I'm sure there've been a lot of suggestions on food and cooking (the post about satiety was something I also wanted to bring up) so I'll use this thread to dump my ideas and maybe everyone else can organize theirs here too
Firepits are the only way to cook meals (ovens aren't used to make 'meals') and I think there should be further progression of that function. One that comes to mind immediately is a stove top that can be turned on or off without having to light it. Since there is some forms of technology and electrum, it could be a late-game reward. It could also be used to have precise temperature control if that's desired. However I think there should also be a mid game upgrade, particularly the ability to create a metal grill. It could just function as an add-on to a firepit, but personally I would like it to be its own thing that you light up. This would be used to cook meats and veggies without needing to use a pot.
Currently meals are only made in pots and are served in bowls, I think the logical next step would be to make food in pans and use plates. I think it could function by having to 'plate' your meals rather than taking a serving. A pan would be used on a grill or stove top and, if you have a cast iron, in the oven. You'd be able to make individual foods and season them. I imagine it'd have the same 4 slots like a pot does, but you could do things like add salt, spices, and herbs. Then, when you plate the food you would take the seasoned food from the pan and add it to one slot, with the ability to add other cooked foods. Maybe also have the ability to drain pot-cooked meals and plate them as well (steamed veggies, cooked rice, noodles?).
Aesthetic plates and bowls would also be fun to have! Since we can put up cabinets now, I would love to line them up with fancy dishes. This could also open up the conversation for a trait that allows decorating pottery? Also a new trader type who carries these kinds of dishes would be fun.
I think combining more complex food making with harsher satiety would allow the player to put more effort into making more effective meals and being rewarded for the effort. More tools/functions could be added like grating cheeses or apples; cutting veggies and meats; broth making. Cooking is one of the most extensive and complex things we do and I would love to see it represented in Vintage Story!
