both (so on holidays like Thanksgiving, I do her a favor and cook so she can go socialize). My grandmothers--one was a terrible cook, and the other was very gifted (my mom's mom). Not only a good cook, but an excellent baker too--but that's true of all the women on that side of the family (my great-great-grandfather was the man who introduced the PacNW to the maple bar). Baking is something we do in my family. My mom's specialty is pies. Mine is cakes.


For those of you who cook regularly:

- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"? Just because. My parents divided up the cooking between them for family dinners when I was younger, so I definitely wasn't raised with the idea that it's the woman's job to cook. I have just always enjoyed the steps it takes to plan, prepare, and serve a meal.

- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch? It depends. In summer, it's easier to make things from scratch, as there is an abundance of market-fresh produce to be had, but in winter, I rely more on frozen goods to round out the lessened offerings of the market. I try to prepare at least one meal per week from scratch as much as possible, though I admit that I am a fan of many of Rachael Ray's shortcuts.

- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child? Some of them--as I said above, she and my dad split up cooking duties. My dad makes some mean tacos. I was also encouraged to cook for the family--I made my first meatloaf when I was 6 (it turned out gray and no one could eat it, but now I am a meatloaf master). I always helped my parents in the kitchen with the cooking, too.

- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals? We shop at the farmer's market every week in spring/summer/fall, and every other week in winter; most of our produce is organic and local. We also buy jam made from local strawberries, honey from local hives, milk from local cows, eggs from local farm chickens (yay for fresh farm eggs), etc. We eat a vegetarian diet at home, because my SO is vegetarian.

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance? Yes. It really isn't that hard.

- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them? Yes. I love food, and I love shopping for it.

- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"? It depends. My SO makes an excellent sous chef, because he knows if I'm the one cooking dinner, I'm in charge. He gladly grates cheese or chops vegetables according to my instructions. Makes my life easier.

- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining? I have a horrible kitchen. I live in a rental. I try to keep everything organized, but the kitchen itself is a little beat up. Invariably when we entertain people end up in the kitchen--it's where the foosball table is. My parents' kitchen is also awful--only two people fit in it at a time as it's poorly designed and small. It's unfortunate, because some meals, like Thanksgiving, are meant to be prepared communally, but in their kitchen, that's impossible.

[savmesom11]

For any gal to answer:

- Do you love cooking? I absolutely love to cook.

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others? I especially like to cook for those I love. Gives me an opportunity to show off as I don't really have any other talents.

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking? No I don't think so.

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience? I am obligated to cook because I have children and they need to eat. My SO doesn't live with us atm so it isn't as if I can just pass the reins.

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Both my mother and father cooked and they were great at it; but neither allowed us kids in the kitchen to help. I have to remind myself to teach my children these skills so they don't end up like me and have to learn it all on their own.

For those of you who cook regularly:

- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"? I don't see it as my role as a woman really but I enjoy feeding my man. It is one of the many ways I say I love you.

- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch? I prefer to cook from scratch unless everyone is starving and then I will throw stuff together from boxes.

- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child? Both mother and father and they were equally great at it. Dad was just better at Italian and mom was better at hotdishes and stuff.

- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals? No Organic but fresh veggies and lots of healthy in general. I don't enjoy fried and deep fried foods much.

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance? I prefer to handle it this way. Preparing menu's in advance.

- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them? NO, the grocery store is the devil!

- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"? I prefer to cook by myself; as I stated previously it is my gift of love to my family.

- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining? I have a nice sized kitchen I guess but there isn't enough counter space and I prefer it to be really clean if I want to really enjoy the experience. When we buy a house I really want to look for one of those inviting 'social' kitchens.

