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Post by travelscrapper on Jul 22, 2014 22:18:12 GMT
I LOVE reading what's for dinner every night and I LOVE the threads about cooking. I wish I was a cook. I would like to cook and I would like to stop eating out but we just can't get over that hump.
When DH and I got married we lived overseas in Saudi and I had a decent size kitchen--just no desire to cook as it was expensive & cheaper to eat out at the compound dining hall.
When we moved back to the US we moved into a place w/a really small kitchen--the only counter space I have is an 18 inch cabinet ---I have NO room to cook it's a joke. DH and I also work opposite schedules and no kids, so I have no desire to cook for 1.
How do I find my MOJO 
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joelise
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,649 
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Post by joelise on Jul 22, 2014 22:26:01 GMT
I used to feel like you. I spent a lot of time with a friend that cooked and I realise that having the correct equipment made a big difference. It's so much nicer to slice things with a decent knife, have a good pan etc etc. 15 years ago I always used packets/jars/frozen ready made meals. I never do now, 95% of my meals are fresh!
ETA to add, I also learnt that it was OK to cook a meal for myself and freeze half
for my partner. And I've cooked in very small kitchens, the best way to cope is to be organised! Unless you have a pet use all surfaces!
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Post by lightetc on Jul 22, 2014 22:29:36 GMT
I hear you on the small kitchen. I really enjoy cooking at a friend's house in their big kitchen but in mine it's just frustrating - and then I have to wash up.
But I made sure I have a sharp knife I'm comfortable using, I created more bench space on top of a cheap set of shelves and I stick to one pot meals like stews and stirfrys.
On the cooking for one - I cook for four then have leftovers for 2 lunches and the next night.
Good luck!
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Post by travelscrapper on Jul 22, 2014 22:57:07 GMT
I have the tools---I have great wusthoff knives, good stainless pots, as well as non-stick pans. I have a food processor / kitchen aid mixer. All I need it the room. sigh.
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,943
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Jul 22, 2014 22:59:10 GMT
I love to eat, so I have to love to cook! LOL  |
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Post by anxiousmom on Jul 22, 2014 23:06:58 GMT
I think it is like a habit. The more you do it, the more you get used to doing it, you know? Also, have realistic expectations. Know that even those of us who like to cook have certain foods or even categories of foods that we don't enjoy cooking. For example, I love to bake. I love making all kinds of cakes and cookies and muffins...but I don't particularly enjoy making bread. In fact, I just don't do it. I love to cook, but I absolutely suck when it comes to roasting things-be it chickens or veggies. Something always seems to go wrong. LOL And don't get me started on my rice making skills.  So part of the liking to cook equation (at least to me) is to not be afraid to try and fail. No one gets it right all the time. I have had the most spectacular failures that have become legendary in our family. Start small, learn one technique until it becomes comfortable. Then something else. Keep adding in new things until it is a habit. And again, don't get discouraged if something is so bad you have to throw it away and order pizza. That is SO normal and not something to be even a little bit embarrassed by. |
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joelise
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,649
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Post by joelise on Jul 22, 2014 23:12:00 GMT
I'd love more room, my small work space is annoying. But it really is worth the effort! Have your bin close by, get rid of any waste straight away. Always have a washing up bowl full of hot soapy water to wash as you go.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 13:13:34 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2014 23:14:12 GMT
If you don't have the space and the tools, you can't. Don't be unreasonable with yourself! That's not true. I started teaching myself to cook when I was just out of college and I had a TINY kitchen and subpar tools. I still learned and grew to love it - and cooked some damn fine meals in those circumstances. Is it *easier* now, with plenty of space and good tools? Absolutely. But if you want to make it work in less than optimal conditions, you can. I think finding your mojo is about finding the desire. When I feel like I'm in a cooking rut, I challenge myself to try something new. Whether that's a new ingredient or a new cooking style, I try something different and it usually gets my creative cooking juices flowing. |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jul 22, 2014 23:18:18 GMT
My problem is motivation. I seem to prepare the same things on a rotating schedule. It's so much effort, for me, to plan what we're going to have, buy all the ingredients and prepare the meal. My DH and DS love what I cook (especially in the winter when I make gumbos and soups) but I wish I could get more inspired.
