I love to bake! But cooking just scares me kinda, I don't know what to make with what, how long to boil, or cook noddles, meats, veggies, ect.. I am going to be moving in with my boyfriend and we plan on getting married pretty soon. I need some advice on books I should get or show I should watch. Practice makes perfect I know. But how do I get started? Thank You.
2007-03-09 07:02:21 · 15 answers · asked by *~* Sexy Mama *~* 5 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
Well, I think it's great that you're taking some initiative to learn, that's great! I was the same way when I got married, and am "self taught". I would say definitely tune into food network, Rachael Ray "30 Minute Meals", Paula Deen "Paula's Home Cookin'", and Ina Garten " Barefoot Contessa" , and Robin Miller "Quick Fix Meals are all great shows with meals ranging from super simple to more advanced on each show. Also, food network has videos you're able to watch right from your PC as well as shopping lists, and other tips. Also, I love the web site allrecipes.com. They offer videos and lots of easy recipes too. My best advice to you......practice...practice....practice...and remember you can always add to a recipe, but you can never take something out. Also, be adventurous....try a recipe, and then tweak it to fit your tastes and lifestyle the next time you make it. All the above references I made are also authors of their own cookbooks. Check out a few at the library, and if your find one you love, buy it for yourself, you'll use it over and over, and with all the work you're going to, you'll definitely deserve it! Good Luck!
2007-03-09 07:26:57 · answer #1 · answered by Green eyed girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweetheart....you're going to hate me when I say this but here's the answer. If you can read, you can cook. You can take one look at a recipie and know if it's too complicated to do just yet or not. Stick with the basics and invest in a good set of pots and pans. Teflon coated is better because the cleanup is great and it doesn't affect the flavor.
Go online and look for (the late) Jeff Smith cookbook THE FRUGAL GOURMET. Its an old book and his first but its so simple you'll be amazed.
Another note. Do not attempt to alter any recipie until you've mastered the technique of cooking. Then you can take liberties. Baking is an entirely different animal. You see, baking is like chemistry. You have to put together precisely measured amounts of ingredients to attain the proper results. Screw that up and the baked product is ruined or less than perfect.
Start purchasing spices and vinegars. Stock your cabinet with a bottle of canola oil, peanut oil and olive oil. Those 3 will be used often. If you stir fry use the peanut oil and not alot either. just enough to coat the vegtables with a thin sheen of oil.
www.foodtv.com will offer suggestions.
2007-03-09 07:14:25 · answer #2 · answered by Quasimodo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a bookstore & find a cookbook for beginners. Betty Crockers & Good Housekeeping have great cookbooks too. Most of the info you need about cooking noodles, veggies, etc. is on the back of the package. Look for quick'n easy recipes in magazines & newspapers also. It takes time to master the art of cooking, & you already know how to bake, so you'll do just fine. :)
2007-03-09 07:12:36 · answer #3 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a few books that can help you. The Joy of cooking is fantastic because the give recipes and talk about the ingredients and give you ideas with what goes with what how to cook, broil, poach, steam, saute, roast, broil, and bake. The recipes are numerous and turn out well. They even tell you how to set a table, and give menu indeas for various holidays and events. Another book How to cook everything. I am biased though because I always turn to the Joy of cooking all the time. Good Luck
2007-03-09 07:10:10 · answer #4 · answered by Sandee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch Rachel Ray shows or pick up her books. She makes really simple and easy meals. If you don't like the ingredients she uses, you can subtitute your own. Or, even just pick up a Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook. I have a ton of cookbooks, and that one is my favorite. It provides charts and tips on how to cook things, as well as a ton of classic recipes.
Cooking is not difficult, you just need a little bit of practice. Good luck!
2007-03-09 07:07:04 · answer #5 · answered by Sharon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can your mom show you how to cook? Rachael Ray makes easy meals on her tv show, she also has several cook books out. I learned how to cook by my mom showing me how and on my own. Practice makes perfect and soon you're be a great cook. Just remember to cook w/love. Good luck.
2007-03-09 12:03:13 · answer #6 · answered by the pink baker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch Food Network.
2007-03-09 07:07:24 · answer #7 · answered by Jagger Otto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meat must be @165 degrees throughout the cut before it is safe to eat
Veggies are usually up to the person eating them. I like them a little crunchy so I make sure to see how crunchy they are before I take them off heat
Noodles are easy when they look done they are done. If the noodles are limp yet firm enough to keep thier shape then they are done. If they are soggy and falling apart you cooked them too long
2007-03-09 07:08:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rachel Ray's meals in 30 minutes is a great learning tool. SHe has shows you can look her up on the net and she has tons of books. Start there and once you get the hang of simple things, get more advanced
2007-03-09 07:06:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm not a cook, but you should go to the library to check out any "beginners" cookbooks. you should also try rachael ray's 30 minute meals cookbooks. i've seen her show a few times, and the recipes are fairly easy and should take about 30 minutes each!
2007-03-09 07:42:13 · answer #10 · answered by stitchfan85 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