[Grasshopper Green]

- Do you love cooking? No, but I love baking

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others? I never cook just for myself unless it's breakfast, so I guess so

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking? I don't think he minds it, but I don't think he "enjoys" it

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience? Only because I have a child...if it was just the two of us I wouldn't feel obligated. He has 2 hands, too

- If you do not cook, is it because you don't know how, or because it simply doesn't suit you? Both. I've never completely ruined anything I've tried, but I really don't feel my cooking is great

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Grandmother? My grandmother was a fantastic cook from what I've heard, but I really never spent enough time with her to find out firsthand. My mother was a terrific cook when I was growing up, but she rarely cooks anymore because she lives alone. My sister inherited my mom's skills

- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"? It's not my "role" to do anything simply because I'm a woman. If a man enjoys cooking, by all means...let him cook!

- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch? We eat both, but I am extremely picky about meat and rarely eat frozen meat products. Hubby actually cooks dinner more frequently than I do because he leaves for work when I get home, so if he wants dinner before he leaves...he makes it. Usually it's at least semi-homemade (see mixedmedia's spaghetti example)

- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child? Yes. We rarely ate out, and Mom didn't rely much on frozen food. Most of our meals were from scratch

- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals? I buy organic milk, but otherwise no to organics...too expensive. We do try to buy foods that are whole grain, no sugar added, lower in fat, etc. though

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance? We make a vague menu prior to shopping, but nothing concrete

- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them? I detest grocery shopping and would be absolutely delighted if I never had to set foot in a grocery store again

- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"? I prefer help, unless I'm baking. Then you can get out of my way

- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining? We have a fairly large kitchen for an apartment, but it's still too small to have more than 4-5 people in. When hubby and I get a house we want a kitchen with a bar. Hubby is the unofficial bartender at all of the parties we go to and we'd both like to have someplace to entertain ourselves, one day

[genuinegirly]

Wow! Look at all these great answers. Thanks, Ladies!
Keep them coming.

[noodle]

- Do you love cooking?
Yes, yes I do.

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others?
Doesn't really matter, but I do enjoy cooking for others.

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking?
Sometimes. But he rarely cooks.

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience?
No. Because I prepare stuff in the freezer. If I don't want to cook, he can pull out one of three different meals out of the freezer or take us out.

- If you do not cook, is it because you don't know how, or because it simply doesn't suit you?

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Grandmother?
My mother cooked because she felt she had to. My grandmother was paralyzed so she didn't cook. My mom thinks she's cooking healthy but it's a lot of things that are easy and not always that great for you. She's a great griller, though. I cook because I like to do things healthy and well.


For those of you who cook regularly:

- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"?
I cook because I like knowing what goes into my food. And I love to make someone else feel good because of something that I do well and enjoy.

- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch?
I make the frozen meals from scratch (chili, numerous soups) and I shop specifically for what we want to eat that week. It's mostly from scratch unless we decide to do something yummy from Fresh Market's deli and slightly prepared meats.

- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child?
Yes. Almost every one. We were pretty damn poor and a family of five

- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals?
Almost exclusively healthy products. Whole grains, limited fats, lean meats and organic canned products and veggies when good. I prefer splenda and can't stand the taste of butter so we're usually good.

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance?
Yes. That's part of my healthy outlook, though it doesn't always work because the veg selection can be funky in Florida.

- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them?
Depends on how tired I am, but usually it's an okay thing. I'm rarely thrilled.

- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"?
Depends on what I'm making. And if he's offering to do the dishes or take out the trash. Usually he's busy, so I don't mind doing it all myself. It's part of the process.

-Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining?
Yeah, um, NO. We don't entertain. We have no furniture save the dining room table... until two weeks from now. But we have great cabinet space, just not enough undercabinet lighting to see what I'm doing.

[jewels]

- Do you love cooking?
Sometimes.

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others?
Definitely. I find it very rewarding. It feeds that nurturing part of me.

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking?
My semi-ex loves to cook and is a fabulous cook. He still cooks for me sometimes.

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience?
Yes, I want my kids to have a home cooked dinner every night and sit at the dinner table as a family. Sometimes it's tough when it's been an especially long day and I've had to make stops on the way home.

- If you do not cook, is it because you don't know how, or because it simply doesn't suit you?
N/A

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother?
MOm was big on TV dinners and overcooked bland food. It was obvious she didn't enjoy it much.

