Linda ....
There was a very good reason the pioneers had large kitchens where everyone congregated. That was the room where the wood stove was generally located ...
In my house, I have what is called a fireplace insert, which operates as a wood stove, but it is located in the living room ...
and the kitchen is located at the back of the house furthest away from the heat from the stove, so it does get cold.
By afternoon, the heat has traveled to that part of the house and the kitchen truly is quite comfortable. However, I can compensate by putting a roast in the morning to slow roast during the day and that warms the kitchen earlier. Or I can make up something the night before and pop it in the oven and that warms the room.
I agree with you, working in a cold kitchen would be a horror. I am not about to suffer through that kind of think. If all else fails, I'll cook something that I can put in the freezer for a future meal.
My kitchen is fairly small, so it doesn't take long to heat up when I use the oven ...
At least, I don't have to haul water or wash clothing in a creek. I didn't step back that far in time.
