Musical pairing –Don’t Rain on My Parade, Glee Cast
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Last week, one of the bloggers I follow, wrote a piece about why he cooks and then asked us to do the same; the answers were heartfelt and poignant and it’s taken several days for me to wrap my head around what I wanted to say – it’s one of those things that I just do and not necessarily something I think about. But as I’ve processed this question, I’ve come to realize that I cook for a multitude of reasons and so without further ado, here is my answer.
I cook because it’s my creative process. I love how each component compliments the other; I love how it looks on the plate; I love creating a balance of colors, textures and flavors.
I cook because I care about what I put in my body (although you’d never guess from all those dessert posts!); that hasn’t always been the case but a few years ago we began reading labels, eliminating processed foods and adding more whole foods to our diets.
I cook because I’m interested in knowing the history of recipes and how that intersects with culture, art and the world around me.
I cook because I want to be healthy enough to love The Professor every day I have on this earth.
I cook because it’s cheaper than eating out.
I cook because I can pronounce the list of ingredients I’m eating.
I cook because I love to eat.
I cook because the Golden Arches isn’t real food.
I cook because for me, it’s as close to a recreational sport as I’ll ever get.
I cook because I care about the planet and how manufactured food impacts our earth.
I cook because I’m fortunate enough to have choices – others don’t; therefore . . .
I cook because I have a responsibility to use what I’ve been given to the best of my ability.
I cook because I want to be around long enough (and healthy enough) to torment my children and grandchildren.
I cook because I’m fortunate enough to have a vegetable garden.
I cook because I love seeing the joy on the faces of those who sit at our table.
These are just some of the reasons I cook.
So I’m curious, how about you? Why do you cook or why don’t you cook? Leave me a comment!
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Sasa ~ how lovely; we (you) cook like others paint or knit – so simple and yet so, so true! it’s like breathing, no?
I feel really touched – I agree with so many of your reasons.
And also I cook because that’s just what I do, the way other people paint or knit.
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ooooooo – good one Gretchen!
I cook because … practice makes perfect 🙂
Darcie ~ Eating baked goods is one of The Professor’s favorite pastimes! But honey, if I baked every day, I’d be the size of the Goodyear Blimp so alas, I must ration my baking. I guess you’ll have to bake enough for both of us! Thanks for stopping and hope to see you on here again soon!
While I like to cook, I love to bake. So, I bake because I love the creative process and I love the challenge. And I bake because desserts make people happy, and I love sharing in that happiness.
Cindy ~ I LOVE cooking for others – almost all family gatherings are held at our house, i.e., ‘Recreational sport!’ Thanks for sharing!
I used to cook for enjoyment…now, it is necessity and with the random hours that the hubby has-necessity seems like too nice a word. LOL.
I do look forward to the Holidays throughout the year when I can take the time to prepare a dinner for everyone-for me I enjoy cooking for a crowd.
Barbara ~ Isn’t it funny how we evolve in our cooking? I find it interesting that some people quit cooking altogether once the necessity is no longer a factor and yet others, like us, keep cooking because we enjoy it.
Hey Fern ~ You are soooo right about some of the lame veg plates served in restaurants!!! I’m really looking forward to the gardening season as we have big plans this year – thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I first cooked because I came from a family of cooks and the kitchen was a place of love.
Next I cooked because I had to feed a family…necessity and not much time.
Now I cook because it brings me pleasure.
Hey Debra, great site! I love the idea of pairing posts to songs.
I cook because I’m a vegetarian who refuses to live on the lame “vegetable plates” that serve as most restaurants token vegetarian dish.
Lisa ~ Love this – especially that your worth GOOD food! Thanks for posting!
I cook because I eat and I’m worth GOOD food.
I cook because hubby hunts and the game deserves my best effort.
I cook because it makes all my friends happy.
I cook because I want REAL food.
I cook because I love cooking and eating the results.
JNM – Isn’t it great to cook because we enjoy it?! I have days when cooking isn’t necessarily at the top of my list but those are few and far between. Thanks for the comment!
I cook because I enjoy cooking and it is my one semi-artistic talent