Domestic Goddess

Cooking - it's the thing at which every wife and mother must excel, or is it?

I taught myself to cook once I was at university (I spent the first year living off tomatoes and toast, thankfully the halls I were in were catered!). The 2 boys I lived with could already cook as they had lived away from home the year before uni, but I couldn't as I had still lived at home. I could do some of the basics like mashed potatoes but remember asking my mother how to cook risotto. I decided it was something I wanted to know how to do so spent time finding recipes and experimenting, thankfully I had a guinea pig willing to try my creations. (Thank you Penfold).
I am not much of one for following instructions and now I don't think I have ever followed a recipe by the letter, I'll always add something here or there, but I see them more as guidelines or inspiration. I can do this as I have the confidence in what goes together, but it has taken me 10 years.
A few of my female friends (you know who you are ladies) are less adept in the kitchen (self confessed). Is this lack of ability or confidence? Can anyone be a good cook?
My theory is it is confidence and a willingness to learn and make mistakes. We get to this age and can do most things and it can be hard to go back to square one and start the learning process again. (I know I am feeling it hard with stitch n bitch). So take heart, don't give up, it's not too late to learn. The other option is of course get your fella to cook - or failing that, beans on toast is a very balance meal, if you add cheese that is.

I started this post with a question - is cooking a womans domain - or do you only have to do it when married (or a mother)? Some might say it was a failing not to be able to cook, but I don't see it like that. I enjoy cooking and so have been prepared to spend the time to get better at it, but we all have our special talents, mine may well be mass catering, just don't ask me to sing!

Off to play in the snow!