topic Re: Why do you cook? in Kitchen

Why do you cook?

house cat — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 18:50:55 GMT

Cooking and baking is pretty much the only thing that keeps me in the moment - completely zoned into what I'm doing and makes me forget all my worries and concerns. I'll cook for me, my family, my coworkers, my neighbors. It's not about eating the food, but the process. I love everything about being in the kitchen. The preparation, from start to finish is relaxing, even the cleanup. Presenting the food in creative and beautiful ways satisfies my creative urges. When people enjoy what I've cooked, that's just the icing on the cake… pun intended.

Why do you cook?

Re: Why do you cook?

RedTop — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 18:57:25 GMT

Only because I have to. I have numerous food allergies, and both my husband and I are diabetic. I tell my family all the time that I do not like to cook.

Re: Why do you cook?

glmama — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:00:43 GMT

Hi Housecat-I cook b/c I love it. Sure, sometimes I'm not in the mood, but man, those times are rare. And I'm with you that when I'm cooking I'm completely zoned into it and NOT into whatever seems to be irritating me or going on in my life. The bonus is when my family enjoys my food. I've been cooking more seriously since I was about age 19. But I always loved cooking when I was little, too. Just didn't get to do it as much, of course.

Re: Why do you cook?

LuvTheMountains — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:13:24 GMT

Housecat, ITA, I find cooking and baking very relaxing, I love to have my favorite cd on and truly enjoy the time I spend. I also love to read cook books!

Re: Why do you cook?

GCR18 — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:18:03 GMT

On 2/16/2014 BonnieBelle said:
Because I have to. If I could afford to, I'd get takeout every night.

Me too

Re: Why do you cook?

Firefly3 — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:20:22 GMT

I cook because I like to cook!

Re: Why do you cook?

WSfan — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:21:18 GMT

I like to cook because I feel that I'm giving healthy meals to my family. I am not a fan of pre-prepared or fast food, yet I know for some it may be a necessity. Yes, there are times that the constant planning of what to make for supper becomes a little tiresome, but then I use my crock pot or electric pressure cooker, and I feel as if I have a day off! Eating supper as a family is very important to me, and when my sons were growing up, we made that a family rule. Of course, sometimes after school activities prevented this. One is married now, the other is not and still lives at home, and the 3 of us still eat supper as a family, if at all possible. Now that we have a grandchild, having the whole family together for a meal makes me happy. My style of cooking is good, old fashioned , home-style. I have and use many recipes from my mother and grandmother that are now 2 to 3 generations old. I do like to make new recipes that I find in "Taste of Home" magazines, online sites, and the many cookbooks that I own. Some here may say that those recipes are unhealthy, too much fat, etc. but I say everything in moderation.

Re: Why do you cook?

Lily1 — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:22:16 GMT

I don't cook. I can cook and it's quite tasty, but hubby is the chef in this family. If anyone goes in his kitchen, I swear he has a panic attack lol. I've learned to simply stay out of the way, and just do the dishes. I can live with that!

Three years ago I gifted him with all new Kitchen Aid small appliances. It's been three years. I still haven't used the stand mixer. I think he'd break out in a sweat if he saw me mixing anything.

Re: Why do you cook?

DiAnne — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:23:47 GMT

I love to cook. I like trying new recipes and new tastes. I enjoy making healthy meals with lots of fresh vegetables. I take cooking classes occasionally to learn new techniques.

I do not bake (except for Christmas cookies). I do not enjoy baking plus do not want to eat unhealthy food no matter how delicious. I will occasionally have dessert in a nice restaurant but never at home (except for holidays).

Re: Why do you cook?

