Reading a story on Taste Cooking about how restaurant kitchens usually have music blaring as the staff gears up for the day's work reminded me that when I'm embarking on a major cooking or baking project, I often use music to get the kitchen mojo going. A Bluetooth speaker hangs on the utensil rail behind the cooktop, playing whatever SiriusXM channel fits the occasion. Frequently that means something to pump me up like Rock The Bells (classic rap and hip-hop), although the soundtrack can come from a variety of channels such as 40s Junction (40s big band), Lithium (90s alternative & grunge), Alt Nation (new alternative), The Groove (70s/80s old-school R&B), and occasionally Yacht Rock (self-explanatory and no apologies given).

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While upbeat music is the norm, occasionally a mellow soundtrack is required to calm things down. Bouncing around to hip-hop is not going to help me create a delicate pastry lattice. If I'm cooking with friends, music is definitely required and I'll let them choose the playlist. My favorite group cooking and baking sessions are with my former college roommate because we were both DJs at our college radio station. We groove in the kitchen to the same music that we used to spin on turntables.

It feels natural to me to have music playing while I'm in the kitchen and also when we are eating. Often the soundtrack for the meal changes to something quieter and more relaxing like smooth jazz or classical. If my husband is picking the music, it's likely to be Motown or bluegrass. It's rare for either of us to not be listening to music when food is involved. What does your kitchen playlist sound like?