Not bad for a rerun, bravo! PS Reruns are close to my heart since I'm one myself (was your boyfriend, then I wasn't, and now I'm the hubby, Rerun City!)
Boy, did I get some good chuckles and laugh out loud moments with this story. It just reminds me that I was so lucky to escape the confinements of kids and marriage. Well, I did have one fun marriage, thank goodness we would cook together laughing. But as the song says... 'it's over now'. Thanks Ilona, you brightened up my day... now get back to video editing. Luv Yah!
I really enjoyed this rerun. Resonated with so much of it. While hubby and I can cook, the joy of cooking (at least for me) not so much! The air fryer and instant pot are this non-cook’s best friends! Yup, I air fry a fabulous steak and call it dinner. It’s beyond delicious and the epitome of easy.
I have resisted getting an air fryer because I don't want one more thing to clutter my counter or take up storage space. I love that you have found an easy way to prepare a meal though. That alone makes it worthwhile.
I completely get that! Ours was a gift and it took me months to use it. Now, I literally move mine back and forth to a shelving unit in the dining room if it looks too cluttery in the kitchen. Other than that it lives on my stovetop like it’s a pan. Kitchen was built in 1968, so yeah we have no extra countertop space. But I definitely use it more than my stovetop, so it’s fine if it lives there 🤣
I’m an Italian mama who delights in cooking. Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than when all the kids come and I watch them eat the food I prepared. I purposely built my present home with kitchen, dining room and living room all open so I can cook and we can be together.
Reading about your "takeout queen" era made me reflect on my own journey. I used to feel guilty for not cooking every night. It was like I was failing at some essential part of being a grown-up. But then I realized something: my time and energy are finite resources. If I spend them all in the kitchen, I have nothing left for the things I truly love, like writing or spending time with my loved ones. It's okay to prioritize our own well-being. What’s wrong with avocado toast or a tuna sandwich sometimes? Now, I approach cooking as an occasional pleasure, not a daily obligation. And you know what? I'm much happier for it. I wonder if there is a collective guilt we all carry for not feeling domestic enough.
Thank you for this, and it is a great point. I, too, felt guilty for not cooking. It shouldn't be that way, and yes, time is finite. We can't do everything all the time! Let's put away the guilt once and for all.
I've experienced all the phases of cooking from not being the least interested in cooking, to loving to cook. I also LOVE to go out to eat, one of our favorite treats. At present, what I enjoy the most is choice, having the freedom to settle for something easy, or prepare a delightful dinner that involves more time. I don't like to cook when I'm tired or hurried. I recently visited my pregnant daughter, four weeks from due date, and it was such a joy cooking for them each night as they both as still working. I guess the bottom line for me is my mindset is paramount in terms of how much I will or will not enjoy cooking.
I like that you called it "phases of cooking," and that would make a great book title. I hope I have inspired you to write this book! I agree that mindset plays a significant role in how this task is performed.
I tried to answer this last night and I thought it went through, but I don't see it so I'm trying once again. If you get two responses, you'll know why. I wanted to write a book for years. My first idea was to write about my dear friend and mentor Julie who taught me to cook, as well as what's really important in life. I began working on the book, but somewhere along the line wrote Tales of a Wayward Yogini instead. When I was commenting on your post, I actually started rethinking about that initial book, so it's crazy that you would respond with your comments about inspiring a new book called phases of cooking. Synchronicity? I'll keep you posted. 💕💕💕
😂 thanks for the smiles Ilona. Truth: I somehow am a very good cook. And since I only have myself to cook for, I do small portions. But I love to cook for others. Please consider yourself invited and tell me what you’d like on the menu …. I love flowers. 💐 also I love the floral overalls. (P. S. My 2 daughters were brought up on sushi and avocados 🥑 )
I'm inspired that you enjoy cooking for yourself. If it's just me, I'm reaching for a can of tuna or calling Don Julia for some enchiladas. Thank you for the invite! I'm excited about whatever you create. I'm always grateful when someone cooks for me.