Cyndog — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:38:31 GMT

My husband does all the cooking too. I cook when he's out of town because I want to eat! I'm a pretty good baker though. I'm practically getting orders at Christmas for my cream cheese cupcakes, gone from making 12 to 48 a batch. I make the Taste Of Home style recipes because that's what I like. Also make Grandma's Kitchen recipes like chicken and biscuits,,etc. and get recipes from those little magazines in the newspapers. Like all the old fashioned recipes. I make great mashed potatoes and a good quiches. I like white food, biscuits with gravy, creamy casseroles, etc. Got my husband a red KitchenAid last year and he loves it.

Re: Why do you cook?

LuvTheMountains — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:44:46 GMT

cyndog, I purchased 30 Taste of Home magazines on eBay for 10.00! Ive really enjoyed looking through them. My style of cooking!

Re: Why do you cook?

curlywhitedog — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:46:54 GMT

I grew up in an Italian household where cooking was equated to love and for me, it still is. I cook because I enjoy doing it and because I want to provide my family with fresh and enjoyable foods. I like my own cooking better than most things I buy at the store anyway.

Having said that, I'll also say that I'm NOT a fanatic about it and I do buy, from an Italian Deli, things like their Marsala sauce which is a time saver and delicious at the same time. I'll fry up my own chicken cutlets and add my own rice and I'll have a 90% home cooked meal.

My DD who works full time and is a mom to 2 little ones doesn't have the luxury of standing over macaroni gravy stirring for three or four hours so she resorts to buying things that are prepared in advance like Rotisserie chicken from Costco and store prepared in advance mashed potatoes - food faster but not fast food.

Maria

Re: Why do you cook?

brewhaha — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:49:21 GMT

Because the way to a man's heart is his stomach.

Re: Why do you cook?

depglass — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:50:36 GMT

I like the type of cooking you can do ahead, chili, spaghetti, stroganoff. I don't like the type where everything has to be done at the last minute, except maybe something on the grill in the summer. I thought I would use the grill this winter but with all the snow, I've never bothered.

Re: Why do you cook?

SAVANAHGIRL — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 20:05:26 GMT

I'm a good cook, but I HATE cooking. I do as little as possible. I also eat only to survive.

Re: Why do you cook?

CanningLady — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 20:07:46 GMT

On 2/16/2014 house cat said:
Cooking and baking is pretty much the only thing that keeps me in the moment - completely zoned into what I'm doing and makes me forget all my worries and concerns. I'll cook for me, my family, my coworkers, my neighbors. It's not about eating the food, but the process. I love everything about being in the kitchen. The preparation, from start to finish is relaxing, even the cleanup. Presenting the food in creative and beautiful ways satisfies my creative urges. When people enjoy what I've cooked, that's just the icing on the cake… pun intended.

Why do you cook?

You pretty much summed all my cooking feelings right up. I love to be in my kitchen. My husband and family like it too. Lol. It's my total relaxation.

Re: Why do you cook?

Snicks1 — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 20:12:23 GMT

I cook because I enjoy cooking and enjoy having tasty food to eat. I will say that I am not a fan of cooking every day, sometimes I "burn out" on cooking, then I take a break for a day or two.

Re: Why do you cook?

donasmom — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 20:12:56 GMT

I have been cooking three meals a day since I was 16 years old. My mother had a terminal illness and I gad to assume that job for her. By the time I got married and started my own home, cooking was natural for me.

Now as I get older, and have several health issues, I have been encouraged by my doctor to avoid all processed foods whenever possible and go organic, cage free, gluten free and grass fed for my food. I love the challenge of coming up with interesting, tasty meals. I also have quite a lot of cookbooks. I have found that the vintage cookbooks from the 40s and 50s have many great recipes in them.

As others have posted, it relaxing.

Re: Why do you cook?

millieshops — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 20:20:32 GMT

I live alone, so buying meals could be a guilty pleasure, but no. I cook because all too often I'm disappointed with what I buy ready-to-eat.

Re: Why do you cook?

willdob3 — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 20:21:40 GMT

I cook because I will starve if I don't. lol... I don't actually enjoy cooking & don't bake.

I am going to be healthy & fit so I avoid processed and junk foods. I have to cook!