i wanna learn to cook.....

[Michelle]

hey ladies im wondering if some of you can help me out....i want to learn to cook (i can only do the basics right now) but i dont know any good recipes to try... can you share some of your favourites please

[YoursTruly]

Hey michelle--do you watch the food network? They have many chefs that specialize in 30 min meals, including Rachel Ray, what she is infamous for in the early days pre-show. The food network definitely has a cult following! lol.

But in terms of easy dishes, I cook things like pasta with chicken or veggies grilled with a side of roasted potatoes. Quick meals are always simple to make involving a meat or poultry and a veggie and side.

 

Salmon is very easy to make and cooks in 10 minutes in a broiler. The key is to not let your food dry out. Just breathe and focus on your goal. It is not terribly difficult as people seem to make it. I wish you well.

[ErinB]

I'm a chef, so feel free to ask any questions at any time!

 

My standard advice is to start small. Once you are comfortable in the kitchen, you can start to expand. Too often, I've seen people start off big and get discouraged if it doesn't work.

 

I think everyone should have a copy of "The Joy of Cooking". It is a great resource! It's not a pretty book with lots of pictures, but technique and foods are very thouroughly described.

 

Martha Stewart has a new cookbook that I think is called "Cooking School" or something similar. It does have pictures to guide you along.

 

Palua Dean has a kid's cookbook out now that I love, especially for new cooks (of any age)! Each recipe is a "normal" food, they are quick and easy, and the instructions are very detailed.

 

Good luck!

[Kat81]

I couldn't cook my way out of a box a year ago. I have been using the internet to find a lot of recipies. The campbells website has some really easy meals that are super good. That is where I started, also a slow cooker is a great resource to making great dinners. My husband came home last night and said "you know babe, I am really impressed with your cooking skills lately" lol it was so funny to me. So, my advice is think of something you want to cook then look up some recipies online until you find one that sounds simple enough then try it. Usually it will be really good!!

[amyblant]

I have printed out and used so many recipes from the Food Network. Paula Deen has simple and great ones and so does Tyler Florence. Try his Fried Chicken, so good!

 

Also the mussels that he has on there are super easy and look gourmet

[BachataBride]

You could subscribe to the magazine "Fine Cooking" as well! They have so many great tips...and great recipes in there!! You can order the acual magazine or subscribe for it online!

Good Luck!!!

[TammyWright]

fine cooking is a great mag...my favorite. it has very simple recipes, pictures, techniques and also variations on recipes so you can tweak to flavors you prefer (like italian, mediterranean, asian etc.)

[RedDiamond]

Try the Copy Kat website. It's great because you can make things you are already familiar with, so you know if it's coming out right.

 

Welcome to Copykat Recipes

[NJ_bride]

Michelle, buy the Betty Crooker standard cookbook (they even have a brides addition) these are the basics but great b/c you learn techniques and there is every type of recipe. I self taught from this book when I was a teenager now I can make anything. FH's friends are soo jealous b/c their wives can't boil water and I throw awesome dinner parties. For our house warming 2 years ago I did all Asian apps (egg rolls, dumplings, chicken satay, sesame pork tenderloin, fried rice, cheese wontons, ect even all the dipping sauces). I cooked for 2 days but it was worth it, there wasn't a thing left and people are still talking about it!

I can talk about cooking for hours, it is my favorite hobby and very relaxing for me. I bake too, but that gets me in trouble cause I love homemade desserts. I agree with kat81 about the slow cooker, great way to start off. Soups, stir frys, and pastas are easy. Meats are harder but once you get it you get it.

[rodent]

i get most of my recipes from allrecipes.com

 

i also like to get together with friends to try new recipes. we did a supper club for a while where everyone brought something & the recipe. it didn't stick though.