2006-12-30 07:09:18 · 17 answers · asked by vickii 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
ALWAYS remember that COOKING & BAKING is merely opinion. What one person says is good might not be for someone else.
Do not listen to those who tell you that you cannot do something ... Experiment and gain your own cooking self-esteem. Limit time spent with those who put down what you do and always rise above your expectations. Cook cook and cook some more ! Most of all ENJOY IT !!
2006-12-30 08:10:01 · answer #1 · answered by Kitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I second the recommendation of cook's illustrated magazine. very educational!
Also, if you don't have much or any cooking experience, it's good to get your confidence up with some basic stuff that you can learn how to make easily. There are lots of beginners cookbooks that don't assume you already know anything and that are structured to teach you techniques as well as recipes. A good one is "Help thre's a kitchen in my apartment"! The big red plaid Betty Crocker cookbook is another good basic place to start, and a handy reference for traditional American style recipes.
Once you get the basics down, experiment with different cookbooks and cooking magazines. You might try taking a class if any are offered near you, and definitely check out the Food Network ifyou have access to it. Alton Brown's shows are great because he not only shows you how to cook but explains what is actually going on in terms of the reactions, mixtures etc but in a non-scary way.
The best advice is to learn basic techniques, and then follow your creative muse. There will be failures and triumphs along the way just as when you learn anything new. Toss the former and savor the latter, and good luck!
2006-12-30 15:17:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy yourself some good versatile cookbooks (try Rachael Ray's newest one 30-minute meals made simple), also if you have time watch a few of the cooking shows on food network, they are so helpful. Skip the fancier ones and start out simple like How to Boil Water is a great show because it gives you the foundation you need. Preparation is everything!! Don't be afraid to mess around with a recipe putting your own spin on things (in small amounts initially) tailored to your families tastebuds.
2006-12-30 15:14:33 · answer #3 · answered by kimmy p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyday Food Magazine is amazing! It has really simple to make delicious meal ideas. I have gotten compliments from every recipe I've tried from it. If you pick good recipes, follow directions and buy the highest quality ingredients possible you'll be a great cook in no time. It also helps to watch the Food Network.
2006-12-30 15:28:34 · answer #4 · answered by pingponggirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out Cook's Illustrated/America's Test Kitchen, they're like an university of "pro"fessors/scientists/cooks. They test and retest every possible technique, ingredients, and give you the results, good, bad and ugly. I own CIA school book, Thomas Keller The French Laundry, Le Cordon Bleu, I have over 30 cookbooks, but I mostly turn to them for advice.
2006-12-30 15:12:06 · answer #5 · answered by valentinevu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exactly with the first poster practice is how any cook becomes a great cook. And only make food you would eat.
2006-12-30 15:24:49 · answer #6 · answered by ahauntedhistory 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch cooking shows, read magazines, practice! What I like to do is make simple meals (spaghetti, fish, steak, potatos, ect.), and read how other people make them with a different variation. Then I kinda take the best of the best and use it! I wanted to make apple crisp awhile back and did an web search. I found like 5 different recipes so I kinda used them to make my own variation. They came out great! I like potatos, but I get tired of mashed. I found a recipe on the web for garlic dill red potatos that was awesome! When we eat with our friends they DEMAND I make them! lol Good luck!
2006-12-30 15:23:10 · answer #7 · answered by pastor_fuzz_1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start cooking dishes you like. Practice until you get it the way you want. If you follow the recipes, it's not so hard. Check out this site where they have lots of cooking info.
2006-12-30 15:19:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read a lot. Not just recipes, but what different foods are, where they came from. Try things that sound good. Follow directions at first and you'll get the hang of things you want to change. The more you know about food and its origins, the better you get.
2006-12-30 15:13:45 · answer #9 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've got to experiement, don't be afraid of messing up. A great cook is a bold cook! Just my opinion
2006-12-30 15:11:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