😊 How about a lovely poached salmon with lemon dill sauce, herbed rice pilaf, green beans almondine, arugula and endive and poached beet salad with tarragon vinaigrette, and a simple chocolate mousse for dessert 🍮
I’m not much of a cook. I’ve only cooked for my parents & myself. I buy a bunch of meats, take a weekend or two & cook them (baked, pan-fried, etc.) and freeze them. All I need to do is place the cooked meat in the refrigerator the night before, cook a side of two, and I have dinner in 20 minutes or so. Still do it now even tho I’m retired.
Nice that you cook in batches. I used to do that until I got too lazy. I'm doing low-carb these days because of my blood sugar, and it's not that hard to throw a hunk of meat and marinated veggies on the grill.
Of course I gave this a heart! You had me with "asparagus respect". The "queen of vegetables". Our harvest this year was huge - people love it when you hand them a bunch that you have just cut. The response is universal - "it tastes so good - different!". Because just like corn on the cob, fresh is best.
I hear you on the obligation of cooking. My wife feels like you. As a single mom (hubby left her when the kids were about 7 and 9) she worked full time and had to do it all.
I LOVE to cook. I wake up each day and we discuss what I will prepare. But...there is a limit. And sometimes, I just want that pizza or easy meal. And, go ahead and laugh, we recently were at a friends house for dinner. The entree was "lemon garlic infused extra thick pork chops". They were succulent. I asked for the recipe. They said here, it's on the "Shake 'n Bake" box. OMG.
Last night we had Shake 'n Bake chicken breast. They were also succulent. I NEVER order chicken breasts because they are almost always dry and bland. But wow. Who knew?
So now, there is the creative meal night and the take out night. But also the easy peasy tasty night - my Mom would be proud of me. Yea, Shake 'n Bake! Fish is next!
I enjoyed this so much and laughed a lot. I like the "idea" of cooking but the real thing wears me out. When my children were growing up I ran my kitchen like a restaurant...fixing them anything they were willing to eat. Oh...tonight you'd like a bowl of cereal? Here ya go! The fact that two out of three eat sushi as adults makes me feel like I got away with something. Loved the photos, my friend!
There was a fair amount of "cooking whatever they want." This protected me from the critiques and made it an easy night. Sushi eaters now? Kudos — that's quite an accomplishment!
I too am a good home cook who ushered three fussy kids with fussier palates into adulthood with sit down meals that were nutrious and loked pretty good. Exhausting and silly me I continue because husband really likes what I plan and cook. He even embraces vegatarian meals 2 to3 times a week. But what I would give to have someone else plan, shop and clean up. Ill cook and take full credit for the masterpieces.
I love that your husband likes vegetarian food. I tried that for a while, but my husband and son were not into it, so that meant I had to cook two meals instead of one. That didn't last long, plus I'm a horrible vegetarian, never getting enough protein.
There isn't enough credit given for coming up with dinner ideas. That's at least 50% of the work. And yes, shopping and cleaning are no good. Although my daughter gets her groceries delivered to her door from Amazon Prime, and it appears to be a good idea. It probably wouldn't work for me because half the stuff I buy isn't even on the list.
I like to cook, but sometimes when I'm done with all the 'work' of it, I don't even want to eat it then! I loved this line: "I tried cooking for ten people, but I ended up on the couch in a heap after everyone left." No kidding! Once I was stressed thinking about Thanksgiving meal when we were going to be leaving the next day back to Costa Rica. the thought of cooking, cleaning and putting everything away for us to be gone 3 months was too much. As I was lamenting to my best friend, she said, "there's no shame in ordering a meal." She was right! I wanted to spend the time with my family, and not slaving in the kitchen. Lesson learned! we've had years of Thanksgiving ordering and we've enjoyed each others company even more!
PS As the current husband, I want to go on the record as being in favor of this post, but not the compost(ers). Why stop at two, let's get 20 of them in the backyard! You'll have plenty of time to tend to them since you're not wasting your time cooking... :)
Not bad for a rerun, bravo! PS Reruns are close to my heart since I'm one myself (was your boyfriend, then I wasn't, and now I'm the hubby, Rerun City!)
Good thing I like warmed-up leftovers 🤣
It’s funny. I would always look forward to ANYTHING you prepared… I would be so excited!
Pumpkin Bisque is still on our menu! ❤️
You are so sweet. I loved that pumpkin bisque, too. Great recipe.
