Missing My Kitchen

So last night we had one of the angels from our church group cooking and bringing dinner over for us, slow roasted pork roast, home made bar b que sauce, cole slaw and rolls.  Thursday night Robert and I spent almost an hour discussing our individual preferences for marinades, dry rubs, cooking times & temperatures and several different bar b que sauce recipes.  Since then I realize that of everything ALS has taken  its toll on so far, my kitchen time might be what I miss most, even more than going to the restroom alone.

Growing up in New Orleans where food is at the center of everything, where chefs are local royalty and with a Dad who was a very good cook, I guess it was inevitable I'd learn my way around the kitchen.  What I was surprised by was that I LOVE to cook; it is where my creativity comes out. Unfortunately now that my hands and arms are losing strength and fine motor control, I just can't handle the pots and pans and since Gina insists I keep all ten fingers, I'm not allowed to use my chef knives.

While I figure my way around my new physical limitations, I have undertaken a challenge of monumental proportions...I have taken Ryan into the kitchen and actually produced edible dishes.  You see while all the other children have passable culinary abilities, Ryan would need a recipe to boil water. Under a watchful eye, very specific directions and just a wee bit of good natured commentary, I have at least been an active participant in getting him through some basic items; we even managed southwestern corn and black bean salad for Life Group.  

I also have been slack in completing the Dad's recipe book I promised Brigid many moons ago and I've had more requests, so I may have to live vicariously through my recipe writing.  I'm not giving up finding the right tools that will get me cooking again, as they say "where there's a will, there's a way".  Until then, guess I'll have to get my fix with Giada, Rachel, Bobby Flay and the Top Chefs