When it comes to cooking, when are you the happiest?

[rissole]

I have made recipes for many years as a cooking addict. However, I have to admit that, more often than not, I have made recipes because I felt that I "should" make them--the "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality. Does that make sense? I am a perfectionist in many things, and, of course, cooking became one of them. In the March CL, there was an article that discussed how being a perfectionist in your hobbies may not be the best *for* you, and that perfectionism creates stress. Anyway, that information was pretty enlightening, but I think deep down inside I knew it all along. To make a long story short, I have discovered that I'm actually happiest when I make only a small number of recipes every month, because then I am less stressed and have more time to *enjoy* life. Of course, since I'm posting this on a cooking site, many of you will probably think that I've completely lost my mind, but I have indeed found that I'm happier when I don't try to make that many recipes--only a special few. Well, flames away, and enjoy the poll!

[wallycat]

I voted that I'm happiest when I make the most recipes, but as I rethink that, I may have voted incorrectly.
I just enjoy making "dishes" or making stuff...whether that be a newly pulled recipe from a book, site or magazine or whether I make an old stand-by that I look forward to. I think I'm just happiest when I have lots of food around

[rissole]

Originally posted by wallycat
I voted that I'm happiest when I make the most recipes, but as I rethink that, I may have voted incorrectly.
I just enjoy making "dishes" or making stuff...whether that be a newly pulled recipe from a book, site or magazine or whether I make an old stand-by that I look forward to. I think I'm just happiest when I have lots of food around

If you asked me that 10 years ago, I might have voted the same way. But I have made so many recipes and worn myself out so many times in the kitchen that I now feel that there's a lot more to life than food and cooking.

[wallycat]

Rissole,
it's great that you realize your hobbies/passions have changed.
I tend to go in fits and spurts...and there are days that I feel overwhelmed and stressed by the kitchen. I simply cut back. I tell DH to open a can of soup for dinner or I thaw something

But on the days I feel eager to be in the kitchen, it's great to have the ability to have that outlet.

To me, it doesn't have to be all or nothing....and it's great that we can switch back and forth because if all my friends always wanted to be the ones cooking, there'd be too much food for all of us to eat. This way, we can take turns and not feel stressed or cheated

[rissole]

Originally posted by wallycat
Rissole,
it's great that you realize your hobbies/passions have changed.
I tend to go in fits and spurts...and there are days that I feel overwhelmed and stressed by the kitchen. I simply cut back. I tell DH to open a can of soup for dinner or I thaw something

That's smart.

But on the days I feel eager to be in the kitchen, it's great to have the ability to have that outlet.

Yes, I still have days like that, and it is fun. However, I do tend to prefer simpler recipes now.

To me, it doesn't have to be all or nothing....and it's great that we can switch back and forth because if all my friends always wanted to be the ones cooking, there'd be too much food for all of us to eat. This way, we can take turns and not feel stressed or cheated

You're saying that you switch back and forth cooking with your friends, wallycat? If so, that's a pretty neat thing to do.

[krispy spo]

Interesting topic, rissole!

I chose the 2nd one...I love to cook and consider it one of the few hobbies I can devote time to at this point in my life (with 2 young children, it's hard to indulge in any hobby as much as I'd like!).

I pretty much cook from recipes for every meal, but not every item in the meal. This year I started keeping a list of the new recipes I've tried and have enjoyed planning weekly menus and working in new recipes. Besides enjoying cooking (and eating), I have another reason for trying out new recipes. I think it's important to expose my kids to different foods and also to healthful foods so that hopefully they develop a taste for a wide variety of foods and also develop good eating habits.

[beacooker]

I am taking a year 'sabbatical' from CL this year for that very reason, rissole. The last 2 years, I had begun to feel very pressured to make as many new recipes as possible from every new CL, just so I could feel like I was keeping up. I started to realize that I really wasn't enjoying it, and was missing out on making a lot of recipes from older CL's and from other sources that I wanted to try. My year off began in January, and I have to say that I am really enjoying it! Now I cook something new only if it is something I really want to do, and don't worry if I go weeks without making anything new. I have also tried a lot of recipes from old CL's that I had been eyeing for years. I think my one-year sabbatical will turn into a 2-year sabbatical.

