Department of Irreproducible results
When your husband is a better cook
The familiar statements swirled around me during a small dinner party for friends: “You are so lucky to have a husband who is such a good cook!” “My husband can barely boil water!” and so on. I have been used to this for over two decades, and people like to see only the surface. Our romance blossomed in college over his tasty chole (chickpeas) when I could only cook an omelet.
Little do my friends know that we have a family joke that if his creation fails, we end up at Taco Bell!
The ladies always flock to my husband after dinner, eager to snag his recipes. He truly is an exceptional cook! But they don’t know that his culinary creations are a bit like magic – once conjured, they rarely appear the same way twice. One night, he might whip up a dish that’s nothing short of revolutionary, and the next, well… it’s a return to the comforts of Taco Bell! Each meal is an exciting gamble, a thrilling adventure in the kitchen.
How to deal with the background cooking chaos
I have come to accept the craziness typical of creative cooks over the years.
• Do not argue with his choice of cooking vessels and spatulas
- Give in to his demands to run multiple times to the grocery store to get the exact ingredients
• Learn to cut the ingredients exactly how he wants; no shortcuts allowed
• Be prepared for every single spoon to be used while cooking and tossed into the sink
• All kinds of spices and herbs will be scattered on the table
• Once prep work has been completed, listen in and nod appropriately when he repeats how even the method of stirring is important
• Try not to laugh at how salt is sprinkled (hubby has some unique ways!)
• More spoons go to the sink as the dish is tasted. IGNORE!
Clean up time
- Swiftly seize the opportunity to tidy up the chaos while he enjoys his well-deserved break.
• Arrange the dishes beautifully for our guests to enjoy!
Once the guests have appreciated the food, I have learned that it is best to get the recipe as soon as possible because hubby will tweak some ingredients the next time around. This ensures that he doesn’t run the department of irreproducible results.
Dessert queen
• I am, however, the dessert queen (my daughter snatched my crown recently)
There’s something truly delightful about preparing my favorite dessert time and again. Each repetition is a joyful experience that banishes any worries of disappointing results. When a craving strikes, I take comfort in knowing exactly what to do to satisfy my sweet tooth!
One interesting thing that has come about with his passion for cooking is that both of our kids love to cook and are pretty creative. God help their future spouses!
How many of you can relate to me? I love my husband’s cooking, but I have become quite a good cook because of him, and everyday cooking is a pleasure. It makes for a good bonding over cooking, although it’s peppered with arguments!
