I come here because it's my support group when I get bored. I like to cook for people, I did say like, but love to eat. The posters here are so helpful, friendly and always come up with ideas, many that had not occurred to me. The humor is good and I really love the format, much better than other forums. I love to see the plethora of recipes when someone comes up with an ingredient or a special situation. I like to cook from scratch which is the way most of the posters here do.

I come for the food porn ;->

I come here to practice my copy/paste skills! ahahahah!!!

I can't tell you how many recipes I've gotten from this site!

And I know that if you have a question on a cooking method or if you need a recipe, you'll have an answer by the afternoon.

Way cool site.

I come here for so many reasons.

Often it is to ask for advice, recipes, or menu ideas for a special occasion.

I also love it when I can offer up a recipe or idea for others . I don't care at all if others use my recipes or not. Mind you ,I have to agree with foodonastump, it can be annoying when you go to the trouble to answer a request and the OP is never to be heard from again......d@mn interlopers!

I love the oldies and the newbies,the oldies are my friends and have been with me through some tough stuff. The newbies keep the forum an ever evolving exchange and soon become the oldies and my friends.

I mostly come here because it's comfortable and it makes me smile.

Wish I had more time to post, working is cutting into my CF time!

Been around here for quite awhile now and I feel like this is my Internet home. There's old friends, new friends, good cooks and people who have a common interest in food. I enjoy helping others and have been helped by many in return. And then there's the sharing of lives, through words and pictures....... I feel like I get to visit the world here.

Time for a big THANK YOU to all!

Nancy

I'm with Nancy...here in spirit. I try to check in regularly, but also suffer from workus interruptus. And that's where the high speed is. My old slow dialup won't handle WFD pics, or the gallery.

I've been around for awhile too, since the Spike and teacups days, before you had to register. I stayed because the people were civil (for the most part), even when disagreeing. I'd spent years on another food forum/chat. The snarkiness and 'anon' attacks finally drove me off. Everyone is made to feel welcome here...I like that.

And there's the food. This is the first place I search when I need inspiration or instruction.

And the support... through illness and hard times, as well as the shared celebration of the good times.

And the great people I was fortunate to meet...(I did a pressure canning class a couple of weeks ago and told them all about how I flew to Michigan to can with a bunch of people I met on the internet. That raised some eyebrows, hehe.)

And then there's those darn addicting swaps...

I stumbled on this site after spending months on the Appliance forum and buying a high end stove. I was looking for advice about starting a cooking school in my home and at first look, this forum had expertise and a love for sharing. I got great advice and tough love.

In those days, I had more time to be a part of the family and started to feel like I was making friends- but then I got busy and barely have time to drop by.

I love to share whenI have some skill and knowledge about something so I chime in every once and a while. The last time however, I got my eyebrows singed and felt a little abused. I'm a big boy and can bounce back but even a caring group like this has the occaisional member or two that lapses into harsh opinion at the expense of another.

This place feels like home. I've been around about 8 years. This was my first experience participating on the web. I think I got lucky when I found this Cooking forum. The people here are very special. There is always someone that will have the answer to a question or a recipe that I'm looking for. I enjoy sharing recipes but I don't worry about whether any one actually makes a recipe I post. And like Annie, my favourite threads are the ones that wander and go off topic. I've made many friends here.

Ann

cuz my friends do....old, new, those I've met and those I will some day...

Love the recipes, tips, pics and all. I've shared a few over the years like others....I honestly don't think anyone is looking for fame here... we just love to eat, have a cocktail/glass of wine, and have a good time. Some have moved on and I miss them but the new members keep it going on. I'm still amazed with this forum and it's members....so cool that the internet has brought us all together....here or in person. It's a good thing IMHO and I love it!! I REALLY do, same goes with my family and friends....they are still amazed with the whole thing.

I agree with a few that it bothers me when someone doesn't follow up after requesting a recipe or advice. Thankfully it doesn't happen often. Not to mention the occasional SPAM...LOL! Who was it that posted that cool background??

Love all y'all.....it does feel like home here...

