I seriously need to learn how to cook. Suggestions?

[ALago1]

So I am only now in a situation where I'm living on my own without access to pre-made food (i.e. college dining halls). As of now I can make very basic stuff (pasta, eggs, sandwiches...and that's pretty much it). That's what I do for breakfast and lunch but for dinner I usually just get take out from someplace.

Now that's bad because it's very expensive, and secondly because it's not the most healthy thing in the world to do. So what's the best way to become skilled? Just buy a cookbook and try it out? Suggestions are welcome...

[XemaSab]

1. Buy a cookbook

:bounce:

[Porcupine]

44. Buy these cookbooks......

"The New Joy of Cooking"- (much more realistic than "Joy of Sex")

"The Silver Palate Cookbook"- A lot of very doable recipes.

"Sacramental Magic in a Small Town Cafe"- subtle and amazing. The barbecue sauce is the best ever.

"The San Francisco Chronicle Cookbook"- Foodies in THE CITY are probably the most fanatical in America and this is their bible. You have to admire a city that has enough restaurant seats to seat it's entire population....at the same time.

Oh, cast iron pans and clean them with a bamboo wok brush. My pans are actually older than I am.

[leftofthedial]

2. watch a few shows on the food network

and try some of their recipes

as much as I hate to bring up her name, Rachel Ray's 30-minute meals are pretty simple.

they also have food 9-11, good eats, and some of the others that feature pretty simple meals.

the recipes on their website are rated for how easy they are.

I'd suggest learning a couple of "methods" that you can use with various ingredients.

find some good simple cookbooks and work through a few recipes.

Cooking for one is tough, so look for recipes that make good leftovers.

[Maddy McCall]

3. First of all, don't be afraid.

If you have any tried-and-true recipes from your family members, ask for copies. Yes, try them out!

Once you start cooking a little bit--using recipes at first--you can move on to experimenting with your own concoctions.

If you don't have a grill, buy one. It's easy to marinate a steak or other meat, throw it on the grill, bake a potato or two, toss a salad, and voila, you're ready to eat as soon as the meat comes off of the grill. Grill extra food--maybe a few hamburger patties, etc., so that you have meals you can eat later in the week, or take to work with you.

Buy a wok if you don't have one. You can buy frozen veggie mixtures in the grocer's freezer. Buy some boneless chicken breasts, slice them thin, stirfry in olive oil in your wok, and add the veggies. Season with soy sauce or however you like.

Buy some tupperware-like storage containers to store leftovers--if you live alone, this will be your most useful investment.

The most important advice I can give you is to not be afraid to experiment.

Good luck, and keep us informed on how it goes.

[yellowdogintexas]

27. I would add to that list something to steam veggies in,

very very hand. Those little ones that go in the saucepan are very inexpensive.

And visit the Cooking and Baking group on DU!!

[FuzzySlippers]

4. I would recommend the "Joy of Cooking".

There's a ton of information on techniques and ingredients and easy to follow recipes. I taught myself to cook from the old edition, but the new edition is also excellent.

[ALago1]

18. I've heard of that book

From what I understand it's the "standard" how-to cookbook. I'll definitely check it out as it's probably a good starting resource.

[DawgHouse]

34. It teaches all the basic techniques as well as more complicated things.

I highly recommend this book!

[brook]

41. Agreed.

I have my Mom's early copy -and by scouring antique shops, was able to see that my daughter and grandaughter have the same one. When I found the one for my grandaughter, I went through it and added notes about certain recipes and how they connected to my chidhood- and her mothers.

I really think it's absolutely the best introduction to the kitchen (and the joys of) anyone could have. It's so unpretentious and just a wealth of information. I have other cookbooks, but Joy is my Bible.

[madokie]

5. Get a girlfriend and brag on how good she cooks

[eyesroll]

6. Just remember that even complex dishes are just a series of easy steps.

Once you've mastered some very basic processes -- sauteeing, beating, whipping, slicing, etc., the rest is just assembly.

I'd recommend "I'm Just Here for the Food" by Alton Brown. It's geared toward a novice (but it's not dumbed down or anything), and explains the basics. To Alton (my hero), food + heat = cooking. That's all, really.

[ALago1]

22. A good way to look at the process

Thanks I'll definitely check out Alton Brown.

[MissMillie]

7. talk w/ your friends that cook

especially people w/ whom you like to dine out. They will be a terrific resource for you. See how they like to cook for themselves when they don't dine out.

[DS1]

8. Chili

End of lesson.