[Natasha3]

Great question, rissole.

I'm happiest when we make a small to moderate number of new recipes. I have a fair number of tried-and-true recipes that I can't bear not to make every so often, and then there are those nights where cooking is not a priority at all for us -- so anything more than a small to moderate number would be daunting for our tastes and lifestyle. That being said, I respect those who make lots of new recipes a week -- it takes discipline, I think, and it's impressive. But to each his/her own, right?

Natasha

[Vicanddi]

I love to cook, but unfortunately, I am just not physically able to do so. On those nights, my DH is understanding and we order out or cook up a frozen pizza. When my health is good, I enjoy cooking up as many new recipes as I can!

[Alethea]

I'm somewhere in between the first and the second. Most of the time (I'd say 90%) I love to cook new things. On average I'd guess that I cook 8-10 new dishes a week, with some weeks that are higher (I'm including sides and baking endeavours). But there are old favorite recipes that I just crave, and sometimes I get into funks in which I still cook, but haven't got the patience to do something new. I've learned that I can stress myself out by trying to cook too many untried dishes, because the list never seems to get smaller! But overall I tend to be happy cooking mostly new things.

[rissole]

Originally posted by beacooker
I am taking a year 'sabbatical' from CL this year for that very reason, rissole. The last 2 years, I had begun to feel very pressured to make as many new recipes as possible from every new CL, just so I could feel like I was keeping up. I started to realize that I really wasn't enjoying it, and was missing out on making a lot of recipes from older CL's and from other sources that I wanted to try. My year off began in January, and I have to say that I am really enjoying it! Now I cook something new only if it is something I really want to do, and don't worry if I go weeks without making anything new. I have also tried a lot of recipes from old CL's that I had been eyeing for years. I think my one-year sabbatical will turn into a 2-year sabbatical.

That is brilliant, beacooker. I thought about taking a few months off, but I think may try your lead--a whole year's sabbatical. Such a clever idea. And it's great that you're really *enjoying* your cooking experiences now--at an easy, leisurely pace. I think you've started a trend, at least where I'm concerned!!

[rissole]

Originally posted by Vicanddi
I love to cook, but unfortunately, I am just not physically able to do so. On those nights, my DH is understanding and we order out or cook up a frozen pizza. When my health is good, I enjoy cooking up as many new recipes as I can!

I hope your health improves.

[Vicanddi]

Thanks Rissole! In the meantime, cooking helps keep me sane!

[beacooker]

Originally posted by rissole


That is brilliant, beacooker. I thought about taking a few months off, but I think may try your lead--a whole year's sabbatical. Such a clever idea. And it's great that you're really *enjoying* your cooking experiences now--at an easy, leisurely pace. I think you've started a trend, at least where I'm concerned!!

Gee, thanks, rissole. And I am sure that CL really loves my idea, too. I will probably start getting hate mail from them.

[sneezles]

On a day to day basis I cook rather spontaneously, sort of what ever grabs me at the moment but I usually look for a recipe. Tonight I didn't feel like cooking so DH and the DSs went out for Mexican and I had my salad with grilled chicken (on this new eating plan I rarely eat what I cook for the guys). I now cook more often from CL since being on the BB but have never felt compelled to cook from there. I do find myself checking the CL cookbooks first, then here and then other websites when I need inspiration.

[kima]

Sometimes my computer lets me "voye" and other times it won't! Can't this time. If I could I would vote for number three-I am happiest making a moderate number of recipes.
Up until a couple of years ago I would have voted for being happiest trying tons of new recipes. I have been cooking for a family for 25 years now and it seems natural that the passion, while still there, is at a lower ebb!

After so many years I have built up a repertoire of tried and true recipes-ones that we like to have at least a few times a season.
I fill in with a few new ones and then some no brainers!

