Music to Cook By

Since today is Lammas, the song that is on my mind is "John Barleycorn". I am tempted to get into the kitchen and make a couple nice loaves of bread, but I've no one with whom to share them. I can't eat a lot of bread due to my lap band. Some days I can eat it, and some days I can't. I'll save a piece of the whole wheat bread that came with my Turkish breakfast (ordering a Turkish breakfast is my Saturday indulgence) for a simple solitary ritual this evening.

Getting back to music, I would like to know how many of you have to have music in the background when you're in the kitchen. I have to have something on in the background, be it music or a film, but I prefer music.

Do you listen to specific music when you're making specific foods? For example, do you listen to salsa music when preparing Mexican food? Opera or the soundtrack of "Goodfellas" when making Italian food?

If I'm making Indian food, I either listen to chants, or "Concert for George" because there is a lovely Indian music section in the beginning. George loved all things Indian, so just listening to his songs always helps set the mood for me.

Remember that you can purify your working area through SOUND as well as the smoke from your censer. Music that has a calming effect will help when making foods that are associated with peace. Making a romantic dinner? Put the love songs on while you're cooking it! Or listen to something sexy. If you want to create a lot of energy, put on some music with a good bit. Yes, you can dance and cook at the same time. I won't tell! ;)

What's on your cooking soundtrack? I'm putting the finishing touches on one and will share it as soon as I get it ready. I normally just go to www.playlist.com and put together lists to save and stream through the computer. Let me know what you're listening to in the kitchen.