I was delighted to hear that the sale of food has gone down (on the news)
That means that as many of us as is possible are growing our own (or and) we are not throwing away stuff as much.
A lot of my best dishes are made up from 'left overs'
Things which can never be repeated because even I, as the cook, can't remember exactly what went in to them.
It is delightful that your dear lady is making delicious foods for you. I very much hope that it is a joint issue where you both taste the progress and make suggestions.
It is also important that you both get involved with the preparation process.
Collecting and washing the ingredients.
Then afterwards the washing up.
I do hope that if you have enjoyed the meal she provides you are thoughtful enough to volunteer to do the clearing up and washing up whilst she has a drink and a rest from kitchen duties.
We enjoy eating together. That takes a short time
The preparation and clearing up afterwards takes so much longer.