[Burma Jones]

9. Get the Joy of Cooking

and learn to like Ramen Noodles.....a lot

[malta blue]

12. The Ramen Noodle is so versatile.

Just saute garlic, ginger, jalapeno, brocolli, etc and add chicken stock with just a drop of that crappy seasoning packet. You will have delicious soup. I usually finish it off with fresh cilantro or lemongrass.

[Burma Jones]

14. So Cheap, So Good, So Useful

Hail to the food that kept me from being a Grocery shoplifter......

[malta blue]

17. I was always opposed to it until I got violently ill

late last year, and craved salt and soup for about 5 days. My husband (who is a FANTASTIC cook) started making it for me like that. I fought him, but alas, I was too weak, and now I make it for myself when I am in a rush...

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

10. Learn from Alton Brown.

Most importantly, he teaches you WHY cooking techniques are used and how they work. Knowing and understanding what happens during the cooking process helps you in ways you can't even imagine.

Trust me on this one. Buy one of his DVDs or watch him on Food Network.

[SofaKingLiberal]

11. Check out this site:

http://www.cooks.com

There is also a cooking group here on DU:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=236

[miss_american_pie]

13. The first time you make anything

it's going to suck. Try again.

If you are baking, you have to follow measurements exactly.

Get a good chef's knife.

[CBHagman]

38. Actually, the first time can be good...

...but cooking can take a fair amount of trial and error. It's like any other activity. You might find you have an aptitude for it.

Seriously, though, I learned a lot through just being sent off to the kitchen with a cookbook and ingredients and orders to make such-and-such a recipe. Both my grandmother and stepmother were fantastic cooks...and neither instructed me.

Another thing to try: Cooking with friends, either at someone's home or in a community center, church hall, etc.

Good luck!

[Midlodemocrat]

15. SOteric, who is a gourmet cook, told me to get Cook's Illustrated

I got the magazine, now have access to the website and purchased a rather large cookbook at Costco on Saturday.

It is fantastic. The recipes are out of this world and it has a lot on technique.

[ALago1]

19. Ooh Cook's Illustrated

Does that mean there are pictures? An added bonus...

[Midlodemocrat]

25. Yes. Photos. It is an incredible tool. I am so glad she told me

about it. It explains all kinds of things like different cuts of meat, how to cook them, etc., How to do certain techniques like butterflying chicken breasts, real gourmet stuff.

And, the recipes are to die for. Saturday night I made skillet lasagna from their recipe collection. Amazingly easy, makes a TON, and everyone lapped it up.

[ALago1]

26. Sweet! Thanks again...

n.t

[DS1]

23. and she makes the most kickass cookies and buffalo sauce

not that I dip them, or anything

[Midlodemocrat]

24. Just for you, though, just for you.

:P

[Fleshdancer]

37. Cook's Illustrated is the absolute best!

all of the recipes are easy to follow because the writers do a great job explaining what to do and why and ALL the recipes are wonderful. :bounce:

[China_cat]

16. Julia Child's books.

And follow the recipes to the letter until you have a handle on what tastes you get from what combinations. Only then can you branch out on your own with any hope of success.

One step at a time. It really isn't hard.

Oh...learn to do one or 2 things really well. Your friends will think you're a genius.

[azmouse]

20. Try the new Good Housekeeping cookbook.

Great recipes and it's very user friendly.

[AirmensMom]

21. www.allrecipes.com

and www.epicurious.com. Lots o' free recipes. And the reviews tell you if they're any good.

I like the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, too (it's the red checkered on). :thumbsup:

Good luck! :hug:

[yellowdogintexas]

28. Easy Biscuits:

Whipping Cream Biscuits



1 ½ cups White Lily self-rising flour (actually any brand of selfrising flour is just fine)

½ pint whipping cream



Mix together with fork. Roll out on floured surface. Bake on lightly greased baking sheet at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes.



Shortcut: Mix biscuits as directed. Place on baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 7 minutes. Remove from baking sheet and cool completely. Freeze. Take out of freezer as many biscuits as needed and bake at 450°F for about 5 minutes or until browned.

[bigwillq]

29. Buy one of Rachel Ray's cook books

She has tons of really quick and really easy recipes.
And watch her show too! She's the best! :) :hi: :bounce:

[Catchawave]

39. I agree about Rachael, she makes cooking fun

too :)

[bigwillq]

40. WOO HOO! Finally another Rachel fan!

:hi: :hug:

[yellowdogintexas]

30. if you have something grillable, something steamable, and

some salad, you can eat very healthily every day.

