Since being widowed, my cooking standards have deteriorated significantly. Even that is not the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but, etc. I used to be a really good cook, but after the end of my first marriage, the rot set in. Cooking for one person cramps the style.
And when I remarried, the standard and the achievement fell well below what it had been. My first husband was by no means love's young dream, but at least he appreciated the food. And in the years between divorce and remarriage, my standards declined. Cooking for oneself leads to decline of standards. It hardly seemed worthwhile to cook up a storm for oneself.
When Dr P appeared on the scene, it quickly became apparent that he was no gourmet. Accustomed to fending for himself, he was a ham cheese and eggs man, interspersed by occasional Chinese meals - usually an omelette, or sometimes a curry. Not vegetables, though. He was an extremely fussy eater, but was happy to fend for himself, and did not expect meals to be provided.
Once we moved in together, I had this wifely urge to do the cooking. It was neither expected or demanded, but eventually we worked out how to eat together. But my cooking standard declined, and now I am no longer the cook I was. Which is a pity.
Now, four years after Dr P's death, my standards have not risen very much. I have adopted easy solutions. Besides which, I worry about setting off the smoke alarms, which frighten me fearfully. Yes, I am a real sook. And my social life is minimal.
A couple of days ago, friends came for lunch, and I cooked up a storm. And thoroughly enjoyed it. And managed it efficiently. Nor did I burn or ruin anything. Lunch was good. and there were leftovers. Very nice too.
Perhaps all is not lost. I may yet recover both my competence and enthusiasm.
And when I remarried, the standard and the achievement fell well below what it had been. My first husband was by no means love's young dream, but at least he appreciated the food. And in the years between divorce and remarriage, my standards declined. Cooking for oneself leads to decline of standards. It hardly seemed worthwhile to cook up a storm for oneself.
When Dr P appeared on the scene, it quickly became apparent that he was no gourmet. Accustomed to fending for himself, he was a ham cheese and eggs man, interspersed by occasional Chinese meals - usually an omelette, or sometimes a curry. Not vegetables, though. He was an extremely fussy eater, but was happy to fend for himself, and did not expect meals to be provided.
Once we moved in together, I had this wifely urge to do the cooking. It was neither expected or demanded, but eventually we worked out how to eat together. But my cooking standard declined, and now I am no longer the cook I was. Which is a pity.
Now, four years after Dr P's death, my standards have not risen very much. I have adopted easy solutions. Besides which, I worry about setting off the smoke alarms, which frighten me fearfully. Yes, I am a real sook. And my social life is minimal.
A couple of days ago, friends came for lunch, and I cooked up a storm. And thoroughly enjoyed it. And managed it efficiently. Nor did I burn or ruin anything. Lunch was good. and there were leftovers. Very nice too.
Perhaps all is not lost. I may yet recover both my competence and enthusiasm.
5 comments:
I hope you do.
My partner and I eat very differently. He eats as few vegetables as he can. I am a vegetarian.
I cook for him and for me. He cooks for him. And you are right about the easy solutions.
I have started putting more effort and flair into my cooking for one meals. And it pays dividends. Which I need to remember.
Try to enjoy cooking for yourself. Think of all the things you really enjoy and enjoy them by yourself.
I cook up huge storms for family and friends, but I enjoy the solo events as well. I usually cook up enough for two meals and freeze one of them. Then I have a series of surprises as I generally forget to label things!
I think that in an overcrowded market there is such room for a "cooking for one" or "cooking for two" book: I'd certainly buy them. Cooking bores me, but eating rather does as well.
I'd be so interested to know what (kind of things) both IP and RR whip up for visitors. I make the effort for visitors and am pleased by their pleasure. And pleased that I don't have to do it again for a while.
I made baba ghanouj, spinach soup, ham, potato and cheese gratin, followed by poached quinces and apples, and cheese and biscuits. Ordinary meals are usually one very simple course, such as a ham jaffle.
Sounds interesting as well as delicious, IP. Thank you.
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