David

My new kitchen has been in the planning for two years with a few disappointing false starts. I got tired of just planning, so when several people on the kitchen forum (lowspark, loves2cook4six among them) mentioned the CF, I wondered over to take a look. It was fun and inspiring to read about what amazing foods come from your kitchens!! I was a little shy at first because everyone seems to know each other WAY better than is common on a forum. Well, duh, you post, and chat, and support and help, teach and learn, experiment ..... of course you know each other! I wanted in. I check in as many times a day as I can for all those reasons. I really appreciate your help with things. (Thanks, we almost have the reception food planned.) I always learn something.

I must confess, another reason is very personal. I am not a very social person because it is uncomfortable. I am really trying to be more than just 'to the point' when I post, but it is hard to find the words to say what I feel. So thanks for being so kind even when I know my posts don't always come off as chatty and friendly. I just don't know how. Gosh,I'm crying...time to go.

Awwwe cotehele, no need to feel awkward about not writing long drawn out posts...I'm like you short and sweet and to the point! I don't talk in flowery language or use more words when a few will do. We are all different in how we approach things and that is okay! So jump on in whenever you feel the need. Long or short, personal or not. You are welcomed here. So, what have you planned so far for the reception? NancyLouise

For most of the above reasons and first off, I hope I haven't failed to respond when someone helped me. I'll try to watch that because y'all help me ALL the time. I'm in awe of the knowledge and expertise of the folks on these forums. And did I mention patience! If I remember correctly Carol (Readinglady) and Zabby were the first to come to my aid and much of that was just learning how to navigate. Bless Ken's heart, he just kept trying to help me solve my problems with jams in spite of me.

If I post a recipe or a tip, I'm just trying to give back to those I've received so much from. And if there was no other reason it's enough just to see Sharon (Canarybird's) mouthwatering pictures. I'm envious of those of you who have had the opportunity to meet other members in person but I feel I'm getting to know y'all better and feel privileged to think of you as my friends.

jude

LOL, Jude, it looks like you started at Harvest, along with me.

Cotehele, don't ever feel uncomfortable here, you can be as social as you like, or not. Some of us have met others, some aren't "into" that. Some post a lot, others infrequently. It's all good.

Annie

When I found this forum, I found "kindred spirits" who enjoyed cooking and sharing recipes and food stories with others. Most people in our *real lives* do not wish to do much cooking these days or have little interest in exotic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients. We can come here and help each other plan menus, decide how to fix a new food item, share recipes, and find support and companionship. Plus, this is a fun place to hang out.

Sunday morning we had a brief power outage and now my computor is kaput. Dear Son #1 has a Mac to lend me, but I may be MIA for a while. But, I will be lurking from work and watching you, so behave yourselves!

Teresa

I Love this place! I've met many wonderful people in the flesh that I beleive to be part of my family. It just feels like home. I also will meeet more as the years continue to go on.

I don't contribute nearly as much as I seem to gleen all the great recipes. But you see, no one cares that I'm a gleener. LOL! I also enjoy getting that unexpected phone call from a CFer.

Like Ann, this was my first experience on the web. I was over at a different website and Mitch told me about GW. I don't think I ever went back to the old website. I can get all my questions answered here very quickly and just look at all the different forums we have to choose from. On the rare occasion I'll have the answer to someone elses question if I tune in first.

You can be as social as you want to be for the time that you have to contribute. This is a very special place indeed!

When I started this thread, I didn't really think it would become such a love fest! LOL!
But you have said in many ways what I wanted to suggest. This forum may be called "cooking" but its' really the people who cook that keep us coming back. To a person no one has said they come here to show what they know, but to help and to gain from others.

We;ve been through a lot together, death of family mambers, breast cancer, heart disease, weddings and lots and lots of new babies. We've worried over doggies and kitties and stray snakes and frogs. We've solved eachother's mystery failures and surprisingly successful experiments. We agree to disagree about cornbread and potato salad. We've endured a few trolls and spammers ( who is it with that great wallpaper?) but we are family and best friends all rolled into one!
Thanks for being here!
Linda C

I started at kitchens... and it seemed natural to come to cooking.

I post here because I like it here. But really... what joanm said. It's my best source for food-porn - GREAT Pictures!!! mouth watering descriptions... salacious or not.

