I'm a Natural Cook.

I feel confident in the kitchen, and it's a tremendous feeling. And although I love cookbooks, I don't need them! For example, I'm not Filipino, but would you like me to make you some chicken adobo? No problem. Not that I've made it before, indeed I have not, but I've eaten it, I "get" it, and I understand the way it relates to other dishes (like chicken cacciatore, for example) technique-wise. Would you like a nice mole sauce? Done. Whatever you want.

Cooking makes me feel powerful. I am utterly in control when I cook, yet utterly flexible. I can make something out of nothing or imagine something extraordinary and make it appear. I can be of use to others. I can express my individuality or I can cook to other people's tastes and expectations.

But I have noticed, there are people who become alarmed, jealous or uncomfortable  watching me cook without recipes or measuring utensils. My mother-in-law, for example, eyes me suspiciously and makes provocative remarks about  following directions and about  how food preparation  is a science relying on exact formulas. But, lo! She wolfs down huge plates of my creations and always takes second helpings. Even when I do something as simple as shaking oatmeal straight out of the box and into the boiling water, she bristles. No measuring cup? How can this be?

Not necessary, baby! Welcome to my world.