Boy, did I get some good chuckles and laugh out loud moments with this story. It just reminds me that I was so lucky to escape the confinements of kids and marriage. Well, I did have one fun marriage, thank goodness we would cook together laughing. But as the song says... 'it's over now'. Thanks Ilona, you brightened up my day... now get back to video editing. Luv Yah!
Oh Deborah! So lovely to see you here. I'm glad you escaped, too. Good luck with the video editing, and thanks for reading.
I really enjoyed this rerun. Resonated with so much of it. While hubby and I can cook, the joy of cooking (at least for me) not so much! The air fryer and instant pot are this non-cook’s best friends! Yup, I air fry a fabulous steak and call it dinner. It’s beyond delicious and the epitome of easy.
I have resisted getting an air fryer because I don't want one more thing to clutter my counter or take up storage space. I love that you have found an easy way to prepare a meal though. That alone makes it worthwhile.
I completely get that! Ours was a gift and it took me months to use it. Now, I literally move mine back and forth to a shelving unit in the dining room if it looks too cluttery in the kitchen. Other than that it lives on my stovetop like it’s a pan. Kitchen was built in 1968, so yeah we have no extra countertop space. But I definitely use it more than my stovetop, so it’s fine if it lives there 🤣
Whatever works to make mealtime a no-brainer!
I’m an Italian mama who delights in cooking. Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than when all the kids come and I watch them eat the food I prepared. I purposely built my present home with kitchen, dining room and living room all open so I can cook and we can be together.
How lovely! I can see you standing there in your apron with a wooden spoon in hand, smiling :)
Reading about your "takeout queen" era made me reflect on my own journey. I used to feel guilty for not cooking every night. It was like I was failing at some essential part of being a grown-up. But then I realized something: my time and energy are finite resources. If I spend them all in the kitchen, I have nothing left for the things I truly love, like writing or spending time with my loved ones. It's okay to prioritize our own well-being. What’s wrong with avocado toast or a tuna sandwich sometimes? Now, I approach cooking as an occasional pleasure, not a daily obligation. And you know what? I'm much happier for it. I wonder if there is a collective guilt we all carry for not feeling domestic enough.
Thank you for this, and it is a great point. I, too, felt guilty for not cooking. It shouldn't be that way, and yes, time is finite. We can't do everything all the time! Let's put away the guilt once and for all.
I've experienced all the phases of cooking from not being the least interested in cooking, to loving to cook. I also LOVE to go out to eat, one of our favorite treats. At present, what I enjoy the most is choice, having the freedom to settle for something easy, or prepare a delightful dinner that involves more time. I don't like to cook when I'm tired or hurried. I recently visited my pregnant daughter, four weeks from due date, and it was such a joy cooking for them each night as they both as still working. I guess the bottom line for me is my mindset is paramount in terms of how much I will or will not enjoy cooking.
I like that you called it "phases of cooking," and that would make a great book title. I hope I have inspired you to write this book! I agree that mindset plays a significant role in how this task is performed.
I tried to answer this last night and I thought it went through, but I don't see it so I'm trying once again. If you get two responses, you'll know why. I wanted to write a book for years. My first idea was to write about my dear friend and mentor Julie who taught me to cook, as well as what's really important in life. I began working on the book, but somewhere along the line wrote Tales of a Wayward Yogini instead. When I was commenting on your post, I actually started rethinking about that initial book, so it's crazy that you would respond with your comments about inspiring a new book called phases of cooking. Synchronicity? I'll keep you posted. 💕💕💕
😂 thanks for the smiles Ilona. Truth: I somehow am a very good cook. And since I only have myself to cook for, I do small portions. But I love to cook for others. Please consider yourself invited and tell me what you’d like on the menu …. I love flowers. 💐 also I love the floral overalls. (P. S. My 2 daughters were brought up on sushi and avocados 🥑 )
I'm inspired that you enjoy cooking for yourself. If it's just me, I'm reaching for a can of tuna or calling Don Julia for some enchiladas. Thank you for the invite! I'm excited about whatever you create. I'm always grateful when someone cooks for me.
I’m not that far from NJ !!!🙂
Oh really? Where do you live?
Providence RI !
😊 How about a lovely poached salmon with lemon dill sauce, herbed rice pilaf, green beans almondine, arugula and endive and poached beet salad with tarragon vinaigrette, and a simple chocolate mousse for dessert 🍮
Um wowza. Sounds like you have some skills, girl.
