no offence but do many americans cook??

Question

it seems even in your recipes you seen to use premade things?? is this the norm there??? just curious and a bit worried to frank!

Answer 1

Check out "allrecipes.com" for a rather amusing, American idea of "recipes."

Search for "cream of mushroom soup," for example. They even put it in _baby food_. (Okay, the one nut job who posted the 'recipe' for it does, but still...)

But, I think the guy who points out how few are within walking distance of grocery stores has the best answer...

And, I'm wondering now how many of the "Oh, yes -- I cook" answers refer to making things from scratch, or is it 'combine one can X, one package frozen Y, and 1 cup dried Z -- bake at 375...' cooking?

Re. 'a bit worried' -- have you seen what they drink with their meals? Booze is very bad for some reason, but -- soda pop is just the thing. (??)

Answer 2

No, most Americans don't cook with fresh foods. Here are some reasons:

1.) It can be difficult in many parts of the country to get fresh ingredients everyday. Therefore, many people go to the "box," the "can" or the "window" on a daily basis. I've never lived in an area where a grocery store was within reasonable walking distance to my house, but it seems like in most areas of Europe, one could go get ingredients to make dinner every day and not add too much time to their daily routine.

2.) It's also somewhat difficult for someone working a typical American work schedule to really spend a lot of extra time in the kitchen. American jobs get more and more ridiculous as Unions lose power and jobs are outsourced. Inflation is rampant, and the average salary isn't going up, so people are forced to work more and more.

3.) Television is a huge part of American culture. I think some people get home from work and their first thought is how there's only an hour or two until prime time.

Answer 3

I cook - when I have the time. Which is usually not the case. I work about 9 or 10 hours a day, have a 60 minute commute on both ends, so that's 12 hours of my day that I'm not able to do anything. Then just the thought of going home and cooking or even going to the store to get something to cook is the last thing on my mind.

When I do cook from scratch, I cook more than what I'm going to need, then freeze it, so I can pull it out of the freezer when I get home from work.

Answer 4

I cook almost everyday unless I am eating out. One of the few things that I don't cook are oatmeal ( I love the instant strawberries and cream flavored ones) My hubby sometimes freaks out if something isn't made from scratch.

To the people that say premade is easier. Why not pick a day and just cook the whole day and freeze the things you cook into what ever sized portions you want?

Answer 5

I think that in America today there are a lot less stay at home moms, thus causing less "homecooked meals". There are a lot of mom's with careers out there and by the time they get home anywhere from 5-7pm, they don't have time to cook from scratch. I love to cook and I am a working woman, so premade is so much easier and can be just as healthy as homemade.

Answer 6

I cook when I have time and energy. Some recipes made with pre-made stuff are ok, but it's just a time-saver. Often the real thing is MUCH tastier but you just don't have the time.

One thing to consider is that Americans work more hours and get less vacation than most other western countries, but we have more expendable income--which then gets spent on time-saving conveniences like pre-made food to make up for our crappy work hours.

I found this in an article:

Americans work more hours per week and have less vacation time, but they have more money to spend. Not only does a higher percentage of American adults work, but they also work more hours per week and more weeks per year. In 2004, the French worked 28% fewer hours per person than Americans, and the Germans and Dutch each put in 25% fewer hours, and the money they earned was correspondingly lower—almost 30% less income per person than Americans received.

Answer 7

None taken - i cook all of the time and i cook from scratch when i have the time. i love to cook, it is the one thing i would rather be doing than anything else but unfortunately there are other things that have to get done. i know that most of my friends and family cook, mostly from scratch as well. some just don't have the time to do everything them self and take the help when they can. Unless someone can afford to not work and don't have kids or other responsibilities then maybe they can cook everything for every meal from scratch.

Answer 8

I went to Culinary School, so I cook, and do whenever my schooling allow for it. (Now, I'm college studying for another Major) I love the way cooking makes me feel, like I'm doing something so nice for someone (people). I know that this may sound hypocritcal of me, but learn from the Americans err, don't stereotype people. Yes most American are Fat/overweight/obese, whatever you want to call it, but There are also a bunch of thin/ healthy/slinder people too. I think you'll find that there are a lot of Americans that cook "Home made" or "Soul Food" from scratch because it always tastes better than that store bought, and pre-made junk.


Sorry, I don't mean to critize, I'm just... well...I'm "Thinking outside the box." Trying to open some eyes (not just yours).

Answer 9

I love the show Semi-homemade with Sandra Lee, but I still notice that it does take time to compose, bake, or cook a meal.

My mother who is European, in America now, cooks every night homemade whether she comes in 6 or 11 p.m. I love her cooking.

As for me I cook 3 times a week. Yes, call it laziness, and for the rest I get take out food which is terrible, and fast.

As for when guests come, oh yes, we do cook homemade food, yes, that is a must!

Answer 10

I cannot answer for all Americans but, I sure cook. It all depends on my day as to whether I used packaged foods or cook from scratch. As a matter of fact, this evening, I am making roasted chicken with pan gravy, real mashed potatoes and frozen peas. I rarely make dessert though....unless company is coming.