As far as CL goes I don't need to take a sabbatical because I don't actually cook all that many CL recipes and I don't feel pressure to do so (That's why I love this BB!).Many CL recipes are quickly eliminated because we don't eat beef or pork and only a little chicken. (under 4'! ) Also many ingredients in CL are hard to find here or very expensive.
Great poll-very interesting answers!

[kima]

Originally posted by beacooker


Gee, thanks, rissole. And I am sure that CL really loves my idea, too. I will probably start getting hate mail from them.

Let's just say this won't be a featured quote in any upcoming issue!

[gertdog]

I voted for a moderate number of recipes. I like to try new things- I feel I still have lots to learn about cooking. But like many of you mention, there are lots of other things in life that demand my attention, and sometimes cooking can become stressful rather than relaxing. I seem to go in fits and starts- a month of trying lots of new things, then a month of easy tried 'n' trues. I'm perfectly happy with a plate of spaghetti with broccoli mixed in, a sandwich, - or even take-out- for those days or weeks when cooking doesn't appeal to me. That makes it that much more exciting when the mood does strike again!

[Gail]

I'm not 100 per cent sure what you mean when you say "make recipes." Does that mean try new recipes? The last option, about "cooking simply" confused me. I may try a fraction of the new recipes the majority here try, but I can't say I cook simply.

With all due respect for those of you on a mad dash to explore and seek out new culinary worlds and civilizations, it's not my style. I'm not saying I'm sitting here complacently never trying anything new, rather that I try something new when I feel so inclined. Like all of you, I have tons of cookbooks and keep buying more, read cooking magazines and web sites and am constantly marking things I want to try. But unless I have a burning desire to try a particular recipe, I don't sweat it. I've got a huge repetoire of tried and trues and a family who asks for certain favorites. That's fine. I make their favorites and once-and-a-while sneak in something new. Maybe it's once or twice a week, maybe not even that frequently.

And lest anyone think I'm saying that my way is better than yours or in any way demeaning what you choose to do, I'm not. I'm simply saying-- as I so often do-- that it just isn't me.

[hollysmom]

I am happiest when someone else does the dishes!!

Actually I wish I did more planning so I could use more recipes from the current CL, but I tend to (about 4 PM) stare at whatever ingredient I am going to feature that night (tonight was home-grown eggplant) and run to foodtv.com for quick inspiration (tonight was eggplant, proscuitto, and mozzarella roulades - Emeril).

I also tend to not follow recipes that well and tend to substitute whatever is in the house rather than make another trip to the store (I have substituted chicken for fish before!)

SSM

[Terrytx]

Originally posted by Alethea
I'm somewhere in between the first and the second. Most of the time (I'd say 90%) I love to cook new things. On average I'd guess that I cook 8-10 new dishes a week, with some weeks that are higher (I'm including sides and baking endeavours). But there are old favorite recipes that I just crave, and sometimes I get into funks in which I still cook, but haven't got the patience to do something new. I've learned that I can stress myself out by trying to cook too many untried dishes, because the list never seems to get smaller! But overall I tend to be happy cooking mostly new things.

ditto what she said.

[Peggy C.]

Like wallycat said, I also tend to go in fits and spurts. I made 4 new recipes last week. None of them from CL, but CL is where I find most of my inspiration. Simply because it is the magazine I read the most and hang out here so much.

Usually if I'm trying a new recipe it is almost always a main dish and then I just fill in with simple (ie no recipe) side dishes of steamed or grilled veggies and some kind of starch. If I'm trying an involved or heavily seasoned side dish than the main dish is simple. (ie a grilled steak or baked chicken breasts)

Good poll.

[lhall]

I'm also someone who cooks in fits & spurts. Since DH and I both work it's a challenge to get everything done especially during the summer when the kids want to go to the pool in the evenings. Some weeks/days it's something simple. Normally my 'leftover' nights when I'm not working are something simple thrown together (quesadillas, spaghetti, etc.).

Last week wasn't very inspiring as I still needed a vacation from our vacation, but this week I'm more interested in begin in the kitchen. I love to try new recipes and most of the time cooking is relaxing for me.

