Do you enjoy Cooking?

@matlgal (1686)
United States
January 7, 2007 5:07pm CST
I've never enjoyed it until recently. I am now in a place in my life where I can take a little time and experiment with some recipes. I admit to being kinda...hooked on the "Food Network" there are soooooooo many good cooks and great recipes available to choose from. Do you watch cooking shows? Who's your favorite. What's your favorite thing to cook? Dinner? Breakfast?, Dessert? Do you like to follow the recipe exactly or experiment a bit? I count on my sister for the latest and greatest tried and true recipes. She loves to cook and she is always trying new things. Whats your favorite?
13 people like this
142 responses
@sunsham68 (1376)
• India
8 Jan 07
I love cooking and opt to cook rather than eat out most often. I do not generally follow recipes though I use them for motivation. I like collecting them, but somehow, don't get around to using them!
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
sounds like me with Coupons...I clip them out and then never take them to the store when I go. LOL
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Jan 07
I love to cook. We were all boys and my mom didn't learn how to cook until we moved out. So we had to learn.
3 people like this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
WOW!!! good for you! Watch Paula Dean cooki on the food network. Her two son's help her run her restaurant in Savannah, GA. Plus they travel all over the country to find the most fabulous foods. One day they were on the road and wound up in Miami I think it was and I am still drooling over this Chocolate Dipped Keyline Pie place..... Gosh I can't think of the name of it at the moment but they shipped it all over the world!!!! Darn why can't I think of it? I will try to look it up again. But good for you.... Share some recipes with me? Thanks for your post I appreciate your time.
2 people like this
@Khokhonut (702)
• United States
9 Jan 07
I'd have to say that Paula Dean is my favorite on the Food Network :) She is so "down home" and her recipes are 'real', not too gourment. I love to try new recipes. I usually follow the recipe the first time I make it, after that it's fair game LOL Another favorite site of mine is www.allrecipes.com
2 people like this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
9 Jan 07
I knew we had lots in common!. She is the best. Not necessarily the healthiest but certainly the best.! Thanks for your time.... and the response
1 person likes this
@greengal (4286)
• United States
7 Jan 07
Hi, am so pleased to know you are a Food Network fan, coz I'm one too:) I watch Food Netwrok the whole day and I enjoy cooking. My mother is an axcellent cook and she takes cooking classes too. I've learnt a few things from her. Most of my recipes are my mother's. Now that I'm away from home I experiment with different cuisines. In fact I tell my mom a few recipes too.I don't mind cooking any meal. But I stick to recipes esp when they its the first time I'm making it.
2 people like this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Good for you- your going to be a fabulous cook! What a great outlook. It's so nice to have something you enjoy so much. I wish I had more time to devote to it. I appreciate your post thank you.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Jan 07
Yes I remember as a teenager watching cooking shows on tv and getting ideas from them. I enjoy more then one I can't say any of them are favorites. I was watching them way before there was a "Food Network" channel. I have to admit I do like Rachel Ray alittle more then the rest simply because she cooks more like myself I like to make cooking as simple as possible. Quick and easy and tasting good is a talent and I believe Rachel Ray has that however I do like many others.
2 people like this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
I agree that Rachael makes it look so easy. She sure has the knack tp make it quick, healthy amd appetizing!. I also like Giada- Iltalian is a favorite of mine. THanks for sharing, and thanks for your post I appreciate your taking the time.
2 people like this
@libby101 (16)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Truthfully I've always loved to cook, make up new recipes and experiment...I just always hated doing all those dishes when you fix a big meal! Once you eat and are full, you don't feel like washing them...but someone has to do it...right? I love to try to make my own caseroles... I love to alsy fix my own different kinds of chicken...lots of things you can do with chicken! My children love Lasanga..not hard to fix...it's my own recipe...but they love it! I also have my own special recipe for a cake...peanut butter cake...from scratch...very delicous...children love that too! I used to spend a lot of time watching the food network channels...but I am also a full time employee (on salary) so I don't have much time anymore to watch it...I wish I could though...lots of good ideas on there!
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
I would love to get your recipe for the lasagna- I love it but never have attempted to make it. I think Stouffers is really hard to beat LOL. Share if you like. Thanks for your post.
2 people like this
• India
8 Jan 07
Yes I have enjoyed cooking very much.Because cooking is my favorite job.I am cooked very teasty food.My husband and childern's are very happy.So I am very happy.
