Is being a great cook a natural talent?

[SarahS98]

I consider myself an average, ok cook and can do new recipes. However, my mom is still better than me, lol.

We can be placed with the same ingredients to make a salad and while mine is a regular homemade salad, hers looks like a master salad and the cuts can be turned into geometric figures or other designs. It has creativity too. Though she only cooks for the family, not for business.

I'm learning some more recipes through youtube but honestly is being a great cook actually a natural talent?

[joeldalton]

Yes, there is a natural talent element. However, if you can follow a recipe and understand cooking basics (knife skills, cooking techniques) you can make excellent meals. But if you want to develop your skills, watch/read groups like Serious Eats and Alton Brown to learn the ‘why’ of cooking.

[Summeroflove]

I think it can be something you’re born with as well as learned.

[SarahS98]

Interesting. Mom started getting involved in the kitchen when she was 20/21 and apparently was a fast learner. I'm 24 and my cooking is still average, lol.

[Summeroflove]

It’s alright. It’s better then not cooking at all and I’m sure you’ll get better. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses

[SarahS98]

Thank you. Yes I agree. Creative, elaborated meals is definitely not my strength

[Summeroflove]

You’re welcome. Yeah. It’s not my strength either. If I want that I can go to a nice restaurant

[BJP21]

Not always, I can cook from instructions, but to make something from scratch takes talent. I've often wanted to attend culinary classes just so I can cook meat properly and pair things together beyond meat and potatoes and and side of random veggies.

[SarahS98]

I was thinking of attending culinary classes to improve on the baking. Her cakes are so beautiful and elegant in comparing to my simple chocolate cake with cherries or basic b-day cakes.
She doesn't do it from instructions. She does it so naturally. I can't get to that level.

[KrakenAttackin]

Depending on where you live there may or may not be a lot of competition. Where I live there are several high-end bakeries that get several hundred dollars for specialty cakes. The local MILFS drop serious coin on their kids bday parties.

[KrakenAttackin]

I'm sure there is aptitude just like any other pursuit.

[SarahS98]

That can be a factor too. If I were her, I would've made a business out of it. Yet she won't do it to earn money. She just loves doing it for the family.

[Luckycharms12]

Guess have to have a passion for it

[SarahS98]

True. I think skills count too. For instance I wouldn't be able to turn a red pepper into the shape of a rose my mother does. Then again, I don't really want to learn too much about decorating foods. I'm just cooking to eat.