LUCY BURDETTE: To follow up on yesterday’s food blog, I was chatting with my friend Paulette this week about how making supper every night can sometimes feel unending. What do I make? Do I have the ingredients? Will there be leftovers? Has the chicken broth on the bottom shelf gone bad? I can spend lots of time reading recipes, and still have no ideas.
When John and I joined forces in 1992, he came to the marriage with two children. (I came with two cats.) He was relieved to give over the task of cooking meals to me. His go-to meal had been overcooked hamburgers (aka hockey pucks), served with peas and carrots, and Rice-a-Roni. I had learned from my mother that after spending the day working and coming home to a hungry, loud family, it’s easier to do the work yourself. At the same time, it could be annoying to have people shouting from their places in the next room (in front of the TV): “What’s for dinner??” John and I negotiated a solution. No one could ask that question without adding “and how may I help?” (I think the only one who retained that is John.) I’m looking forward to seeing the whole family in early January, and cooking with my son-in-law. Isn’t it always more fun with another cook in the kitchen?
Reds, who’s the cook in your house? Are you ever stumped by what’s for dinner?
HALLIE EPHRON: My husband would have cooked if I’d let him. My problem is that I like to eat things cooked the way I like to cook them. He’d be off experimenting with rice and cinnamon cooked in the style of some exotic locale and I’d be wanting fried chicken and salad with homemade blue cheese dressing. He was, however, a fabulous fabulous eater who encouraged me as a chef and loved whatever I made, even if I didn’t.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: Oh, I'm the cook. My hubby's "How may I help?" is "Do you want me to pick up something?" I don't know what he ate when he was single. Beans and franks from a tin, mostly. In a real pinch, he can manage spaghetti. As much as I like to cook, I often feel overwhelmed by the prospect of what to make for the week. And I always bail for takeout by Friday night!
My daughter and son-in-law both cook, however, so it's great fun when we get together in the kitchen.
LUCY: This reminds me Debs, our son was visiting his in-laws this summer and someone suggested they could make one of my recipes. He persuaded them to try hot dog casserole. HDC, the kids called it. So embarrassing!
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Pre-me, as we always joke, Jonathan ate what he calls “expired pasta.”
Now, oh, I cook. Well, specifically, I cook dinner and Sunday breakfast. We make our own weekly breakfasts, and Jonathan makes lunch. (WHOA. Yes, it is a joy, and we always have the same thing, (another blog), and he does not do it the way I could do it, but who cares, it tastes the same and I am in heaven. It is totally room service.)
As for dinner, it’s just easier if I do it. I absolutely adore him, but I know you will understand that if I asked him: could you chop the zucchini for me?
He says: How, how many, where are they, where’s the knife, can you move over so I can stand there, where’s the cutting board, is this right, is this enough, where should I put them now?
By that time, dear friends, I could have done it myself.
RHYS BOWEN: Oh boy, does that sound like someone I know. I suspect it’s calculated so that I end up saying don’t bother. John does cook, occasionally. He makes breakfast—sardines every day, and tea and coffee. He’s good at curries but he dirties every single utensil and bowl!
One thing that drives me crazy is being asked, “what had you planned for dinner tonight?”
Answer: “I don’t know. What do you suggest?”
I don’t actually mind the cooking. It’s the thinking and planning I dislike
After 50 years of cooking I’d really like a meal to be placed in front of me. I’m tempted to get a personal chef!
HANK: Rhys! DO it! We would LOVE to hear about it! Sigh.
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: After twenty-some years raising a family of three kids plus Ross, the phrase most likely to set me off is, “What’s for dinner?” I don’t know, suggest something!
When I met Ross, he existed on restaurant meals and Campbell’s soup, which he made, sequentially, in the same pot. Without washing it between meals! He said it added savor. I think it added botulism. Somewhere about fifteen years into marriage, however, he got into cooking. He had six or seven specialties and would make those to the kids’ delight and my gratitude.
Our daughters have split our original stances - the Maine Millennial maybe knows how to boil water? I’ve never seen it, if so. Meanwhile, Youngest is already enjoying cooking with her bf in their apartment, so she got my mother’s cookware when I cleaned out my parents’ house.
And Rhys, you have my vote for personal chef. I used to fantasize about having a housekeeper-cook when the kids were all at home, like in so many TV shows from the 50s and 60s. Of course, that was usually just for the single father…
JENN McKINLAY: I was the main cook for 20 years and then COVID hit and Hub was working at home. He offered to take on the task and I let him! I have only cooked once or twice since March of 2020 and even though he went back to work, I decided to let him keep that task and the grocery shopping that goes with it. I have tapped out. I might assist occasionally but otherwise, nope, nope, nope. I do not enjoy cooking (except for baking because...cake), and he actually likes it (weirdo), so here we are. I never ask what we’re eating. I don’t care. If Hub has a gig, which he does a couple of times per week, I eat popcorn and call it a meal. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever cook again. Sorry not sorry.
How about you Reds? What's for dinner and how may we help?
