1,006. Cooking on Yom Tov

Shvisas Yom Tov 1:8

We are permitted to knead, bake, slaughter and cook on yom tov because if these labors are performed the day before, the resulting flavor will be inferior because fresh bread and freshly-cooked food don’t taste like day-old bread or food. Similarly, freshly-slaughtered meat doesn’t taste like day-old meat. The same principle applies in all similar scenarios. Similarly, when performing subordinate activities - like grinding spices – in advance would yield inferior results, these activities may be performed on yom tov.

Shvisas Yom Tov 1:9

One is not permitted to bake or cook food on yom tov for use during the week; acts of labor for food preparation were only permitted to increase one’s enjoyment of the holiday. However, if one makes food for yom tov and he has leftovers, they may be eaten during the week.