Kitchen Confidential

The theme of this week's Sunday Scribblings is "In the Kitchen".

In my past life I was a married carnivore. Strange as it sounds, sometimes I miss cooking meat. I made great pork chops and pot roasts. I made fantastic chicken casserole. These were simple but savory foods that I cooked slowly, simmering the flavors together. I loved the way the food smell permeated the house. I loved sharing the food with someone else who appreciated it.

These days, J does most of the cooking when we spend time together. While I'm a good cook, he's a fantastic cook and has all the kitchen utensils and gadgets to make anything. He also has the same basic taste in food that I do. He likes savory foods more than sweet and is good at combining flavors. He isn't afraid of spice and everything is always fresh and organic including the herbs and spices. When he cooks for me, it turns me on. It makes me feel nourished and cared for. Plus food is sensual.

I don't cook much when J isn't around because it isn't much fun to cook for myself but I am particular about food. With the exception of pizza, I don't eat fast food. I don't like chain restaurants. I like my vegetables al dente. And my pasta should be al dente as well. I don't like herbs that come out of a jar, they need to be fresh. With the exception of Romaine hearts, I don't eat salad out of a bag. I occasionally eat fish but when I buy tuna, it doesn't come in a $2 can. It has to be line caught, packed on the boat and from the Northwest.

Even though I'm particular, I haven't met a fruit or vegetable I didn't like. I'm not afraid to try new things. I just like things cooked a certain way and I don't like to scrimp when it comes to food. Food is a necessity and a pleasure.