Grandmother?
Fabulous cook that enjoyed that we enjoyed her cooking.


For those of you who cook regularly:

- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"?
Just 'cause.

- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch?
I prefer scratch. Frozen is the exception on those I-just-can't-do-it nights.

- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child?
Sometimes.

- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals?
I go through phases. Usually it depends on my budget and financial health. Whole Foods can get pricey.

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance?
Sometimes.

- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them?
I hate food shopping. I used to love to order online and have it delivered though.

- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"?
Mostly, alone time. Although I am enjoying one of my girls showing an interest in helping out or learning to cook certain meals on her own.

- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining?
Not yet, but hopefully will this summer! My new kitchen is fabulous and will be quite conducive to cooking again. I can't stand the tiny kitchen in my current apartment. Most of my "tools" are still packed because of the space shortage here.

[little_tippler]

For any gal to answer:

- Do you love cooking?

I used to love it. Mow I'd say I like it, but I'd rather not have to, unless it's for a special person/occasion. Well, when you start living alone and you have to cook every day, it turns into a chore.

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others?

Yes, as answered above.

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking?

Does not apply currently

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience?

When I was living with my ex, I felt like I was. He was pretty lazy to cok generally, though he knew how. As time passed he'd cook less and less. So imagine coming home after work at 9pm and he's waiting for you to cook his dinner. Yeah.

- If you do not cook, is it because you don't know how, or because it simply doesn't suit you?

I have been told I am an excellent cook and I do love to, when I have time and nothing to rush me, or I'm not exhausted.

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Grandmother?

I don't have a role, I do what I want at the moment. I do remember that when cooking became a chore, it annoyed me. My mother never minded. She still loves to cook for others, more than for herself, even if it's a regular thing.

For those of you who cook regularly:

- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"?

It can become a chore if the person you're with isn't sharing the responsibilities equally. When I can, I will cook a perfect meal, just for me, just because.

- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch?

When I have time, I prefer scratch. Since I rarely have time, frozen is currently essential.

- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child?

Every single one. My father wouldn't cook, though I don't know if he knew how.

- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals?

I raise my eyebrow at organic. My mother is a scientist and works in chemistry and she's told me a few things about what organic can mean. Otherwise, I try to choose the freshest and highest quality products when I can.

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance?

I dd 6 months ago, but now I haven't got the tiem again. It comes and goes in phases.

- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them?

Yes, I love food-shopping and can spend hours in a supermarket browsing shelves.

- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"?

I like a helping hand, but I am pretty dominant and like things to be done how I want them.

- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining?

My current kitchen is a good size but I lack enough counter space, which annoys me often. I still love my kitchen and spend a good amount of time there quite happily. Most people who come to my house will also spend time in the kitchen with me until I shoo them into the living room.

[genuinegirly]

Yeah, cooking for yourself can be a drag sometimes. It is much more fun for me to cook for more people. Though, I do enjoy cooking for myself when I have a new recipe that I don't want to force on anyone...

[girldetective]

- Do you love cooking?
No, I currently do not like cooking at all. Its almost a rebellious act. I will do just about anything not to cook. The once enviable cook is gaining a rep as a neer-do-well kitchen rat.

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others?
Yes, but not a whole lot more. It does bring me joy in having everyone together.

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking?
I have no SO.

- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience?
No, I have left the shame behind and blatantly let the world know that I no longer cook.

- If you do not cook, is it because you don't know how, or because it simply doesn't suit you?
It doesnt suit me at this time.

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Grandmother?
Im not sure about my mother. I always think of Mom as a great cook, but I wonder if she didnt feel more the way that Im feeling now - just a little bit rebellious and opted for the easy way sometimes, particularly after she was widowed. I think my grandmother probably opted for the same as she got older, but in a less modern way - perhaps a simple meal of sliced tomatoes if it were summer.

[ÐiGiRed]

- Do you love cooking?
Yep.. love cooking..

- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others?
Doesn't matter if I'm cooking for myself or others it's just something I enjoy doing.

- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking?
Nope. Not unless tossing a frozen dinner in the microwave counts. (we don't live together though so...)


- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience?
No, not at all. I only cook when I feel like it.

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Grandmother?
I remember growing up my mom was always cooking. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.. my dad might BBQ sometimes.. or if mom wasn't up yet he'd cook breakfast on the weekends.. but it almost felt like my mother lived in the kitchen.. and the sad thing is a long time ago my mom loved to cook.. it was one of her favorite things to do.. and now after all these years she hates it...

I on the other hand am not expected to cook.. it just happens to be something I like doing and unlike my mom I don't have to spend endless hours in the kitchen trying to make elaborate meals for my large family. Being that it's just me most of the time anyway I really don't cook much at all.

[Sweetpea]

- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"?

I do happen to see it as not nessasarily the 'woman's role' but, I tend to base it on the fact that I work only part time and my husband and gf work full time, so I have more time and it's my contribution to the household to help 95 percent of the time by doing dinners and lunches during the week. If I worked full time and my husband worked part time, I would probably expect him to cook more than he does.
When both my husband and I were working full time, we pretty much shared the cooking 50/50.

That being said I do love to cook, so it's not really a hardship or burden for me



- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch?

It depends. I am a health nut, so if I do serve something previous flash frozen, it's usually something organic.



- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child?

Yes, she did and my dad did breakfasts on the weekend. meals in our household were a time of togetherness and talking, so I learned to align food with family and times of nurturing, I think I certainly carry that on in my relationships as an adult, because it was certainly modeled for me in my childhood.

- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals?

I am very big on organic things... I live in seattle, it's kind of our way here I am not obsessed with every single thing being organic, but I do choose fresh healthful recipes. My family is belgium, so I try to encorporate allot of belgium and french recipes. Simple, fresh food.

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance?

usually. Sometimes, tho, I cheat if I have been busy and will make up a tuna melt

- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them?

I like preparing more than the eating. The things I cook never taste as good to me as to other people, I think because I usually have been smelling it all afternoon

- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"?

I am a bit controlling in the kitchen. It's my domain when i'm cooking, so I typically don't let anyone help me, but I don't mind if they sit at the counter and keep me company

- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining?

We have a large cooks' kitchen at both houses, since I love cooking so much, that was important to me


I like cooking for smaller groups of people, it feels like pressure to cook for too many, mostly because I am not used to adapting the recipes for more than 6-8 people.
So kudos to you genuinegirly that you like cooking for allot of people!! When can I come over?


As a side note, my husband has never expected me to cook and doesn't entertain the traditional set of ideas of woman's roles, I think if he were to EXPECT me to cook, I probably wouldn't like it as much, but since I know he doesn't expect it and he appreciates it every day, it certainly feels very rewarding!

thanks,

sweetpea

Originally Posted by genuinegirly

Yeah, cooking for yourself can be a drag sometimes. It is much more fun for me to cook for more people. Though, I do enjoy cooking for myself when I have a new recipe that I don't want to force on anyone...

I like cooking for other people.. but I do like cooking for myself too is that selfish or just like that I like self-nurturing?

Originally Posted by Medusa

- Do you love cooking? No, but I love baking

Ohhhhh you said it medusa!!

baking is certainly sooooooooooo relaxing!!! I love baking too. it's very zen and I like getting flour everywhere too

[genuinegirly]

Originally Posted by little_tippler

- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance?

I dd 6 months ago, but now I haven't got the time again. It comes and goes in phases.

That's about how it seems to work for me, too. When my days are rushed, I try to plan a bit more than when I'm relaxed. I find it's easier for me to put together a meal quickly if I don't first have to evaluate what I have on hand.

Originally Posted by namako

- Do you love cooking?
No, I currently do not like cooking at all. Its almost a rebellious act. I will do just about anything not to cook. The once enviable cook is gaining a rep as a neer-do-well kitchen rat.

hehe. Nice wording! Sounds like you're taking a well-earned rest from those responsibilities.

Originally Posted by ÐiGiRed

... the sad thing is a long time ago my mom loved to cook.. it was one of her favorite things to do.. and now after all these years she hates it...

