The Insecure Cook
The original name for this blog before I decided on Stacey Snacks was The Insecure Cook.
I bought the domain name, set up the blog, but never used it.
Thinking back, I am not sure why I changed my mind on the name, but it was a unanimous decision.
I have always been an insecure cook. Must be in the genes.
My grandmother would wear a "shift" over her clothes (with her diamonds of course), and serve everyone huge meals.
After second helpings, she would walk around the table again with the big spoon and if you refused a THIRD helping of whatever she was dishing out, she would say "What's the matter, you didn't like it?".
No Grandma, we are so stuffed, we are going to EXPLODE!
I am the same way.
If you don't tell me as soon as the food has touched your lips that it is the BEST THING YOU HAVE EVER EATEN AND PLEASE MAY I HAVE THE RECIPE AND TAKE SOME HOME?, then I may start to cry.
I always ask my husband as he is trying something for the first time, "Is it good? Do you like it? Should I make it again?". I think he wants to kill me.
Recently I went to a blogger dinner in Brooklyn with some really accomplished cooks, one being a professional chef. I brought a French meatloaf terrine, and before anyone took a bite, I told them how it wasn't any good, and didn't come out as good as I expected. So don't even bother eating it.
I really am going to make an effort to be better and stop being so insecure in the kitchen, otherwise this blog is changing its name.
* photograph courtesy of Cheryl McLaughlin Photography titled MY INSECURITIES
Comments
You can make yourself crazy trying to get it "right." The pictures are always fun, though.
I do the same thing though - without endless compliments I feel like I might has well have served frozen pizza!
We all like to be complimented on our food and wouldn't it be nice if our guests (or husbands) would say something terrific after every single bite! LOL Truth is, a lot of people can't appreciate the effort, thought and skill it takes to put a wonderful dinner on the table, so one measly "This is pretty good." just doesn't do it for us. LOL
My husband is brutally honest with me, because I ask him to be. Sometimes I get upset, but he has a wonderful palette and he is able to tell me when things are really fantastic, or just so so. I appreciate his feedback because, like being a ballet dancer, corrections only make me a stronger artist (cook).
Thank you for this post! As you can see from your comments, you are not alone with these thoughts:)
By the way, great website name. Maybe you should make ANOTHER blog.....talking about these very things
I have a star rating system. My hubby is stingy with five star ratings. If he gives something four stars, I want to know why...and I feel so disappointed.
It's silly, isn't it? From every recipe you've posted, I would make them in a heartbeat. Actually, I have made several of your recipes and they have never disappointed me. Five stars, Stacey!
Deb
Unfortunately, we are not perfect, and not ever dish we make will come out perfectly. However, the love and effort we put into every dish will shine through. I hope that you're able to get over your insecurities, especially since you appear to be a great cook. Also, "badgering" (I can't think of a less harsh word. Sorry!) your husband like that may affect his enjoyment of the meal. Just say nothing, enjoy the dish for yourself, and then wait for his reaction while you eat!!! :) You deserve to enjoy your meal after all the hard work of preparing it. I'm sure he will like almost everything you make. Thanks for this post; you're not alone!
You have nothing to be insecure about!
It's nice to see the empathy here. And it's good that you recognize it as an issue because really we all should serve our stuff and be proud without acting self-deprecating. It makes it harder on the people who are trying our stuff because they feel even more pressured about tasting it.
You really do cook wonderful food. It's hard for me to imagine that all this time you have felt insecure. Mind-boggling actually. Don't doubt yourself!!
LL