Co-Op is Back!

I sent my friend Nicole a text last week that felt eerily like a note a 15-year-old would pass to her ex during geometry class. It pleaded, "Will you take me back? Yes/No/Maybe So." Nicole knew exactly what I meant. About a month ago, I told her I wanted out of our Dinner Co-Op. I needed space, time to reflect, to figure out what I wanted. Nicole was sad and spread the word to the third member of our co-op, Cheryl. Cheryl is the newest member and she quickly asked, "Is it my fault? Did she not like my cooking?" When Nicole told me about Cheryl's concerns, I quickly replied, "It's not you. It's me."

I spent some time away, experiencing what could be called a "regular" cooking routine and I quickly saw the error of my ways. I wanted back in. Thank goodness Nicole and Cheryl are forgiving people because they welcomed me back with open arms. I only hope I haven't broken their trust. They might live each Dinner Co-Op week wondering if I've got one foot out the door. I guarantee it girls; I'm in it for the long haul.

If you're new to the Dinner Co-Op world, let me tell you how it works. Find a friend or two or three. It works best when everyone lives nearby. Designate a night of the week for each person to cook. We change it every week because our schedules change. When it's your night to cook, make a main course and deliver it to the homes of the other members of your group. Then the other nights, sit back, relax and wait for a home-cooked meal to arrive at your doorstep. It works out well for me, Nicole and Cheryl because the only child in the mix is under two years, so we don't have to worry about feeding multiple family members. Each of us cooks six servings: two per home. With that said, Dinner Co-Op is completely possible for families as well, it just takes a little bit more prep - just as it would if you were cooking for your own family instead of just you and your spouse.

The important part is to make sure everything is equal. That's what will keep the co-op alive. If you are just one of two people in your household, then don't join a co-op with someone who is going to want you to cook for her and her husband and their three kids. It's got to be fair. Nicole, Cheryl and I are all about the same caliber when it comes to cooking as well. None of us is Emeril, but we're not going to poison each other either. As long as you can work those details out, it's so simple. And talk about money saving! Buying ingredients for one meal with six servings is so much cheaper than three meals each with two servings. And did I mention you only cook once and eat three times???

We've been co-op'ing for almost a year now. I don't stick with much. I get bored easily and I kind of like change, so the fact that this co-op has been going on for so long (with the exception of the recent brief hiatus, shame on me), is a testament to it's convenience and effectiveness. I encourage you to try it out. Email me if you have any questions. It can be kind of confusing at first. Once you get the hang of it though, it's smooth, yummy sailing. Bon appetit!

- Abby