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Post by ShesaRenegade on Jul 22, 2014 23:18:41 GMT
Have you thought about an over-the-sink cutting board? It might increase your working space a little bit. Here's a link for some examples. Over-the-sink cutting board |
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MaryC
Full Member
Posts: 213
Jun 25, 2014 21:52:55 GMT
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Post by MaryC on Jul 22, 2014 23:22:28 GMT
When we had a small kitchen, I used a cart on wheels for extra space. I could put in a corner when I wasn't using it, and drag it close to the stove when I needed it. An ironing board, a folding card table, anything sturdy can be used for a little extra workspace.
Start small. Think of a favorite dish from your childhood that you would like to recreate. There are websites and cookbooks about cooking for one or two that have small quantity recipes. If you have a freezer you can cook in larger quantities and freeze for later.
If there's an adult learning center or community center in your area, they may offer free or low cost cooking classes. Learning something in a group can be more motivating than trying to learn by yourself. Or you could have a dinner club with a friend and take turns trying new recipes and techniques.
I grew up cooking - my mom insisted that all of us learn to cook, so I've been cooking since I was old enough to climb up on a stepstool to reach the counter, but there's always something new to learn. That's part of what I enjoy about cooking - if you get tired of the same old foods, there are always new recipes, foods and cuisines to try. I always wanted to visit Thailand - taking a Thai cooking class was the next best thing.
The biggest thing is to let go of the fear that a dish won't turn out right, and learn from the inevitable mistakes.
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Post by Suziee2 on Jul 22, 2014 23:23:40 GMT
Have you thought about an over-the-sink cutting board? It might increase your working space a little bit. Here's a link for some examples. Over-the-sink cutting boardI was going to suggest the same thing. Had one for our camper years ago and also one for over the stove. Helped a bunch. |
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
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Post by raindancer on Jul 22, 2014 23:26:55 GMT
I have no idea. I have a large kitchen, and lots of great kitchen tools, but I still hate it. My dh is the cook in our home, he loves to be in there. It works. I am so thankful someone likes it.  |
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jul 23, 2014 0:18:31 GMT
I was curious about cooking at an early age and used to beg to be allowed to help in the kitchen. I liked learning to cook. Over the years, that waxed and waned though. There were times I'd be really into cooking and other times that the whole process was more of a chore. Especially when the kids were little and so picky. And my first husband had way too many things he wouldn't eat or certain foods that had to be served together. Gah. It sucked all the fun right out of it.
But as more time has gone by, I have really developed an abiding love for cooking. The more I've learned and the more skills I've developed, the more I enjoy it. I love finding an intriguing recipe or deciding to recreate a new dish we had at a restaurant. There's virtually no meal I won't tackle in the kitchen now. Plus it helps that my husband now loves to cook, too. We have the best time being adventurous with food and having family and friends over to share in our discoveries.
I think the thing is --- maybe you just need to start. Pick a few nights a week that you will cook and just dive in. Don't make excuses (size of kitchen, cooking for one, or whatever else). Just make something. You can't develop a love for cooking if you never cook. KWIM?
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jul 23, 2014 0:31:33 GMT
To address your lack of space issues, you can also buy or make a cover for your stove. If you're going to be making something cold, or will only be using a crock pot or microwave, it can give you some more work space.
Do you have a kitchen table ? Can you trade it in for a counter height one that uses bar stools instead?
Can you re-purpose an old dresser or bookshelf ?
As for the mojo, I only enjoy cooking if I'm around someone who enjoys eating. DH gives me no inspiration. To him, food is food. One of my DDs on the other hand is great at firing my creativity. I just hate cleaning up the mess afterward.
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akathy
What's For Dinner?
Still peaing from Podunk!