You can take chicken breast, cut up in cubes, saute it in garlic and butter, add some Italian seasoning and a can of mushrooms and some white wine, simmer until the meat is done. SErve with a green vegetable and salad, over pasta or rice if you like.

I do all kinds of variations on this, just changing out the spices. Tarragon is very French, cumin and cilantro with some hot peppers make it Mexican. etc.

and Julia Childs Books are awesome. Don't let Mastering the Art of French Cooking intimidate you. She explains things step by step in very straightforward terms, with sketches.

Learn to make soup. A big pot of soup can be divided up and frozen in serving size portions, reheated in microwave or small saucepan on stove.

Same for Stew or chili.

Rice and bean dishes are also wonderful and very budget friendly. Spicy lentils or black beans served over rice are awesome.

and if you are wanting to know how to fix a certain thing, this group will tell you.

oh yeah, don't ever forget this basic cooking rule:

cream must be COLD when whipped, or it won't whip very well.

egg whites must be at room temperature when whipped or they won't whip at all.

[NMDemDist2]

31. we have a great group of DUers in the cooking and baking group

that will be glad to help and answer questions.

here's a thread we did on easy recipes to get someone started. many of them are freezable. what I used to do was cook for two (or four) and freeze the extra portions for later in the week or month

that way when it's just too much to comtemplate, there's always meals in the freezer ready to microwave

one hint about microwaving frozen meals, add some liquid-- water milk broth whatever seems right for the recipe (water always works as a default)

anyway here's the thread and come visit, we'll welcome you and help you all we can :bounce:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=236&topic_id=17374

[ALago1]

36. I'm totally joining

Thanks again and I'll be sure to post in the group soon!

[Whoa_Nelly]

32. Get a small crockpot

and a timer so it will turn off if you're not there. Get crockpot recipes from online, and cut the amounts by half.

EASY BBQ Crockpot Chicken

Chicken legs and/or drumettes (wings)
Fav BBQ sauce

Put chicken into crockpot
Pour BBQ sauce over it all
Cook on high 2+ hours, and then on low 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

Yummy BBQ all the way through!
Add salad and you've got a great meal!

[Ariana Celeste]

43. A crockpot is a must have

Definitely :thumbsup:

I like to stick some chicken breast in the crockpot with some cream of chicken soup and seasong salt, cook on low until the chicken is falling apart. With mashed potatoes. :loveya:

[Fridays Child]

33. Here's something good.

Take a couple of pounds of boneless top round, about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick, and cut it into diagonal strips, two inches, or so, long. Marinate it in the fridge, with your favorite Italian dressing (I like Paul Newman's and Trader Joe's Tuscany Italian). Let the meat sit in the dressing for anywhere from a half hour to overnight.

Dump it all (dressing included) into a frying pan and heat it to a boil. Then, turn it down, put a lid on it, and simmer it for about ten or fifteen minutes. Take off the lid and add in a couple of packages of your favorite frozen veggies. We like broccoli florets and sweet baby corn. Cook everything, until the meat is done and the veggies are heated all the way through.

On the side, cook up a big pot of brown rice. From the time you add the rice to the boiling water, it should take about forty to forty-five minutes to finish cooking. Just follow the directions on the rice package. But avoid Minute Rice or white rice. Brown rice is the way to go, nutritionally speaking.

Serve the meat and veggies on the rice or just mix everything up (if you decide to mix it all together, drain most of the liquid from the meat and veggies, first) and throw it in the fridge until you're hungry.

I like to eat this cold, with some extra Italian dressing on it. The rest of my family likes it hot, with salt and pepper. In any case, it's easy, tasty, and it'll last you the better part of a week.

Enjoy. :)

[Richard Steele]

35. Go to the DU cooking forum. Good stuff happens there.

Personally, as someone who is considered to be a pretty good cook,
I can recommend TELEVISION.

There are alot of good things to be learned from the various cooking shows.
If you want to take a "serious student" approach,
start with "America's Test Kitchen".

If you are more of a 'free associator', then "Iron Chef" is a great
place to get ideas from outside the box.

All the other shows have something to offer on any given day....

Except for "Iron Chef America".
It is a dark, reeking STAIN upon the permanent record of all mankind,
and should be avoided at all costs.

[dolo amber]

42. As well as the good suggestions in this thread

there are many more in this thread from a couple years ago. :hi:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=596696