And, to Linda's post above me, It's an interesting group... great recipes, good discussion... common interests, yet a lot of diversity I learn from and enjoy. And fantastic support, hand-holding and cyberhugs when needed (even when a sharp word or two passes... Mostly I think those are misinterps b/c it's hard to catch tone/humor/body language from written posts, so if I read something negatively the first time, I go back and try again assuming a positive motive)

And I like the format... a lot easier than a lot of other forums, so I don't bother with those.

I too get a lot ctl-c, ctl-v practice... (keyboard shortcuts are easier on my fibro-wrists than mousing).

I think it as all been said already (and what I would have stated) but I came here first because I was in awe of the pictures and the recipes. But then I saw how close all of you were and that just kept me coming back.

I have always gotten excellent help from everyone here. I've gotten super recipes to feed to my family and friends and truly appreciate each and every one of them.

I also have gotten quite a bit of comfort in the last year when my favorite dog of all times passed away and then the passing of my Mom in March. I have been reading mostly for the last couple of months and not posting because I just have too much on my plate that I am trying to handle w/my Mom's death but everyone here as always treated me with respect, warm, welcoming - well, you just don't find that too often on other food boards.

Thank you all for being the people you are. I love this place!

I come here mainly to learn, even though I have been cooking for over 50 years there is still so much to try that is new. I like to share my successes and failures (thinking someone can learn from my mistakes). I have asked a lot of questions and got lots of great advice from the people here. And found some killer recipes.

I found this forum after I remodeled my kitchen 2 1/2 years ago. With a new kitchen I wanted to use it to its full potential. I didn't even know this forum existed, even though I had been on the plant growing side of GW for 10 years.
Clare

I'm here 'cause it's a comfortable place to be-- mostly non judgemental & accepting that we're all "different" and yet so much alike ! Have found lots of great recipes , tips , support & fun -- exchanged great ideas and feel like I've made some great new friends.

I also started in kitchens and loved the community over there. I think trailrunner was the one who shifted me over here.

I post cause I love to help. I love to get answers to my questions from people who also love to help. I love that we are a community held together literally by the bread and butter of our daily lives. I love the sense of humor here - chicken surprise or cannibals, anyone?

I feel like the more I post, the more I get to know you all. I'd love to meet up with anyone who wants to. I'm in NW IL for anyone around here.

Lastly, I don't get much positive feedback at home on my cooking. My mom was trained as a chef in France and both she and my sister are seat-of-their-pants outstanding cooks. However my rep in the family and amongst friends is as a pastry chef and baker. My user name should have been loves2BAKE4six LOL. The sad part is that both my brother and his family and dh's brother and his family won't eat at my home because our standard of kosher is not high enough for them. So I come here for positive feedback as well. Nice when I get it, OK if I don't - I've built up a thick skin over the years :) (and a thick layer of blubber, too, which I hope to shred before the end of the year LOL, but it's hard with all the baked goodies)

What about a face to a name thread. Some of you have posted pics of yourselves (hi lou), I'd love to see more of you. I'm usually on the other side of the camera. Maybe I should ask dh or one of the kids to snap a few of me for a change.

Yep! What ALL of you said!
99% positive and the tiny bit that isn't I just ignore.

I hope that if I've forgotten to come back and thank everyone for help/recipes/advice that you all know it's just my memory and not ungratefulness!! LOL

I usually feel like I'm helped more than I help others, but certainly try if I've got something to add.

Man! I wish we all lived in the same town (or state, even)!
That would be a party all the time!!

Deanna

I post here because I have a compulsion to express myself, and I have appreciated the reactions I have received from my expressions here more than other places on the web.

While I was packing for my move, I found some copies of letters that a penpal from Brooklyn had sent me that I had sent her when I was 15-16 years old, and it reminded me of my compulsions to express myself. The letters I had written were very funny to me now, and I couldn't believe all the silly things I had written, but Doreen seemed to have been entertained by them. To me, it was a bit of an embarrassment to read now, but then I often write things from compulsion that later seem funny to me, even though I don't intend them that way originally. Fortunately, people here are rather indulgent, which makes me feel that I can express myself freely.

Besides that, I do like to cook, and I do love exchanging recipes and cooking tips.