Such a tragedy! The decline makes logical sense, I hope it doesn't happen to me.

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

-I like cooking for other people.. but I do like cooking for myself too is that selfish or just like that I like self-nurturing?

I don't see it as selfish at all! You'll notice there are a few people, including Little_tippler, who likes to cook for herself from time to time.

[creepysusie]

Even though me and my boyfriend do not live together, I know that once we do so, I would be doing all the cooking and he would do all the cleaning. Not because of enforced gender lines, but because he actually is horrible at cooking. He has maybe one or two signature dishes that require canned soup or pre-made pasta sauce. Even when he tries to cook from scratch, something goes wrong and it is not due to lack of effort. He will cook meals that are "good enough for him", but nothing you would serve company with.

I just happen to personally love cooking. Well, I love eating, and i come from a family that believes in cooking and eating together. We even have Food Network because it is the only channel that the entire family agrees on. I find it to be rather meditating and I love feeding people.

With that said...

For any gal to answer:

- Do you love cooking?
yes, very much so
- Do you like cooking any more when you cook for others?
I love cooking for others. I love making a menu for everyone to enjoy
- Do(es) your significant other(s) enjoy cooking?
Not that he doesn't enjoy it, but he isn't that good at it
- Do you feel obligated to cook, and does this taint your experience?
no. I mean, if I don't feel like cooking, microwaving instant noodles is an option.
- If you do not cook, is it because you don't know how, or because it simply doesn't suit you?

- How does your role in the kitchen differ from that of your mother? Grandmother?
Ii'm really messy. My parents are very clean cooks. So yeah, big difference

For those of you who cook regularly:

- Do you see it as your role as a woman to cook, or do you enjoy it "just because"?
enjoy it just because
- Are you frequently inclined to depend upon frozen meals, or do you prefer to build a meal up from scratch?
I can do both, but like cooking something from scratch knowing that i did it.
- Did your mother prepare your meals when you were a child?
yes, well sometimes. My dad actually does most, if not all, the cooking
- How much do you try to incorporate Organic or otherwise healthful products into your meals?
depends what is on sale and what looks the freshest
- Do you take time to plan balanced meals in advance?
no
- Does it thrill you just as much to shop and prepare for the meals as it does to eat them?
yes, if htey are successful meals
- Do you appreciate a helpful hand in the kitchen, or do you consider meal-making your "alone time"?
depends on mood
- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining?
i dont undrstand.

[jewels]

Originally Posted by creepysusie

- Do you have a specific kitchen design that lends itself to your style of cooking or entertaining?

I totally get this one. I think you have to live it to understand.

Some of us might have a kitchen that's about 2x4 (literally) with zero counterspace, barely room for one, no storage space, etc. and may find it difficult to get motivated without enough space for preparation, etc. Even if you have sufficient space, maybe the kitchen's closed off and you'd be more likely to cook if your kitchen was open so you could converse with others on the other side of your counter.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by jewels

I totally get this one. I think you have to live it to understand.

Some of us might have a kitchen that's about 2x4 (literally) with zero counterspace, barely room for one, no storage space, etc. and may find it difficult to get motivated without enough space for preparation, etc. Even if you have sufficient space, maybe the kitchen's closed off and you'd be more likely to cook if your kitchen was open so you could converse with others on the other side of your counter.

I think you're right, that does play a large role. When we entertain, we can just have guests sit at the bar while I prepare things at the last minute, it feels festive. That is my number one thing when we buy homes, large kitchens!

When we got married, we had a tiny tiny little kitchen at our first place and I wasn't as motivate to cook for guests then, I liked going out better, because I could enjoy the conversation more. But i'm not sure if that was the size of the kitchen or that I just didn't have confidence in my cooking skills.
Aka.... many ppl lived to tell of eating my early cooking.....

thanks,

sweetpea

[HedwigStrange]

I love love to cook! This is, however, not to say that I am not a hazard in the kitchen. I burnt Aloo Gobi the other week, which made my apartment smell hideously of burnt cauliflower for ages.