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Lucky them for having you to cook for them and something you enjoy. Good for you !
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
7 Jan 07
I love to cook. I've loved to cook for years. I experiment and play around with recipes, think up things from scratch and really just have don with it. I mostly like to cook dinner, but that's because I sleep late! ;) I watch a lot of cooking shows and I most like the Barefoot Countessa on the Food Network. I'm actually going to be taking some classes on international cooking in the springs!
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
7 Jan 07
That's Wonderful! I love her too, she is a great cook. I would love to have some oreven one of your favorite tried and true recipes? WHen you get time. Thanks for the response
• India
8 Jan 07
i love to cook indian food....desi food specially punjabi recipies...
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Jan 07
I love to cook cant you tell from my pic:):) Thats one thing my mother made sure that i knew how to do.
2 people like this
@engineous (396)
• Australia
8 Jan 07
Yes, I love cooking. It is also seen by me as a good way to express yourself. Experimenting on recipes is great! Even if you do the same recipe twice; it will never be the same. I love cooking breakfast; but also cooking dinner at night is fun. Cooking for lots of people is really enjoyable, because you get complimented on how well your recipes are; so you can cook even more next time. I loved it when I am asked to prepare for family meals; it means I can don the apron and plan carefully (you must always plan) all my recipes; in case of disaster. Experimenting during a recipe is good because it is not the same boring taste each time. Good luck with your cooking and try not to burn yourself! Have you had any burns?
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Laughingly yes I have had several burns,... still learning not to be impatient with cooking. I tend to be more of a spur of the moment person. I am not a good meal planner. It's what sounds good at the moment. I ca't shop like a Monday, Tuesday Wednesday person. I have to "want" something.... like Oh gosh a Steak and Salad would be great! or wow I really want Italian tonight.... etc. I do enjoy the outcome- Even with the burns. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
@vimaljj (15)
• United States
8 Jan 07
I too have neve renjoye cooking.i didnot know why,but i dont.it will be because of that i am a student.that may be the reason.
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
As a student your time and your funds are usually very limited so that is understandble. When you get older and have more time and a reason more to cook I bet you will. In the meantime concentrate on your studies and get a great career going so you can afford to buy all the best cooking supplies :) Good Luck. Thanks for your response.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
8 Jan 07
i loved to cook... but i love doing desserts... they're soo yummy.. i do experiment a bit when it comes to ingredient. my favorite cook is rachel ray- 30minute meals... sometimes discovery channel and living presents good cooks to i forgot the name of this asian lady who cooks chinese food with a mix of western style
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Diana- thanks for sharing. It appears that Rachael Ray is a very popular gal! My goal this year is to try some experimenting with desserts. I love them but haven't tried to make many. A friend of mine bought me that beautiful Flowel Petal Bundt pan for Xmas and so I need to give it a try, I was thinking a lemon cake with a lemon and orange juice glaze? whaddaya think?
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Jan 07
cooking is a good way to handle with stress and to make family seem closer. Home cooked meals are often better then going to mcdonalds. I love watching the food network, and watching all their creative ideas, and its not hard to come up with some on your own. I've always enjoyed cooking, and since i am pregnant i have wrote down alot of what i see and then later will try to cook it my own way but with the same idea. I wish you luck on your meals and desserts.
2 people like this
@khalablue (309)
• Canada
15 Mar 07
I love to cook. I started learning how when I was about 5 years old. Whenever my mother was cooking I wanted to help. She says I was younger than that, but I really can't remember. One of my fondest memories of my childhood was baking with my great grandmother. She taught me so many things, and not just how to bake, but how to crochet and knit. This lady was a true inspiration and I keep thinking I should write a book about her, but then maybe I will just include it in the book about my mother who was and still is an amazing person. I digress. My husband loves my cooking. The other day I was in a hurry and threw something together and when I served it to him, he said, "This looks good." To which I gave my standard reply, "No guarantees." He said, "You always say that, and you have never had a flop, yet." Isn't that a wonderful compliment?
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
16 Mar 07
Awwwww what a sweet thing to say!. No wonder you enjoy cooking it's very much appreciated. Everyone Benefits, those that get to enjoy the meals and you for getting to have the pleasant memory of being taught how to prepare it. Thank you for sharing that. Kudo's to your Hubby for having the class to compliment you.