Lars

I have a confession: I am not really a "foodie," and I'm not a "domestic goddess" either! (This will come as no surprise to LindaC.) When I was young, I didn't value domestic skills and never developed much expertise in them. And my repertoire is limited not only by my lack of talent as a cook but also for various other reasons (my lactose intolerance, weight problems, and unadventurous palate, as well as DH's dental problems and dislike of certain foods that I'd enjoy). After many years of cooking nutritious but uninspired meals for my family, the CF is teaching me how to cook more imaginatively. I am also still learning basic skills (like how to cook a tender hamburger) that I never picked up on my own. I know that I can always ask a "stupid" question and receive a helpful, nonjudgmental answer.

I've found the CF to be a warm, welcoming, friendly place. I love the banter and emotional support, and I enjoy the posts that wander far off-topic. These days, I tend to lurk more than post, as my "playtime" is more limited than it used to be. I usually can't contribute much in the way of recipes, and I don't like to "pile on" to birthday greetings or sympathy posts unless I have something specific or helpful to say. But there is a place here for lurkers, too, and I feel at home here, whether I post or not.

Sue

For the smiles and the friendship. Oh yes, and the food too!

I lurk far more than I post, because I only post when I have a question or think I can be helpful (and that's not much in the company of so many terrific cooks).

I come to the CF to be inspired, to get help, to be humbled and to find my cooking mojo when it seems to have left me. I come here to get great recipes (too many to mention . . .but they always seem to get rave reviews). It's a unique place for sure and I really enjoy it.

Like the others, I hope I have never failed to offer a thank you when someone posted a recipe for me. If so, it was an oversight (or a fear of overposting), but always much appreciated.

I've met a few members in person, and even managed to pawn off some oddball plums from our overzealous oddball plum tree (dkritch) a few summers ago (the tree is loaded again this year in case anyone is in PDX and looking for small, yellow plums)!

It's a great community here!

I haven't been posting here much at all in the last couple of years due to a "rough patch" the site was going through, but things seem to have cleared and has become enjoyable again. The CF was the first online cooking site I ever found, which I think was back in 2002. I've been lurking much more than posting lately, but I've decided to plunge ahead full force and start contributing again.

To all the old-timers, Hey!, and to all the newer members, Glad to meet you! ;)

Lori

Hi maiaa!! I thought I was "begging" plums, not you "pawning off"! LOL
Good to "see you".

Deanna

I came here originally to ask questions... but through that process I have gotten to know some amazing people and even had the honor of meeting some of them in person. I still have questions from time to time, but my free time online has also been limited and I don't get to post or read as must as I'd like. The people here make this place one of the best on the web, and it's a wonderful thing when virtual friends can transcend the cyber wall and have real face to face encounters.

I also find it refreshing to be immersed in the presence of other people who enjoy cooking at home. I think so many people today rely on restaurants and convenience foods that cooking is becoming a lost art. It's very refreshing to find other people who have a passion for good food. There are lots of people here who know a lot more than I do, but I never feel inferior. The people here rock!

I don't often post on this forum to give advice because I'm just a "country cook" and most people on this forum cook fancier than I do. But I have posted several times to get advice and I've found those that respond to me to be very helpful.

I also post on Oklahoma Gardening, Recipe Exchange and Money Saving Tips sometimes. I don't remember where I started, but I found GardenWeb when I Googled Cutco knives, a couple of years ago. I've been to the Harvest forum and there were just too many people fighting there.

There are lots of things I like about the Cooking forum. One is that when someone tries a recipe and really likes it, they will post that recipe or a link to it instead of, as they do in some forums, recommend that anyone interested get the book. I'm retired and on a fixed income so I have to pick and choose amongst the things I buy. I like that sometimes you all put me onto products or ideas I never heard of before. I think it was on this forum that I "met" Grainlady and got started grinding my own wheat. It has been quite an adventure. I haven't seen any posts from her lately so I hope she's still around. I've also been to some really interesting blogs that I never would've found had someone here not provided the link.

Nearly every day I check in and see what y'all are up to. I'm really glad to see so many young women getting interested in cooking because it wasn't long ago that I thought cooking was becoming a dying art. Most of the young women I know personally think they are too busy to cook.

