topic Re: Are you an organized cook ? in Kitchen

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CoffeeNut — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 19:47:10 GMT

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

GenXmuse — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 00:26:46 GMT

Unorganized.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

ScarletDove — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 00:33:13 GMT

Always had a small galley-style kitchen with limited space to hold things or counter to work. I have to be organized or nothing works.....lots of prep and clean up as I work! Just like you @CoffeeNut....

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

software — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 00:37:25 GMT

Yes, I was taught by a pastry chef - my grandfather.

I learned mise en place from the get-go

Doesn't mean I never mess up.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

OKPrincess — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 00:45:09 GMT

I don’t cook much anymore but when I do, I’m mostly organized.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

candys mine — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 00:49:27 GMT

Organized! That's how I found out I didn't have any SALT in the house. Flake salt, Flur de sel, Himalyan pink salt, even a "Salt lick" chunk. Sure, I had the large finishing salts but NO table salt to use for my baking! I had lent it to my sis and not got the box back. SO much easier to make sure you have everything BEFORE you start!

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

aroc3435 — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 01:00:03 GMT

@CoffeeNut For baking I'm organized or there is too much of a chance for me to make a mistake. And I follow the recipe scrupulously.

For cooking I'm not as disciplined--don't feel the need to measure precisely, improvise seasonings as I go along.

I do try to clear space off as I go but I do not do the real clean up until after I am completely finished, except for washing my hands as necessary if handling meat, or needing to clean a cutting board (I do have dedicated boards--two for meat, one for vegetables, but sometimes I still run out depending on how elaborate the meal I'm making is) or wiping down a surface.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

Carmie — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 01:10:26 GMT

I cook on the fly. I never use a recipe for cooking. I add things as go along depending on what I have on hand in the fridge or cupboards. So no, I am not an organized cook.

i do organize when I am baking from a recipe. If not, occasionally I have left out an ingredient that was necessary. I measure as I go along and move the bottles and canisters from left to right as I use them so I don't miss anything.

I keep my kitchen uncluttered and put things in the dishwasher as I am done with them. I try not to use too many dishes, measuring cups or utensils that will need washed as I bake.

I use waxed paper instead of a bowl to sift my dry ingredients on. I also bake breads and other doughs without using a bowl. I put the flour and sugar on my granite counter top, make a well in it with my hands and add eggs, milk, butter, etc. right in the well and mix with my hands.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

Snowpuppy — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 01:11:37 GMT

Seriously, if I did that much prep work I'd be so exhausted that I'd leave the oven off, pour a cocktail and go watch a Hallmark movie instead. 😉

There's a reason Ina has a prep staff !

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

Sooner — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 01:37:16 GMT

Organized and efficient here!

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

house_cat — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 02:39:11 GMT

Organized.

I have lists and menus and almost never run out of anything in the kitchen.

I have limited time for cooking during the week, and even though I keep weeknight meals simple, it's not unusual for me to be prepping something at 5 am.

When I'm hosting larger gatherings, like Thanksgiving, everything that can be prepped or chopped ahead of time is organized in L&L containers with masking tape notes on top.

I have an anxiety disorder, since childhood. It has been explained to me that people with anxiety tend to be hyper-organized and prepared. I tend to be that way in all aspects of my life, not only in the kitchen. I actually wish I was less so.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

ECBG — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 04:49:26 GMT

I check my recipe and write the list. Luckily, I rarely get caught short.

During holidays when I'll cook for 4 or 5 hours, DH will do my prep work as far as the chopping of onions, celery, etc.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

Nightowlz — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 04:49:54 GMT

@CoffeeNut

I pretty much do the same thing you do. I always clean as I go.

DH is just the opposite. Looks like a disaster hit when he's cooking.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

GCR18 — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 05:05:31 GMT

I like to think I'm organized. I take out everything I need and as things are used, they get put away. Little to no cleanup when I'm done.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

Free2be — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 06:43:02 GMT

For a new recipe I prep everything ahead otherwise I plow through. I manage to be organized most of the time even in the midst of chaos just by zeroing in on the immediate focus in front of me and somehow I can keep 4 to 6 operations going at the same time but the kitchen and I will look kind of wild. The last time this happened I was making dinner and dog food at the same time, trying to not get the two confused. LOL.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

Pooky1 — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 11:13:34 GMT

my wife is very organized when doing anything. she even knows what shes cooking for dinner months before.i load dishwasher so she still puts dishes she uses neatly in sink. now when i cook or bake everything is a mess. i clean up after im done.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

Black Pony — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 13:19:58 GMT

I am organized. I cook pretty often and I like to have everything out measured and ready to go. If I don't clean as I go or I get flustered and lose my mojo!

When I try a new recipe and I have to actually pay attention I am messier. But if I like the new recipe I am more organized the second time. Does that make sense?

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

Diva on The Q — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 17:27:53 GMT

@CoffeeNut: I thought I was (super) organized, but apparently, I'm not as organized as you. I never thought about measuring everything out before starting the recipe. Think I'm going to do that in the future.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

house_cat — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 17:58:37 GMT

My kitten wants me to add that he's not happy with my fussiness in the kitchen. He waits patiently for food to drop, but he's mostly disappointed.

Re: Are you an organized cook ?

CherryHugs — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 18:11:49 GMT

Very Unorganized. Hope to do better