Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

As long as they don't cross an imaginary line that I indicate for guests and my HUSBAND! Ours is definetely a one cook kitchen. They can sit at the island and chat while I cook, BUT I usually cannot talk and cook at the same time. My mother-in-law who does not cook , will ask me a MILLION questions about all my "gadgets" (oh ...what's a spatula?) while I am cooking away....I think finally she realized I am not very talkative in the kitchen.

I once lived in an apartment with two other guys, and one of them and I could share the kitchen peacefully and effectively. And the reason that worked was that we were both good cooks, but I was clearly a better cook, and he always acknowledged that. Also, I think the kitchen was set up well for that sort of collaboration because the range was a stand-alone unit and it was four or five steps from the countertops, sink, and refrigerator, so it was easy for one person to be doing one thing and another person doing another without them having to cross paths all the time. Right now, I'll be working in the kitchen, and my partner will always be getting in my way to throw something in the garbage can, which is under the sink, which is right near the range, and it makes me grumpy.

I'm happy, in theory, to have other people around, but our kitchen doesn't really have a place where they can sit and not get crushed by my constant back and forth. If they could sit on stools somewhere and just watch me, I think I'd like that.

I don't mind someone in the kitchen while I'm cooking, unless they start to hover too close, then I have to scoot them out to the dining room.

My kitchen is also very small. You can only have one person in the kitchen cooking. When you open the fridge it blocks in the stove and sink. That should give you an idea of how small it is, but to answer the question, I do like company while cooking. The dining area is right next to the kitchen so people normally sit there and chat with me. Sometimes it gets a little distracting if I'm trying to concentrate, but otherwise it's nice. Hopefully after the remodel I'll have a nice breakfast bar where people can hang out and chat.

Man, I love have someone to chat with while I cook. Have a seat on a comfy stool in the corner or at the island, I'll get you some wine. Your job is to chat, drink wine, and taste whatever I think you need to be tasting as the whim strikes me. You may also be required to change tracks on the iPod if my hands are gooey (yes, music is required). Bonus points if you can keep an eye on where I set down my wine glass - 'cause I'm gonna lose it at least a dozen times.

But don't hover. Don't try and help unless specifically asked. When I cook, I try to only injure myself. If you get in the way, I can't guarantee anything. With a 6'1 madman wheeling about the kitchen (usually with some manner of sharp, life-and-limb-endangering item in one or both hands), there's serious potential for danger.

I like cooking with my boyfriend. One of us preps while the other one cooks on the stove, or washes dishes or something. It's really efficient and time-saving, and we'll either listen to podcasts or talk about work, family, friends, etc. I find it to be "quality time".

My favorite kitchen companion is my little dog, who calmly but intently watches every move I make at the counter and stovetop. I know he's desparately hoping something will drop into his mouth, but I like to think I am his own personal food network. It is calming to have him there.