When I cook, I can't stand to have anyone in the kitchen with me. It is my solice and retreat from life and all it's worries and troubles!

Give me 4 walls, a stove and some countertops, and a door that locks out the rest of the world!!! Heaven.

Yesterday, my family was asked to prepare 4 casseroles for a funeral on Monday (my sisters father-in-law passed). Mother chose the casseroles, and I prepared them. I love to cook like this... BIG! Lots of things happening at once.

My sister and mother kept trying to help me. I kept trying to shoo them out.

Then my other sister showed up and started cooking the meal for the family's dinner last night.

At one time, there were 4 cooks in Mothers Kitchen. I wanted to scream - GET OUT!! GET OUT!!!!!!! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS EATEN -- GET OUT!!!!!!!!!

But I didn't.

I like to cook alone. Sometimes that isn't always possible.

JJT

LOL....I can so relate!

I attended culinary school 10 years ago (now J, THAT was heaven--all that fun stuff to work with!), and was constantly having to "share" my workspace (and tools, etc.) with others. Ever since then, I can't DEAL with anyone standing behind, next to, or anywhere near me when I'm cooking! I need room to create, people! LOL!

Lots of people, when in the process of buying a house, will ask, "How many bedrooms? How much storage space? Are the bedrooms good size?" Not me.....I head for the kitchen first. Does it have enough counter space? Are there LOTS of cupboards and drawers, for all my gazillion gadgets, bakeware, serving dishes and appliances? If so, then I'm golden....the rest can be dealt with later. LOL!!!

People know exactly how I feel about them, when I cook for them. They know it's something I only do for those I truly love. After years in the food industry, and the subsequent "burnout", I no longer cook "big" (besides, there hasn't been a man in need of a meal around my house in a long time, LOL)....but still love to whip up that special dish for a loved one.

I am really suffering right now, as my kitchen is empty and getting prepped to be painted. I am surviviing on Lean Cuisine and prebagged salad (bleaaaaah), eaten on paper plates (how chic). My entire culinary stash is stored in the garage, just waiting to make its grand entrance, LOL!

Susan,
LONGING for her own cooking!

I was just thinking about this in the last couple of days. I loathe having anyone in the kitchen- too much of a distraction. Someone comes in unannounced and inevitably I end up burning myself or forgetting where I was. I have such poor eyesight I really need to concentrate. I like the time to just think too-have thought through a lot of problems while cooking.When I watch the cooking shows and the hosts are cooking in front of an audience and actually seem to be enjoying it I am in awe and feel as if I must have some horrible personality flaw -so nice knowing I am not alone!:)

Solitary. I want to have complete control over the kitchen. Please don't get in my way. :p Now that I'm alone till my hubby comes home I don't cook very often. I miss it....

Umm... Social?

I can't make crap, (well, I CAN make that), so it does't matter if there is someone in the kitchen or not. However, Sam cooks, and he does it alone. He hates when I'm in there, messing it up.

Go figure. I buy all the pots, tools, applicance, but I never use them. Thank-god for Sam!

oh MY...my kitchen is a circus....i love to have company...the more the merrier.....my kitchen is not large...but there can be 3 or 4 in it without being crowded....for instance....i was at the stove mashing potatoes....dad was making his "famous" salad....sis was getting dishes to set the table and my friend was microwaving her artochoke dip...." ALL HANDS ON DECK"!!!!!!

Well, as most of you know, I don't cook, my roomy does. I don't even know if he's a social cook or not, cause I NEVER go and propose to help him out. I hardly know where's the kitchen anyway. :D

Phil