I cook the same way as Peggy. A main dish and simple veggies & starch sides. Every once in a while I'll do two recipes on a weeknight, but a lot of that depends on how complicated the recipes are.


Leigh

[Ohioan]

Hmmm, I'm not sure what the question is. How can anyone cook without "making recipes"? Even seasoning a hunk of meat and sticking it under the broiler or in a skillet is a "recipe" of sorts. Was the question about new recipes? or about complex dishes? or what?

Anyway, to try to answer a few of the possible questions: I like trying new recipes; I like cooking tried-and-true dishes; I like cooking both (deceptively) simple and complex dishes; I like tinkering with recipes, both other people's and my own; and I like inventing my own recipes. (So which "other" have I left out? )

But when am I "happiest"? Well, when whatever I've made turns out delicious!

Cheers,
Phoebe

[greysangel]

I voted the second. I definitely love making new recipes...I love trying new things and playing around with old stuff. Dh jokes that he likes when I follow a recipe because he can ask for it again and pretty much get the same thing When I "create" something, it's hard for me to recreate it the same way.

The summer is always a lull for me with CL. Lots of seafood, lots of salads, lots of grilling. But I still makes lots of new recipes I'm a little annoyed with the most recent CL because I see yet another turkey lasagna recipe and another pork/peach recipe. We just had a turkey lasagna recipe last month and I feel like the pork/peach we've seen the past 3 or 4 months!

but now I'm off topic

JeAnne

[KristinK]

Originally posted by Ohioan
But when am I "happiest"? Well, when whatever I've made turns out delicious!

Here, here!

I'm too easily stressed out to have to worry about making a new recipe every night, even though I love trying something new. So I often rely on tried-and-trues, especially during the week, and save new recipes for the weekend. Needless to say, I have an overwhelmingly large amount of recipes to try

[Wendy w]

Originally posted by Ohioan

But when am I "happiest"? Well, when whatever I've made turns out delicious!

I am happiest when someone else does the dishes!!


Both of the above statements work for me.

[rissole]

Originally posted by beacooker


Gee, thanks, rissole. And I am sure that CL really loves my idea, too. I will probably start getting hate mail from them.

I thought of that. Seriously, though, magazines are really not out there to simplify your life or even be practical--their goal is (and has to be, I guess) the bottom line.

[rissole]

Originally posted by Gail
I'm not 100 per cent sure what you mean when you say "make recipes." Does that mean try new recipes? The last option, about "cooking simply" confused me. I may try a fraction of the new recipes the majority here try, but I can't say I cook simply.

Well, you have a good question. I meant mainly new recipes, but also any significant recipes in general. For instance, if you've made a recipe for years that is rather time-consuming, that would certainly qualify. My poll wasn't meant to be super-scientific, so naturally there may be "gaps" in the question. Just your best interpretation of the general spirit of the question should suffice.

Originally posted by Ohioan
Hmmm, I'm not sure what the question is. How can anyone cook without "making recipes"? Even seasoning a hunk of meat and sticking it under the broiler or in a skillet is a "recipe" of sorts. Was the question about new recipes? or about complex dishes? or what?

In this poll, seasoning a hunk of meat and sticking it under the broiler wouldn't really qualify as a "recipe." Yes, I mean more the last two that you mentioned.

[rissole]

Originally posted by Gail
With all due respect for those of you on a mad dash to explore and seek out new culinary worlds and civilizations, it's not my style.

Interesting comment, Gail, and your style has now become mine too. That "mad dash" you describe definitely used to be my style, but I guess I've gained a different perspective on both cooking and life in general. The modern world has pretty much become a rat race, and we are inundated with more choices than we could ever hope to try; and all these choices create stress IMO. In both cooking and life as a whole, I'm finding that "slowing down" brings me a whole lot more peace and deep, lasting satisfaction than running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to explore new things. However, it's taken years for me to gain this perspective. And, just like you, I don't look down on anyone else who is enjoying life in the fast line--it's just no longer what I want.