Cooking For Fun

Let's face it. Cooking is not what it used to be. It hasn't been too many years since this was totally a woman's province. A red-blooded man would not confess that he cooked even if he did-and few of them did. But like so many things in our world, there has been a complete turnaround in the gender approach to cooking. Many men take great pride in their culinary expertise and show it off at the drop of a hat. It's not uncommon for a couple-man and wife or significant other-to share food preparation duties.

Oh, sure! We've always known about the famous male chefs in some of the best-known upscale restaurants in the country. Even so, it didn't begin to catch on with "regular" men for many years. For one thing, most girls absorbed cooking skills from their mothers, helping in the kitchen when they were growing up. In fact, one of the reasons many men have become so accomplished and creative as cooks is because they weren't forced to do it, like their mothers and sisters were.

When children see their fathers cooking, they are naturally curious and want to follow suit. Also, mothers can encourage them to cook while they are growing up, both the boys and the girls. Children have always played cooking, and there are many reasons for teaching your children to cook:

* It helps them learn about nutrition and eating the right foods.
* It will boost their self esteem. Turning out something that tastes good and everyone enjoys is an ego booster!
* It will bring families together. You may need to be a little more patient and take a little longer getting a meal on the table, but it's worth it.
* They will be more likely to eat it if they make it.
* Just think about all the lessons in science, math, language and other things they learn in the kitchen working with food.
* They learn many life skills.
* They make a contribution to the family.
* They work as part of a team.

If a couple can enjoy cooking together, they probably have a pretty solid marriage. Some couple even remodel their kitchens so that each cook has a side of his or her own. Entertaining guests when both have been involved in the preparation and the hosting adds a dimension to the couple's lives. Try it! You might like it!
*Check out our new & improved website!