My husband regularly says “what do you fancy for dinner?” Which means “what are you making for dinner?” And even though I cook for a living and there are usually leftovers and batch cooks and often whole meals I have cooked earlier in the day it still makes me feel tired and ragey, in part because all I want after being surrounded by food all day is a bit of toast or some soup. I can only imagine how people not involved in food must feel - the way I do souped up by a million.
Oh dear re rage; I’m single so I’ve nobody causing the rage but it’s just the wretched treadmill of it all. The Skye book is beautiful isn’t it? Well, mine was until I put a candle on top, listening to what people say about ‘layering’ interiors and now I have a wacking great burn mark on it. I’ve decided to pretend it’s because of being used in the kitchen. I like the idea of radiator people; I could do with one of those.
I'm pretty sure Skye would be thrilled for her book to have a burn mark - sign of something well-used! And yes, I want ALL the radiators near me now! x
Oh, and totally with you re game. I am trying endlessly to get people to understand why we should all be eating venison but there is so much resistance!
You capture exactly what I feel about supper, and I thought I was an outlier. So lovely to know there are others out there. And I also dream of there day no-one will expect supper from me, and yet slightly dread that moment too because it will be sad at the same time.
I am a northerner transplanted to the South so it's 'tea' in our house but nonetheless still tiresome. I enjoyed it more when the children got old enough to cook and would each take a night. I would also have a night for 'leftovers' and another 'lazy' night where it would be something from the freezer or eating out. This left only 3 nights for me to actually cook, bliss.
My mother wasn't nice. Nor was she daft. We had the same things for breakfast, dinner and tea (fit those into your own name preferences) on a rota. You (nearly) always knew what was coming. (She did go off piste very occasionally.)
She ordered her groceries and meat deliveries over the phone and, of course, she always knew what she needed to order. Allowing for seasons.
And we ate what was stuck in front of us. Choice only on a birthday.
No-one, I understand, is allowed to have parenting that easy any more.
I love the sound of your mother’s solutions, but you are right to understand that we have to parent in the present day, where things are very different.
How that chimed! I have a postcard in my kitchen which has a pithy comment along the lines of: "What's for Dinner?' And other questions my family would ask if I was if I was burning in flames in front of them." (I miss remember but you get the idea.) Even worse is when my hopeful response (risotto?) is greeted with 'Oh.' Or just the enquirer walking away in disappointed silence. I would be perfectly happy with a baguette, some ripe brie, a good hefty red wine and an apple. Every day.
On the subject of Christmas reads, my two favourites are Nigel Slater's beautiful The Christmas Chronicles and the wonderfully life-affirming Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson. (If you haven't come across the latter, I urge you to do so. She writes so well and so warmly ...)
And now we have a Swedish student living with us for the school year and I really have to make an effort with dinner EVERY night. The ‘if I won a lottery I would start by appointing a home cook’ dreams are on repeat just now.
My husband regularly says “what do you fancy for dinner?” Which means “what are you making for dinner?” And even though I cook for a living and there are usually leftovers and batch cooks and often whole meals I have cooked earlier in the day it still makes me feel tired and ragey, in part because all I want after being surrounded by food all day is a bit of toast or some soup. I can only imagine how people not involved in food must feel - the way I do souped up by a million.
The thing is, it’s also the privilege of my LIFE to nourish my loved ones…and the contrariness of that is not lost on me!
I know. Totally understand the conflict.
The Rage is so familiar 😂, and I love cooking. Some nights I long for just a glass of wine and a packet of crisps
Literally the perfect meal
Oh dear re rage; I’m single so I’ve nobody causing the rage but it’s just the wretched treadmill of it all. The Skye book is beautiful isn’t it? Well, mine was until I put a candle on top, listening to what people say about ‘layering’ interiors and now I have a wacking great burn mark on it. I’ve decided to pretend it’s because of being used in the kitchen. I like the idea of radiator people; I could do with one of those.
I'm pretty sure Skye would be thrilled for her book to have a burn mark - sign of something well-used! And yes, I want ALL the radiators near me now! x
You are definitely a radiator! X
I HOPE SO!!!
And we are all perfectly entitled to be furious about supper. It's relentless.
There is nothing else for it when presented with “not roast chicken again”
🤣🤣🤣
Oh, and totally with you re game. I am trying endlessly to get people to understand why we should all be eating venison but there is so much resistance!
It’s a familiarity thing I think…I have ordered the pheasant kievs! …gateway drug?
You capture exactly what I feel about supper, and I thought I was an outlier. So lovely to know there are others out there. And I also dream of there day no-one will expect supper from me, and yet slightly dread that moment too because it will be sad at the same time.
Definitely not alone!
I am a northerner transplanted to the South so it's 'tea' in our house but nonetheless still tiresome. I enjoyed it more when the children got old enough to cook and would each take a night. I would also have a night for 'leftovers' and another 'lazy' night where it would be something from the freezer or eating out. This left only 3 nights for me to actually cook, bliss.
I like this SO much!
Your info about choosing game vital thank you
My mother wasn't nice. Nor was she daft. We had the same things for breakfast, dinner and tea (fit those into your own name preferences) on a rota. You (nearly) always knew what was coming. (She did go off piste very occasionally.)
She ordered her groceries and meat deliveries over the phone and, of course, she always knew what she needed to order. Allowing for seasons.
And we ate what was stuck in front of us. Choice only on a birthday.
No-one, I understand, is allowed to have parenting that easy any more.
I love the sound of your mother’s solutions, but you are right to understand that we have to parent in the present day, where things are very different.
Sad when choice vanishes.
Whoops - thought that was a bit spiky so tried to delete it!
Anne I LIKE SPIKY!
And you just made me splutter my coffee laughing. Like you too.
Oh Laetitia you are a radiator and this is a delight. Thank you 🌲
Oh THANK you! x
Skye has a beautiful pop-up shop on Elizabeth St that’s well worth a visit x
I am aware and planning a special trip! X
Well that supper looks lovely indeed!
…but now I have to make ANOTHER one lol!
If you want an inkling of what is for supper in heaven then try Panettone Bread and Butter pudding.
You are always a radiator.
How that chimed! I have a postcard in my kitchen which has a pithy comment along the lines of: "What's for Dinner?' And other questions my family would ask if I was if I was burning in flames in front of them." (I miss remember but you get the idea.) Even worse is when my hopeful response (risotto?) is greeted with 'Oh.' Or just the enquirer walking away in disappointed silence. I would be perfectly happy with a baguette, some ripe brie, a good hefty red wine and an apple. Every day.
On the subject of Christmas reads, my two favourites are Nigel Slater's beautiful The Christmas Chronicles and the wonderfully life-affirming Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson. (If you haven't come across the latter, I urge you to do so. She writes so well and so warmly ...)
Going to buy the winterson right away
You won't regret it. Beautiful writing (of course) and some great recipes!
And now we have a Swedish student living with us for the school year and I really have to make an effort with dinner EVERY night. The ‘if I won a lottery I would start by appointing a home cook’ dreams are on repeat just now.