7 Ways to Include Your Partner in the Kitchen

In many relationships there is usually one person who does most of the cooking. Some people like it this way, but others definitely wish their other half would share in some of the cooking.

I feel lucky that in my relationship, both Travis and I love to cook and it’s actually one of our favorite activities to do together. From a relationship perspective, cooking with your significant other is a great way to collaborate, work together and get creative. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect from your phones and computers and spend time together.

In case you’re looking for an extra hand in the kitchen, here are seven ways you can include your partner in the kitchen. And by the way, many of these are good ways to get your kids, roommates, and friends involved as well.

 

Get those ingredients.

Hand your partner the recipe and task them with taking all of the necessary ingredients out of the fridge and pantry and assemble everything on the counter. Sure, it might be just a two minute affair, but that way you’ll have everything in front of you while you cook without having to dig through the fridge for an ingredient.

(Just try not to let them run away after this).

Official Recipe Reader.

Having an extra set of eyes to stare at the recipe and answer you when you ask, “How long am I supposed to saute these onions?” or “What am I supposed to do after this?” can be very helpful. They might not be doing any of the actual cooking, but your partner will still be nearby and contributing.

Measure out the spices.

If you’re making a dish that requires a lot of spices, like say a curry recipe, have them measure all of the spices into a small bowl. I find it’s so much easier when I can just toss the bowl of spices into a dish, rather than measure them out while everything else is going on.

Wash and Dry.

Have them wash and dry all of the herbs, fruits and vegetables. Bonus points for scrubbing potatoes or getting all of the dirt off romaine lettuce.

Watch the clock.

Timing is everything. And sometimes watching the clock while you chop, stir, and flip, can be too much for one person to handle. Give your partner the job of timing all aspects of the meal, from boiling pasta to roasting vegetables in the oven.

Stir regularly.

Some dishes require constant attention at the stove, like a risotto or caramelized onions. Delegating this task will allow you to concentrate on another aspect of the meal while they make sure nothing burns (well, hopefully).

Beverage duty.

Okay, if all else fails, can your loved one pour a drink?

I’m sure. And let’s be honest, being bartender is a very important job and you probably cook better with a glass of wine in your hand, don’t you?

 

What about you? Do you have any additional ways to get your husband/wife, roommate or kids involved in the kitchen?