The Questioning Non-Cook
The Questioning Non-Cook is the person who is unsure of his or her status as a non-cook, usually due to changes in his or her cooking behavior or cooking ability. Sometimes, however, the Questioning Non-Cook questions because of a creeping ambivalence toward cooking. Maybe the Questioning Non-Cook is secretly thinking she might like to do a little more cooking after all. Maybe the Questioning Non-Cook is beginning to feel that glory in the kitchen, or at least competence, is within her reach. Maybe the Questioning Non-Cook is thinking of giving up an aspect or conception of herself she had hitherto thought of as essential. Maybe she is changing her mind.
FEATURED
QUESTIONING NON-COOK
Jean Vong
Brooklyn, NY
QUESTIONING NON-COOK
Jean Vong
Brooklyn, NY
From an email to Picky Grouchy Non-Cook:
Hi Evan, I do, sadly, need to inform you that my non-cook status is tenuous. Werner and I had Sarah over for dinner last night and Werner was adamant that I cook, for a change. I did manage to serve dinner which I cooked, following a recipe, and also appetizers, a main course, salad, and dessert. Admittedly, the dessert was left over pie made by a friend, so points off for that part. But the dinner was actually pretty good, and the timing went smoothly, and I was even able to carry on a conversation during the preparation of this meal. Sarah claims I no longer qualify for membership in the picky grouchy non-cook club. I beg to differ, as this was an unusual coming together of all elements in this particular dinner. Though I must also admit to making a sweet potato dish based on memory(!) without a recipe. What do you think? I feel comfort in hanging on to my pgn-c status, but want to do the right thing. All the best to you, your family, and your Mom - Jean Note: There is the theory that non-cook status doesn't depend on action (if you cook) or ability (if you cook well), but depends, rather, on attitude. So, it has to do with whether or not you feel like a cook. There is no formula. No one can determine or assign your n-c status for you because no one knows what's really going on in your noggin. And as long as you harbor the feeling that you are not really a cook, regardless of your action or your ability, your n-c identity is safe. That said, it is perfectly plausible that non-cook type and status can change. On the other side of the questioning, there might emerge a Part Time Non-Cook or even a Cooking Non-Cook. In turn, the Cooking Non-Cook can undergo a true shift and become a Reformed Non-Cook.
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