When I was a kid, my family would get together almost every weekend. The men would settle in the living room and visit and the women would all go -- where else? -- to the kitchen, where they'd prepare a meal together and then afterward, clean the kitchen. I was always in awe the way they worked together so seamlessly, all the while gossiping, teasing each other, giving advice, sharing recipes, quilting and crochet patterns and shooshing one kid or the other out towards the back yard to play without missing a beat. It was a really homey, happy feeling that no longer exists in my family, but this forum kind of reminds me of that time.

I originally wandered over here from the Rose Forum as that was my passion at that time about seven years ago. I've enjoyed the company of those who have been here since then, and from others who have moved on. There's always been something new to learn here and I'm especially interested in keeping in touch with what's cooking in North America since I haven't lived over there for the past 40 years.

I've learned many new recipes and have created a large file of cuts and pastes in my recipe data base.
And I hope I have contributed a little from my experiences from living here in Spain. I feel I'm among good friends on this forum and enjoy dropping in most days to visit.
Thanks to you all for your company and contributions!

SharonCb

I love to talk about food with people who feel the same!! It's a fun topic and I have learned so much from everyone here!
Joann

I don't post much here (and have been out of town a lot recently and not posting ANYWHERE), but I love this forum because I LOVE good food and you all know how to prepare GOOD FOODcolor=red>

Ann, thinking about onions now

Like many, I am also a Kitchen Forum transplant (stumbled upon that one when we were doing our kitchen - and backyard at the same time - remodel). And, just as I was on those forums, I am mostly a lurker and an occasional poster. When I think I have something to add!

So, why do I keep coming back to CF? I am not a gourmet cook, just a mom, that enjoys food. I like to try new things and enjoy preparing meals for my family, at least when I have time to actually "prepare" something, and not just make the "same old, same old". And, this forum gives me ideas, and dares me to try to be creative! It's not just the shared recipes (although my cut & paste is constant for those!), but the ideas of ingredients and preparation tips.

And I absolutely LOVE drooling over the food photos, like on the WFD posts! Some of you go all out to make the dishes look so yummy!

That is why I post (okay, usually LURK) on the CF!!!

I love to see what everyone is cooking. I especially love the WFD posts. I don't post very often but I to check in a few times a week. I really appreciate all the help that you people have given me and I've been able to use lots of your great recipes. Now I just have to get this cut and paste thing right - maybe a computer refresher course?

I also love to look at the pictures of the food you all make. They all look like pictures out of a magazine.

You guys rock!!

Carole.

There was beer?! Man, missed that one.

If I ever didn't say thank you, I apologize. THANK YOU! Some really great recipes and encouragement over the years. And inspiration. Really great inspiration.

Well I've been around since probably the early 2000s as well and feel like I have grown up with a lot of people here so to speak. I do enjoy food and cooking (and especially baking) and have learned many things and obtained many grand recipes here. I'm pretty sure my first question here was one about lemon meringue pie, and I'm almost positive that it was Lindac that came forward with the answer! I also like that you can express your opinion and people don't judge you even if they do it completely differently.

It's just me these days and cooking kind of comes and goes or tends to be simple, nourishing things that keep me going in day to day life, which of course is very important too! Wherever I happen to be with all that though, I always feel a sense of community and among friends when here.

Like Lorijean, I had a period of a year or so where I wasn't around that much at all, not just here but at any forum type of place. Don't know why, maybe I just needed a break, since now that I am back I enjoy it as much or more than ever. The nice thing is, even during that period the friends I made always thought of me and welcome me along anytime there was any sort of face to face gathering. It's a really nice place!

I feel at home here! Linda, I'm glad you started this post. It seems like just yesterday that I came her asking a question about pork, and Ann T. answered my question. I was impressed and stayed! I think it's been five years now. This was my first experience participating on the web. I found it when a friend of mine read about GW and Winter Sowing in the New York Times. I just happened to click on Cooking, and I've taken an interest in the special people I got to know here. I always go to Conversations to check on everyone. I check in weekly, but my schedule doesn't allow me to comment as often as I would like. Just nice to know I can pop in from time to time, and the same familiar folks are here.

