I'm a new cook and I have no idea what I'm doing any suggestions?

Question

I don't live near my family because my husband is in the military (plus there not very good cooks anyway) how can i teach myself how to cook?

Answer 1

Check out http://www.savingdinner.com/

Join for 3 months (about 10 US dollars) and you'll be emailed 6 dinner menus per week, You may choose from among several types: low carb, heart healthy, regular, etc. You will receive a grocery list, recipes for a healthful and (usually) delicious main course, suggestions for side dishes, nutrition information and forums for discussion. You can download a free "sample menu" from several categories to try before you subscribe. Don't balk at recipes that "just don't sound good," as some of my favorites looked really strange before I cooked them.

I have been cooking for at least thirty years, but have never found dinner preparation - or grocery shopping, for that matter - easier. In addition, I think we are eating a much more balanced and healthful diet. I think (now that I've picked up new and different seasonings, oils and sauces that she recommends) that I save money, too. And I ALWAYS know what's for dinner and how soon I need to start it!

I also highly recommend "The Joy of Cooking". It is the only cookbook I have used consistently over the years, and works as well for a new cook or a professional caterer (my friend uses it in her business).

Answer 2

If you know other military wives, see if you can cook with them, or get recipes from them.

When you go to the supermarket, get the free recipes at the meat, deli, fish and produce departments.

Also, check out PBS stations. They have cooking shows, and also shows like Martha (Stewart) and the food channel.

If you have a community college near you, or an adult school, take classes, or even check the mall for classes.

Here's an easy recipe that you can add your own taste to. Experiment with different spices and cuts of meat. The worst that happens is you realize you DON'T like that flavor!

Chicken, Potatoes and Veggies
Get some fresh chicken breasts, cut it up. Coat it with an egg/water mixture, roll in bread crumbs and bake 30 minutes at 325 degrees.

If you're real lazy, get some shake n bake type coating, and coat the fresh chicken with that mixture. Tastes just as good.

While the chicken is baking, make some fresh mashed potatoes.
If you have a microwave its super easy.
In a microwave safe bowl, add 2 potatoes, washed and cut. Peel if you wish. Poke a few holes in it with a fork.
Fill the bowl with water, put in microwave, cover with saran wrap or waxed paper, microwave on high for 8 minutes.

When the potatoes are done (fork should slide easily into it), carefully drain the water. If you do not have a potato masher, use the fork and break the potatoes down until you can mash it. Add a splash of milk, a gob of butter and a dash of salt. Mix well. For creamier potatoes, add more milk... but not too much milk or it'll turn mushy. Let the potatoes sit 5 minutes before serving.

Then for veggies, you can serve fresh veggies (ie: corn on the cob, carrots) or frozen or canned.. whichever you prefer

Answer 3

Definite yes on cooking shows!! And that goes for if you fancy yourself a cook, or moreso a baker (some folks are one or the other)
If you have cable - Food Network all day; no cable - then your local PBS station (SUPPORT PUBLIC BROADCASTING...sorry :o))

Get cookbooks that will show you not only recipes, but technique as well.

Most importantly, you absolutely CANNOT be afraid of food. You learn by trial an error plus some of the best dishes were mistakes.

Answer 4

My mom was an excellent cook so I learned alot of basics from her. But I found that watching cooking shows and just getting a good cook book and dinking with ingredients was an excellent way to teach myself after I moved out and states away :). Just always keep 1 rule in mind..never cook with wine you would not drink *lol*.

Answer 5

Get some good cook books, and follow the recipes to the letter. Once you are better at cooking you can experiment. If you can't buy cook books there are plenty of recipes online. Good luck. Cooking is fun! :)

Answer 6

buy the fannie farmer cokbook, it has the greatest recipes and there easy to follow. Also try making chicken parmesagna

marinate boneless chicken breasts in italian dressing for about 30 minutes, broil and when just about done cover with pasta sauce and shredded italian cheese blend. very simple and great tasting. as a side put asparagus into foil packet with some olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and garlic and broil while the chicken is cooking, should be done at the same time.

Answer 7

My suggestion would be to begin out with fundamentals like pasta or rice. Are trying including another fresh cut up vegetable to it at any time when comparable to broccoli, or zuchinni. Add sauted ( fried in butter or olive oil on low heat until softer watching) onions, peppers or garlic or all three if you like. That you may additionally add tomato sauce, or fowl or pork broth for an additional taste. You can get lots of recipes on line just variety in "recipes" and plenty of them pop up. Which you can get cookbooks on the library and duplicate down your favorites, You might buy cookbooks at the greenback retailer some instances they are 2 for 1. Deli departments at grocery retailers often have free recipes on the counter, so does the contemporary fish and produce departments.

Answer 8

Pick out what you want to eat, find any recipe in a cook book and follow it faithfully, or read the ingredients on a package or can of the same food and trial and error will do the rest. Don't get discouraged no one ever learned to cook in one day. Oh Yes !
Very important ......NEVER USE YOUR FRIENDS AS GUINEA PIGS!!!.......taste it yourself till you get it right then serve it up to your buddies, if you want them to stay your friends.

Answer 9

My thought might be to begin out with fundamentals like pasta or rice. check out including another recent reduce up vegetable to it whenever reminiscent of broccoli, or zuchinni. Add sauted ( fried in butter or olive oil on low warmth till softer watching) onions, peppers or garlic or all 3 when you like. You too can upload tomato sauce, or bird or red meat broth for another taste. You can get tons of recipes online simply form in "recipes" and tons of them pop up. You can get cookbooks on the library and replica down your favorites, You would purchase cookbooks on the buck retailer a few instances they're two for a million. Deli departments at grocery shops frequently have loose recipes on the counter, so does the recent fish and convey departments.

Answer 10

Every good cook should have The Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.

It's just THE basic cookbook to have!