I'm lucky enough that directors sometimes seek me out for little projects that people don't even know about, that just surface later on.
I get to play a great character while working with great actors and great directors on a great show.
Cooking for people is an enormously significant expression of generosity and soulfulness, and entertaining is a way to be both generous and creative. You're sharing your life with people. Of course, it's also an expression of your own need for approval and applause. Nothing wrong with that.