Community Chat

[GoneButNotForgotten]

I've been dealing with chronic pain (several health issues) for a long time. It really tires me out; even though I'm not very active I'm worn out by the end of the day.

What I really miss is cooking. I'd love to get out my big Kitchen Aid mixer (which I bought from QVC with all the bells and whistles and I got a great price too) and whip up a few batches of chocolate chip cookies, some meatloaves (I have a great recipe for sweet-and-sour meatloaf) etc.

It's surprising that I feel this way because I'd come to dislike cooking heartily. I guess I just miss the freedom of knowing I could cook if I wanted to.

[Cakers3]

@GoneButNotForgotten   I am sorry for your discomfort.

I hear you.

[Mom2Dogs]

@GoneButNotForgotten   Would it be possible to bake over several days?  Maybe prep one day, stir up a batch of cookies another and then bake another day?    

I had back pain for about 6 months years ago...it was miserable, but I recovered.   I hope you can get some relief.

[homedecor1]

@GoneButNotForgotten 

Many many years ago I recall my MIL who had severe chronic back issues who loved to cook & bake sitting on the chair, at the kitchen table with all her food to prepare and her KA mixer right there. (I inherited her KA mixer that was a real workhorse I've since updated mine).

As I type this I can visualize her good food as I watched her happily preparing it.  She did everything sitting down when it came to the kitchen (even sat in front of the stove).

Maybe this is a option.  I hope you start feeling better so maybe you can bake some things you enjoy (just don't try to lift that mixer I know it's heavy).

[AuntG]

I'm sorry to read about your pain @GoneButNotForgotten . 

[hckynutjohn]

@GoneButNotForgotten 

It's understandable why you miss these things. Hopefully at some point, you will be able to return to doing them.

Best wishes to you,

hckynut  🇺🇸

[Trailrun23]

 My great aunt was always by far the best cook in our family. As she got older she developed arthritis in her back and kept cooking, but she used a desk chair with roller-wheels. She would roll from the table to the oven to the sink and didn't have to get up and down from the chair, which was the hardest on her. I hope you get some relief from your pain and learn how to still do some things you like to do in spite of your pain. 

[LdyBugz]

@GoneButNotForgotten   It's certainly very frustrating when you physically can't do certain things because of health issues.  😔

Instead of doing big batches of cookies or anything else, perhaps you can just make a boxed cake mix or brownie mix and just use a hand mixer.  Even the "slice-n-bake" cookies are good in a pinch.  Maybe you can bake in stages by getting things ready one day, and then do the actual baking the next day.  Baking in "baby-steps" so to speak so it's not so overwhelming and exhausting.  

Wishing you better health, and a batch of brownies!

~LdyBugz

[Roscoe the Rascal]

I understand how you feel.  My husband deals with that as well.  He use to do all the cooking and really enjoyed it.  Hard for him now to do much for long but I do help when he is in the mood.  

I have taken over the cooking.  Poor guy.  Lol

I always ask any suggestions on what  I could do differently or ask his advice so he is still involved.  

I did good these last two nights and I said see how I am learning from you.  If he goes for more then I know I scored.  

Prayers for you and do what you can when possible.  Simplify.

[Imaoldhippie]

Im so sorry for your health issues that keep you from doing something you love to do.

Do you have anyone that would be willing to setup a "cook date" with you?  You could start out in the AM and take the time needed to finish and enjoy what you baked or cooked.  Your cookdate could help with the process.  Maybe even set up regular cook dates, for example once a month?