Eating out has become both a necessity (you have to feed your family) and sport (you have to keep up with Jones) in America, but so has cooking at home. There are weekend warrior cooks like Seattle-based Quynh Nguyen of Nha22.com, who told me that she's been working her way through Thomas Keller's amazing Ad Hoc cookbook and hosting weekly dinner parties. I head to my kitchen for many reasons, some of them visceral and others practical. Last year, food writer, cookbook author and acclaimed blogger Amy Sherman popped this question: Why do you cook, Andrea?
For months, I went about mulling over my responses, jotting down notes in a small spiral notebook. Over the weekend, I gathered them all up and sent them to Amy, who published my 13 reasons here:
Why do YOU cook, Andrea Nguyen? (on CookingwithAmy)
Take a read and share your reasons on why you cook. If you don't cook, tell us about why you don't! There's no shame in not cooking. Being a good eater is mighty fine too.
Amy has invited a number of food people to contribute to that series on her blog. Also check out what Michael Ruhlman and Judy Witts Francini has to say about why they cook.
Stephan Kieu says
I cook because I like to eat well and cooking is another way for me to relax.
Jai says
Why do I cook?
- to experience the pleasures that these two hands and mind can produce.
- to explore the cultural diversity of cuisines around the world.
- for health (I like to know what I'm eating).
- the skill and discipline involved helps in other areas of life
- the zen-like state that cooking puts me in.
- I LIKE TO EAT!!!!!!
Mary says
-I like to feed people; I *love* to feed my husband and kids
-I enjoy exploring the cultures in my own family (Irish, Italian-American, Vietnamese) and learning about new ones
-I love to go from start to finish on a project in a few hours or days (my professional projects take years)
-I love to learn, whether it's a new technique, a new recipe, or all about the history of cinnamon
Tuyet N. says
Why do I cook?
-I love to cook for my boyfriend. I love seeing his expression when he takes his first bite.
-I like to learn new ways to prepare chicken, fish, beef, pork, etc by experimenting with different spices, sauces and ingredients.
-I like to educate myself about the culinary world and the best way to do that is to cook food from all origins.
Patti Taylor says
I cook because my taste buds veer from a good hamburger to pho in under 1 day.
I cook because I'm trying to control the chemicals, preservatives and bad stuff my family eats.
I cook because people live it and I love the adoration.
I cook because it's therapy...I can chop with my knife, punch dough and never go to jail.
I cook because I love learning about a culture at the very basic level of food and I can't afford to travel everywhere I'm interested in.
I cook because I've been called to do it (since I was 6 or younger), sort of like it's my destiny.
I cook because it makes people feel good.
I cook because i'm trying to get healthier and I need to control my food.
I cook because I love to shop at farmers markets, try new things and eat as organically as possible.
I cook because I love food!!!!
Patti Taylor says
I forgot one more, I cook so I can meet my food idols and friends like Andrea.
Khatiya Korner says
I cook because
-I'm broke and I want to save money
-I want to challenge myself to new creations, or recreate from my sense after tasting it at a restaurant
-I want to prove my Mother that I can cook and not rely on burgers and fast food
-cooking is my way to relieve stress
-the feeling of satisfaction at the end is so awesome, I give myself a pat on the back
Jessica Summers says
I cook because it makes sense health-wise, palate-wise, and wallet-wise.
I cook because I was tired of dining out and thinking, "How can I do that?"
I cook because I live with my Italian boyfriend, and he's had 30 years of her amazing cooking.
I cook because my mom never taught me how to, and I'm jealous of those who have bonded with family members over the stove. I can't wait to share with my children someday.
I cook because I'm a firm believer that one finds more value in something you created yourself and would like to bring this sentiment back to my generation.
Helen says
I cook because:
-I associate certain memories with food and like to re-live them once in a while.
-My Husband does CrossFit and I like to support him by cooking tasty healthy food.
-I enjoy how food brings people together.
-My Grandmother was an amazing cook and I would be sad if someone wasn't making what she use to make.
Von says
I cook because:
1) There's nothing like the smell of food cooking in the kitchen to make a house feel like home.
2) Because it is a creative outlet.
3) Because I like to know what goes into my food.
4) It is fun to feed my family and friends.
Andrea Nguyen says
Thank you everyone for championing home cooking and revealing your mojo. It gives me an ultra warm and fuzzy feeling and conjures up so many wonderful savors.
One of the great things about cooking is feeding other people. I often think... what can I make for so-and-so that will tickle their fancy? When they take a bite and smile, I'm tickled right back!
m3 real karte says
Hello
I like to cook and create new recipe.I always try to create something new recipe.I cook because I like it very much..My mother always says that cooking is one type of art and I am learning that art.Thanks..
chris says
Because life is too short not to cook.
van says
I enjoy cooking when I need an outlet for my energy. It's baking that relaxes me. It's science, art, and luck sometimes. When I don't know what to cook for dinner, I start by making dessert first, then dinner kind of just follows.
Novi says
I cook because it makes me feel good. It relaxes me because when I'm cooking I think of what I'm making and nothing else. I focus on the taste and how it looks, it's enjoyable, yes I enjoy cooking. I am taking care of my husband and myself, I am showing some love. I get to make different things, the variety somehow gets me going and I feel more satisfied than eating out which costs more, food is sometimes made poorly and therefore feels empty.
Diane says
I cook because:
- If I eat out too often, I feel like I am living a fake life. Cooking centers and grounds me.
- To save money - it's far more frugal to cook from scratch than either eat out or buy prepared food. Home-made stock vs. boxes anyone?
- I like learning about traditional food ingredients and techniques. I feel a continuity with all who came before me when I do it.
- Some things I simply cannot get (or not get made well) where I live (I make better Thai curries than you can get anywhere).
- It's my entertainment
Leslie says
i love to cook because it relaxes me -- and when my work gets really stressful, you can imagine how much food we have around our house!
cbien says
I cook because:
-It is my hobby.
-I adore my heritage and feel the best way to keep traditions alive is through cooking.
-It allows me to bond with my mom (especially when I have to call her and ask her for tips on how to make some viet dish).
-I like to share what I love with other people.
-Because I crave a simple bowl of jasmine rice.
-Allows me to control what I put into my body.
Sherry says
I like cook because I grew up in my grandmother kitchen and she was agreat cook, beacuse of the warmth of the kitchen, and the smells that takes me back to my childhood.
I cook because it relaxes me, I like to hear how good of a cook I am (sometimes I am not), and because I love to eat good food.