Sounds like you will just have to let her cry. If you are in the same room and she is in no danger, she does not "need" you to pick her up. You are the mom and you must not let her be in charge of you. Break the habit of her monopolizing…
I think a recipe forum would be awesome....especially if the recipe makes enough to feed a larger family! Did you ever notice that most recipes only make 4 servings?