I always believe that food brings people together.

Although, I don't often come around (busy, not much time), I always come back now and then for ideas, learning and when I can, sharing.

My kitchen is the warmest and coziest of all the rooms in my home. To me, this forum is like going into my kitchen and friends sharing food and cooking among each others.

This is the most congenial and friendly discussion forum I participate in. The people here don't make one feel ashamed of coming in to ask basic questions, which is very important, and we respect each other's opinions and tastes, which is unfortunately not the case on a couple of other forums I am a member of.

I post here for various reasons: to ask questions, look for recipes, answer questions, discuss food, etc.

I don't know that I've ever been to this forum, but today I find myself drawn here for some reason.

I can't cook.
At all.
The other night I burned 5 lonely beets from my garden. Burned as in "fried beets" by the time I came back from taking a shower after forgetting that I'd put them on the stove.
A week before that, I made "cajun ham steak." You know, those pre-cooked things that only require reheating for 5 mins or less? Admittedly, I have the attention span of a gnat.
I can't cook while camping, as I inevitably set off the FA in our camper.
One time I reheated a piece of pizza for dinner. I set it in the oven on 250 or less, knowing that I would likely burn it. I found it the next morning.
I fear getting old when I actually have an excuse for all this.
But I can make a killer pancake or scrambled eggs. What's up with that???

Welcome Mc chiggydig!
The reason you can cook pancakes and scrambled eggs is because you have to stay with it....stir or flip and serve...
It's that attention span thing!
Try crepes.....they demand constant attention....and peoplew ill be so impressed that you, who can't cook made such a lovely dessert!
Linda C

This is my go-to forum for sure! Originally I was noodling around from the Garden Forum and found this group which immediately met my needs and queries.

It isn't unusual to call cross country to get on-the-fly assistance from a CF friend. The unexpected and huge bonus is the friends that I have made and met (27 to date). Heck, I've even slept in some our your beds!

I certainly receive more than I give so I appreciate that you folks let me continue to hang out here.

Cathy

I love this site!!!!
I come for the wonderful recipes, food pics, and the conversations.
Everyone is so nice and helpful with any questions and always share their recipes.

Linda

Let me second that "welcome to the cooking forum", mmqchdyyg.

I agree, you just need to cook things that require constant attention, so you don't get distracted.

As for that, I get distracted a lot, sometimes resulting in impressive failures, LOL. My problem is that I'm always trying to do at least two things at once, sometimes three or more. Eventually I reach saturation point and something goes awry. Many times it's whatever I'm cooking.

I think we've all forgotten the salt, burned the potatoes, forgot about the cookies in the oven, boiled the eggs dry, sieved the broth down the drain, retaining the bones. You'll feel right at home here. (grin)

Annie

Annie? Do you forget things?
I never do

I am mostly a lurker. I have posted some questions because I know that I will get an answer that works. I don't think I've ever had any advice from this forum that led me astray! I also feel that I can post what might seem like a dumb question, and get lots of help. And, for what it's worth, I learned to cut and paste here! DH got tired of doing it for me.
Thanks again to everyone.
Whistle

Hi, I'm Jessica, I am a gardener who stumbled over here a few weeks ago and got hooked.

I never forget anything either. Most recently, I didn't forget a pan of tomatoes and didn't get get out of the shower and wonder what the odd smoky tomato smell was and then didn't curse myself for ruining lovely summer tomatoes that were destined for sauce.

I, too, started out in kitchens when I was remodeling. I lurked briefly on cooking toward the end of the remodel, long enough to know that I wanted to join in. This was back when cooking was a paid forum (kitchen was not) and I sent in my $15 just so I could post here!

No question that I've gotten WAY more from the people here than I have contributed. I've learned things and gathered wonderful recipes and made fabulous friends. What could be better?

All that bread talk finally convinced me to try making some, and boy, who knew it would be so easy? I think the first thing I ever made from here was Graham Cracker Chewies. I need to make those again, they are yummy!

That's funny LindaC!

What really helped me stay on task with what was on/in the stove was the timer-on-a-rope that Peppi gave me. Well, only when I remember to use it, then only when I remember where I put it.