I think I love cooking because cooking and enjoying good meals has been a huge part of my childhood. My mother is an excellent baker, my father is an all-round excellent cook, as is my stepmother, who was even a culinary school instructor. All my parents included my sister and I in the cooking process, so it was a family thing.

A lot of my best childhood memories have to do with food. My dad introduced me to pate when I was 7 (?) and I still remember loving it. And he used to make me and my sister bananas foster with huge scoops of vanilla icecream for weekend breakfasts. On the other hand, there were times when we were so poor we ate fried beans and that was it. I still remember my father's mother's cooking - I was astounded one year by this perfect Christmas ham with peas and carrots in spirals down from the top into the pan. She also put half and half in our breakfast cereal. My mom has always made the best lasagna (sausage, none of that ground beef crap) and baking cakes and banana bread with her has always been special to me.

And luckily my boy-toy (themoot? I forget his name on this forum) loves to cook too, so we have all sorts of cooking adventures together. Lately it has been from-scratch cinnamon rolls. It means a lot to me that he shares the things I love.

I don't like to have other people cook for me unless it's something I really can't cook myself - I'm hopeless with steak, since I'm practically vegetarian by expense and taste. Instead, I much prefer to cook in groups - funnily enough, tomorrow night I'm going to a friend's house to celebrate my victory over indian food. I seemed to have a bit of a block about indian food - I just couldn't get anything right, until Friday, when I made glorious saag tofu (tofu being an excellent substitute for fatty and pricey paneer). So we're making eggplant curry, saag tofu, mango lassis, and gulab jamun, and probably numerous other things. It's a great relaxing way to hang out with friends.

Usually I don't bother too much with whether foods are "healthy" or not, at least fat wise. I make sure to buy plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, and I don't eat much meat. I love dairy products - cheese, milk, butter, cream, all of it! I buy organic when I can because I'm really not fond of endocrine disrupters, but I am unwilling to pay $8 for pasta sauce.

And strange though it maybe, when I'm all stressed out about homework and exams, I find that the rhythm of chopping carrots, creaming butter for cookies or cakes, washing dishes, etc, really calms me down.

[World's Queen]

I do most of my cooking in my microwave. And I usually explode things. Me + a kitchen= danger. World's King does the cooking when we're together. But he's a chef. And he's amazing at it. That works out well for me. When I'm not with him, it's mostly eggs, hot dogs, or soup.

[genuinegirly]

Originally Posted by creepysusie

I just happen to personally love cooking. Well, I love eating, and i come from a family that believes in cooking and eating together. We even have Food Network because it is the only channel that the entire family agrees on. I find it to be rather meditating and I love feeding people.

Food Network as a family? What a dream! Sounds like you have a great time, and I'm sure the people you feed appreciate it as well.

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

Aka.... many ppl lived to tell of eating my early cooking.....

I'm sure it was delicious, Sweetpea! Thank you so much for all you have said.

Tiny apartment kitchens are not so fun - I'm looking forward to enjoying a larger kitchen one day. I've been spoiled with industrial kitchens the past two years, until this past December, when I moved on to this tiny apartment and micro-sized kitchen. I keep telling myself, it's better than a hotplate!

Originally Posted by World's Queen

I do most of my cooking in my microwave. And I usually explode things. Me + a kitchen= danger. World's King does the cooking when we're together. But he's a chef. And he's amazing at it. That works out well for me. When I'm not with him, it's mostly eggs, hot dogs, or soup.

Hehe. Thank you, World's Queen! Microwaves are a wonderful invention, are they not? You're lucky to have a man who cooks like World's King.

Originally Posted by HedwigStrange

I love love to cook! This is, however, not to say that I am not a hazard in the kitchen ...
And strange though it maybe, when I'm all stressed out about homework and exams, I find that the rhythm of chopping carrots, creaming butter for cookies or cakes, washing dishes, etc, really calms me down.

What a beautiful account, Hedwig! Your father must be/have been an excellent man. Chopping vegetables has a similar effect on me. Life is right in rhythm.