I think that ‘enjoying cooking’ is not the issue. Women may enjoy cooking when they can take time to plan and prepare meals free of hassles like time constraints, money shortages, interference from picky eaters and lack of imagination in recipes. Also, at my stage of life (40ish), I have cooked almost everything I ever wanted to make (many, many times) and am bored with repeating menus that include: spaghetti, chicken (in general), casseroles, canned tomatoes, etc. I am actually a good cook, but prefer to bake a batch of muffins rather than prepare dinner. It’s the “What’s for dinner tonight?” syndrome, a one-act play to be repeated tomorrow, and on into infinity. (Sorry, mixed metaphors?)
Of course, if I had more energy, I could work up more enthusiasm. Fibromyalgia and R.A. don’t help. On the positive side, I have found that if I plan a week’s worth of menus, including a variety of dinners, both complex and very easy, then shop to buy all necessary ingredients, I can select a dinner each day based on the families’ needs and my energy level. The list also eliminates rummaging through the cupboards at 5:00pm trying to figure out what to make (a personal favorite way to kill a half hour). I used to start dinner at 3pm when my energy and interest levels were higher, a really good idea. (I work 1/2 days) Well, gotta go rummage in the cupboard.