Alchemists and provisioners. Alchemists to a lesser extent, as they still could use items crafted by others (glass from jewelers...). Most of the interdependency has been removed, however, with the new books and skills. So, even as a sage, you could make what you need (quills, paper, ink, etc).
On the second question, barbarians, trolls, halflings are given racial traits for cooking. I am sure there are more, but I can't remember them. IMHO, just pick a race that you like. I'm a gnome; I don't get that racial trait ( excuse me?! Like gnomes can't COOK??!!!) :P
---Fyrespring---
50 Provisioner
32 Conjuror
Edited, Tue Apr 5 02:00:47 2005 by Firespring
Edited, Tue Apr 5 02:04:05 2005 by Firespring