It’s been ages since I put this goal up, but I’ve always had a clear idea about what it means.

First, what do I mean by a cook? It’s not just some who can cook. Nor is it necessarily someone who does cook. It’s not a chef either. It’s also nothing to do with cooking ability, or cooking many different or fancy dishes (although someone who is a cook would almost certainly also be good at it).

Being a cook is more of a path, or a way. For a cook, cooking isn’t about standing in front of the chopping board or cooker—it’s a whole way of life. A cook will grow what food they can, and move house if they don’t live near a source of good ingredients they can’t grow. A cook cares deeply about quality food, and will cook for themselves and other people whenever they can. Not because they have to, but because it’s in their nature to do so. A cook will often want to talk about cooking, sharing ideas and techniques with other people. They won’t become defensive or arrogant about cooking.

In short, being a cook is not about cooking—it’s about having the attitude of the cook.

It’s taken me a while, but after seven years, I’ve finally started to feel comfortable with calling myself a cook. My only trouble is, I’m probably the only one I know. I do know other people who can cook, and cook very well, but none who would really call themselves a cook.

So, I need a plan… and that’s the next step. 5 years ago