• United States
28 Jan 07
I wish I liked cooking. I have this weird irrational fear of fire. I enjoy eating. I enjoy collecting recipes and watching cooking shows. It's the whole fear of fire and burning myself. I watch a lot of Food Network. I watch Iron CHef, Iron Chef America, the Food Network Challanges, Ham On The Street and Ace Of Cakes. My favorites are George of Ham On The Street and Duff of Ace of Cakes. I also watch Top Chef. I think Frank is awesome. I was sorry to see that Sam didn't make it to the final two. I really think he could have beaten the others out.
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
28 Jan 07
it's a shame with all the shows that you invest in that you have the fear of the fire an burning? Maybe a little Hypnotism might be able to get you beyond the fear? Try some simple salads and baking instead of frying to start with? Invest in a couple of those Oven Gloves, and always wear a nice apron. YOU CAN DO IT!! WE ARE WOMAN HEAR US ROAR lol !!!!
19 Jan 07
Some time , my favorite cooking breakfast.
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
19 Jan 07
I Love to eat breakfast but hate cooking it. It seems you have to mess up everything in the kitchen to make breakfast..LOL. My Hubby loves to make big Sunday Country breakfasts..... and HE does mess up the whole kitchen. LOL I always get clean up duty.
@magarboyz (568)
• Nepal
8 Jan 07
i enjoy cooking but i dont know how to cook...well i only make a tea ,omlet and toast the bread...
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
well watch the foodnetwork and go on the website all the recipes are there..... take some classes if it interests you. Start simple and buy great cookware to start off with that helps alot.
• United States
8 Jan 07
I enjoy it myself. I used to be one of those dudes who believed that when I get married my wife is the one who's gonna do all the cooking, but heck, that's no fun at all. I learned it, I enjoy it, I enjoy making my own personalized dishes. Heck, it's an art form, really. My favorite thing to cook? So far, I'm going to have to go with any form of pasta, or burgers. I haven't begun to master the fine art of steak yet, and once I start working on it, I know I'm going to have a VERY fun time.
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Well good for you and there is nothing wrong with a 2-butt kitchen, work as a team and have fun cooking together, you can have your own cook-off.! Good for you... suprise her with your newest creation. Thanks for your input.
@hiitssomu (657)
• United States
8 Jan 07
i love cooking. no one teach me how to cook. u know my mom is very good cook and she can make everything so nice that you will not forget the taste of that in years time. but when i was in home i never been in kitchen. due to college first i left my home and went to a place which was far away from our house. there we started staying few friends together on sharing basis. we hired a cook (obviously the place is not US :-)). but u know he always took off whithout even letting us know. sometimes we waited till our lunch time and he didn't turn around! then we started making food with hungry stomach! that was the begnning of my cooking. i love food, so how to make food tasty is my inherent. i do see lots f recipe, but always try to give some of my own. sometime they turn around good, sometimes bad. i even try to mix two recipe and come up witha new one. i got few success too in that way, which are very own special recipe. sometimes i change the main ingredient of a recipe and use that with a different main ingredient and that can give me a new recipe too. I am in a other country, so i am not going to tell you whose cooking show i watch, because it will not make any sense to you. nice writing to you. happy cooking!
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Well sometimes as we say here "Baptism by fire" when you have to learn you learn. It takes time and you will make some great dishes and have some NOT so good too, but the fact that you tried is what counts.
• Philippines
8 Jan 07
i love cooking! im dreaming of having my own resto someday. :) im working on it! goodluck for me!! i love italian and japanese cruisine. :)
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
Oh wonderful!!!! what are your specialties. I hope you make it. I would love to come in and sample?
@hh9905 (1275)
• Malaysia
8 Jan 07
Yes, I do. My favourite dish would be spaghetti and quiche. Oh ya, and also hot stuffs such as black-pepper-based food. While my husband enjoys eating almost everything that i cooked, so it motivates me even more.
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
yummy !!! sounds like a great dish!
• China
8 Jan 07
I like cooking but I am not so good at it... i like to cook on saturday and sunday because I have enough time to explore the receipes on the cooking books and from the Internet.. I think cooking is art which needs time to be perfected.. I don't usually watch Cooking Shows on TV because I watch TV only for sports...
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
8 Jan 07
sounds like you need to watch a couple of the "Iron Chef" competitions that they show on the Cooking channel now, you would like it. I bet.