In season 3 of Downton Abbey, Mrs. Patmore’s romantic admirer wants her cooking.
The man is Jos Tufton, a local provisions supplier who meets Mrs. Patmore at the village fair. He is charmed by the food she prepares and quickly begins complimenting her culinary skills. His attention initially flatters her, especially because she has spent much of her life being valued primarily for her work rather than courted romantically.
Mrs. Hughes later warns her that Tufton is less interested in her as a person than in the prospect of enjoying her food every day. The suspicion is confirmed when his flirtatious behavior toward other women becomes clear. His interest is therefore not a sincere romance built around Mrs. Patmore herself; it is largely motivated by the cooking she could provide.
The storyline fits Mrs. Patmore’s character: she is proud, outspoken, and highly protective of her professional reputation. The question refers to this short-lived season 3 storyline, not her later relationship hints with Mr. Mason.