The Kitchen Dance

Our section of the world seems hold on tight to the "bigger is better" notion, kitchen size being no exception. Except, I totally take exception to that!

Starting with my Mom and ending with myself, I come from a short line of small-kitchen-cooks. Somehow, Mom managed to feed five children (plus a husband plus a constant stream of short/long-term guests, not to mention the orchestration of many-a-holiday) in what amounts to a short hallway, plus a pantry. It's very distinct in my memories being asked repeatedly, by everyone who saw it, "How does she cook in there?

"Very well, thank you" should have been my standard reply.

Actually, it was a fun place to be and was often where all the action took place, just like any standard to gourmet sized kitchens. We developed a system for sharing the narrow space, eventually dubbed "The Kitchen Dance."

You know, Mom opens the fridge door and Kid twists hips to slide behind to go stare at the pantry shelves for something to nibble. Kid loads the dishwasher and Another Kid side-steps to the inches of space remaining in front of the stove. Mom chops veggies on the only counter top and All Five Kids sashay fluidly around one another to catch a glimpse over her shoulders at what's for dinner.

The Kitchen Dance.

So, when I moved in with The Husband and his even narrower/shorter kitchen -- sans pantry and counter top -- the transition was easy. In no time at all, we developed our own steps for our own version of the Kitchen Dance.

It was just like coming home.