I’m not much of a cook. I’ve only cooked for my parents & myself. I buy a bunch of meats, take a weekend or two & cook them (baked, pan-fried, etc.) and freeze them. All I need to do is place the cooked meat in the refrigerator the night before, cook a side of two, and I have dinner in 20 minutes or so. Still do it now even tho I’m retired.
Nice that you cook in batches. I used to do that until I got too lazy. I'm doing low-carb these days because of my blood sugar, and it's not that hard to throw a hunk of meat and marinated veggies on the grill.
Of course I gave this a heart! You had me with "asparagus respect". The "queen of vegetables". Our harvest this year was huge - people love it when you hand them a bunch that you have just cut. The response is universal - "it tastes so good - different!". Because just like corn on the cob, fresh is best.
I hear you on the obligation of cooking. My wife feels like you. As a single mom (hubby left her when the kids were about 7 and 9) she worked full time and had to do it all.
I LOVE to cook. I wake up each day and we discuss what I will prepare. But...there is a limit. And sometimes, I just want that pizza or easy meal. And, go ahead and laugh, we recently were at a friends house for dinner. The entree was "lemon garlic infused extra thick pork chops". They were succulent. I asked for the recipe. They said here, it's on the "Shake 'n Bake" box. OMG.
Last night we had Shake 'n Bake chicken breast. They were also succulent. I NEVER order chicken breasts because they are almost always dry and bland. But wow. Who knew?
So now, there is the creative meal night and the take out night. But also the easy peasy tasty night - my Mom would be proud of me. Yea, Shake 'n Bake! Fish is next!
SHAKE AND BAKE FOR THE WIN!!!! That will be my next home-cooked supper. Thanks for the inspo, Bill.
PS (I love that you recognize what a slog it was for your wife to work full-time and take care of her kids herself.)
PPS(Extra love for doing the cooking for your family. I'll swing by next time we're in the area.)
I enjoyed this so much and laughed a lot. I like the "idea" of cooking but the real thing wears me out. When my children were growing up I ran my kitchen like a restaurant...fixing them anything they were willing to eat. Oh...tonight you'd like a bowl of cereal? Here ya go! The fact that two out of three eat sushi as adults makes me feel like I got away with something. Loved the photos, my friend!
There was a fair amount of "cooking whatever they want." This protected me from the critiques and made it an easy night. Sushi eaters now? Kudos — that's quite an accomplishment!
It wasn't MY idea! I won't go near the stuff. LOL
I too am a good home cook who ushered three fussy kids with fussier palates into adulthood with sit down meals that were nutrious and loked pretty good. Exhausting and silly me I continue because husband really likes what I plan and cook. He even embraces vegatarian meals 2 to3 times a week. But what I would give to have someone else plan, shop and clean up. Ill cook and take full credit for the masterpieces.
I love that your husband likes vegetarian food. I tried that for a while, but my husband and son were not into it, so that meant I had to cook two meals instead of one. That didn't last long, plus I'm a horrible vegetarian, never getting enough protein.
There isn't enough credit given for coming up with dinner ideas. That's at least 50% of the work. And yes, shopping and cleaning are no good. Although my daughter gets her groceries delivered to her door from Amazon Prime, and it appears to be a good idea. It probably wouldn't work for me because half the stuff I buy isn't even on the list.
I like to cook, but sometimes when I'm done with all the 'work' of it, I don't even want to eat it then! I loved this line: "I tried cooking for ten people, but I ended up on the couch in a heap after everyone left." No kidding! Once I was stressed thinking about Thanksgiving meal when we were going to be leaving the next day back to Costa Rica. the thought of cooking, cleaning and putting everything away for us to be gone 3 months was too much. As I was lamenting to my best friend, she said, "there's no shame in ordering a meal." She was right! I wanted to spend the time with my family, and not slaving in the kitchen. Lesson learned! we've had years of Thanksgiving ordering and we've enjoyed each others company even more!
PS As the current husband, I want to go on the record as being in favor of this post, but not the compost(ers). Why stop at two, let's get 20 of them in the backyard! You'll have plenty of time to tend to them since you're not wasting your time cooking... :)
Well then, there would be no lawn for you to mow. You are not getting your wish!