In my world, the perfect pair. I cook dinner almost every night for my family. I take pride in preparing healthy meals that we can then sit down, enjoy, and reconnect with one another after our busy day. And as much as I do love to cook, a little inspiration, like a new exciting recipe a good friend has shared with me, a nice glass of wine sitting on the kitchen counter next to that recipe, and great music adds energy and makes all the cooking that much more fun. I am not too shy to admit that I do like upbeat music to cook to, as dancing can also make roasting vegetables a little more spicy, just be careful with that knife while chopping!
As a lover of oldies music, because it can bring back so many memories, I also think cooking with music does the same.
Many of us will remember the lamb chops our moms carefully prepared with rosemary. Or the chocolate cake where we got to lick the beater. Or our Dad outside grilling juicy steaks or burgers.
But we also remember the songs playing in the background that made us stop, smile and yes, dance. Some of the great songs that came from my parents kitchen or backyard growing up were from Roger Whittaker, Willie Nelson, John Denver, Johnny Cash and Charlie Pride. When I hear “The Last Farewell” I am immediately transported back to my Mom’s kitchen. The window above the sink is open, buffalo check curtains are gently moving, and bread is rising on the stove with a tea towel covering the bowl. Or a summer evening, “On the Sunny Side of the Street” is playing and suddenly I am in my old back yard. It is filled with my parents friends and my Dad has a beautiful salmon on the grill. Lots of laughter.
One of my favorites, mentioned above, is “On the Sunny Side of the Street”, composed by Jimmy McHugh but covered by many. My particular favorites are from Louis Armstrong and the duet by Willie Nelson and Tony Bennett.
“Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street
Can’t you hear that pitter-pat?
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street”

▶ 3:09
Come on, it just does not get much better than that!
My humble note: music for cooking and music for eating can be two very different things.
A post on music for eating will come soon.
Please share your favorite cooking songs.