Sharing the Kitchen: Who Does the Cooking in Your Home?

Laurel is the main cook around here, but her husband Grizz grills much of the time. They appreciate each other's strengths, with Grizz excelling at Indian-Mexican BBQ and roasts, while Laurel specializes in Asian chicken and meat sauces.

Mae works primarily in the kitchen, but circumstances change. Currently, as Mae works second shift, her husband takes on the majority of the cooking responsibilities. This shift-change in household roles has brought a subtle shift in family dynamics and personal skill development.

For the Green family, cooking takes place around a familiar table, as their grandmother holds the reins behind the stove. Occasionally, their mother jumps in, but it's the father who truly shines. As a real chef, he's in the kitchen only during holidays, showcasing his culinary prowess on special occasions.

Cooking has become a way of showing affection and care. For Emily, the process of cooking for loved ones is a deep-seated tradition that dates back to her childhood. Whether it's colleagues, family, or friends, cooking for someone comes from a place of genuine care and concern. It's the oldest and most direct way of showing that you 'give a shit' about them.

Margaret is the primary cook, handling most of the meal preparation. She and her husband share responsibilities without a formal roster. With Margaret working from home and being unexpectedly busy recently, her share of cooking has dropped from 70% down to 50%. Her partner often picks up the slack, adapting as needed.

Community Kitchen

When it comes to communal living, cooking is a team effort. Dylan and his housemates often swap tasks, with one time being the star of the kitchen. One memorable experience stands out—his roommate Jerome made silverbeet fritters, which was a culinary surprise. Dylan admits he never would have thought to cook this, highlighting the creativity that happens when sharing a kitchen.

The dynamics of who does the cooking in a household can vary widely, from mother and father teams to shared responsibilities. Whether it's personal preferences, work schedules, or the joy of experimenting with different dishes, the kitchen becomes a space of togetherness and connection. These shared moments shape the narratives of family life, friendships, and social connections.