in my kitchen

I like to cook. (maybe you knew this about me already) I enjoy planning, shopping, preparing, creating, and presenting delicious meals to my family. I love finding new dishes that my family raves over, which can be difficult with a family of 6. Another thing I appreciate is slow food. Thirty minute meals aren't really my forte. Give me a two hour chunk of time and a kitchen stocked with quality ingredients, and I'm golden. I relish taking a pile of staples, a few simple veggies, grains or legumes and making a delightful dish. One thing I don't like, however...kitchen help.

Oh, I don't mind helping the kids making cookies, breads, muffins or anything that I plan ahead to make with them. But, they need to be invited. Making the meals, creating the dishes...my territory. The kitchen is my domain, often my only solitude in the course of a busy day, and anyone who dares enter is likely to be greeted with an offer to let them sweep under the table, wipe the table or set the table. These offers do a fairly good job at keeping my kitchen quiet.

{sun-dried tomato & garlic frittata from Once Upon A Tart}

Except Finn, of course, who thinks it's fun to do those things. He also enjoys being my kitchen DJ. His seat on the counter affords him access to the cd player. Tonight he chose this.

I want to let them help me with dinner. I even occasionally try to delegate tasks which I think would keep them largely occupied without much mess or need for precision. But really, I appreciate the process so much more when I'm in the kitchen alone, juggling the various pots, bowls, and skillets in solitude.

Maybe one day I'll start scheduling a day of the week when they can help me, but until then, I want them O-U-T of my kitchen.

I hope you won't think less of me.