Ad Hoc Cook

         In conversation with one of my closest friends, I referred to myself as an ad hoc cook.   By this I mean I cook fairly well but in a very suited to my tastes and without much care to how it is presented.  I cook with the ad hoc (latin: to this; for this specific purpose) being my own enjoyment.

       I have always loved food, and one of my favourite things in the world was watching my grandmother cook.  Now I watch my Dad and Uncle Des cook to get the same effect.  Of course my mom is a good cook.  My parents used to get us to help out with food preparation quite early and so we gained some skill.   My sister, Eva, is an amazing cook, and baker.  She used to make my birthday cakes when I was in my late teens.  My brother, Gordon was also a great cook.  Very experimental.  He would make himself elaborate snacks and homemade smoothies to watch movies with in his lair (aka the family room).

       I said to my friend that I want, as part of my training this summer, to develop my cooking skills with a new purpose: being able to cook for a romantic interest.  I need to broaden my repertoire.  I will need to move beyond myself and my present horizons.  I am excited for the possibilities.