Posts: 4,546
Location: North Dakota
Jun 25, 2014 22:56:55 GMT
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Post by akathy on Jul 23, 2014 0:32:51 GMT
I don't know if you can find it. I think it's more of a talent that's there but like all things, it has to be nurtured. You're never going to be able to cook anything unless you get into the kitchen and cook. I read cooking magazines, cook books, watch Food Network and check out recipes on the internet. I didn't know how to cook in 1972 when I got married but learned because we couldn't afford to eat out. Bless my late DH's soul, he ate anything I put in front of him  so I wasn't afraid to experiment. I found I loved cooking and sharing my efforts with loved ones. I don't have any problems with finding inspiration, I just don't have anyone to cook for on a regular basis anymore. I hate that but I try to find someone to share with when the cooking urge strikes. Good of luck, remember Just Do It! |
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Post by papersilly on Jul 23, 2014 0:45:18 GMT
I love to eat, so I have to love to cook! LOL Me too. I also like cooking because i get a sense of accomplishment when the finished product tastes good and I or other people enjoy it. |
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Post by katiekaty on Jul 23, 2014 0:53:39 GMT
I have always loved to cook but slacked off for a few years. I seriously got really interested when we all got addicted to cooking shows a few years ago and then Pinterest came into being. There is always something new and fun to try on Pinterest that will usually turn out well enough to eat, whether it becomes a favorite or not. Makes dinner time interesting, family has become more involved in cooking or visiting during cooking and we are eating together more. Plus, we are trying lots of new things we would not have thought to try before. Most of the dishes we try don't take long to prepare and we are eating within an hour of starting prep. Makes it easier to "love cooking".
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mlana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523
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Post by mlana on Jul 23, 2014 0:57:54 GMT
Do you have a dining room or a living room near the kitchen? You can use the dining room table for prep or even use an ironing board in either room as additional counter space. A large cutting board can be set over the sink to provide extra room. Try thinking outside the box. Just because something is meant to be used one way doesn't mean you can't use it for what you need.
In my previous kitchen I had a portable island that I could move in front of the sink when I was ready to prep and then move back into a closet when I was done. It wasn't very big, but it allowed me to keep a lot of my tools in one place and near at hand when I started cooking.
As for mojo, find a cook book you really like and start cooking from it. I really like Rachel Rays's "Just in Time" cookbook because the recipes are organized by how long they take to cook, including prep time. I found it very helpful when I was trying to determine how fast I should be doing certain tasks and it made it easier for me to figure out how long recipes from other books would actually take me to make. DH and I also like to watch movies that feature food, then try to recreate the meal at home. It's a little cheesy, maybe, but a lot of fun.
Marcy
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Post by monklady123 on Jul 23, 2014 1:04:36 GMT
Don't look to me for any advice, I hate to cook.  |
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Post by travelscrapper on Jul 23, 2014 1:08:28 GMT
These are great posts---I know how to cook and can cook---just need to get the MOJO back. Our dining room is not near our kitchen--if it was it would be perfect--but it's up towards the front of the house & too much hassle to drag things back & forth. During the holidays when I cook I bring out a small folding table and work with that--it's pretty funny things start to get stacked all over the place--even the bedroom which is right off the kitchen. There daily dread of trying to "prepare" and cook in the same space overwhelms me in our tiny kitchen. I also think if we worked regular hours and had kids I would feel the need / urge to cook as well.
I will buy and freeze onions / green peppers / cook ground beef and ground turkey in batches so that it's easier to throw together a casserole.
sigh--just need a good rest and to find my mojo again and get back in the kitchen.
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Post by darkchami on Jul 23, 2014 1:12:26 GMT
I have no idea. I have a large kitchen, and lots of great kitchen tools, but I still hate it. My dh is the cook in our home, he loves to be in there. It works. I am so thankful someone likes it. This is exactly how my problem was solved as well. My husband really enjoys cooking. I did the cooking when we were first together, but I am terrible. No passion for it at all. He took over in the kitchen and found he had a real talent. |
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so I wasn't afraid to experiment. I found I loved cooking and sharing my efforts with loved ones. I don't have any problems with finding inspiration, I just don't have anyone to cook for on a regular basis anymore. I hate that but I try to find someone to share with when the cooking urge strikes. 
