Are cooking classes the only way to improve my horrible culinary skills. I just want to make a decent dinner.?

Answer 1

Invest in a cheap meat thermomiter. Follow the instructions on how long to cook meats so you wont get sick.
I looked around in Wal-Mart one evening and saw a weird looking thing made of metal called a "beer can cooker" and you sit a chicken down on it and it has brief instructions (No you do not have to use beer, you can use any soda) and wow what a good moist baked chicken that tasted better than any rotisory I ever ate.
Throw almost any type of roast in an oven roaster bag (on the shelf in almost every grocery store). Pork roast, chuck ... what ever. They also are easy and taste great. Nobody at the table needs to know you used them if you do not tell. Then like they said throw some sides dishes on the table made from directions on one of the major food manufacturer website and there you go. Cooking is not difficult. And some of the most basic meat and potato recipies are the ones that get you the most complements.
One secret my husband loves about almost any dish I make...
I call them my accessories... Just like you wear a cute pair of sandles and carry a matching pocketbook when you dress... throw some little "easy keepers" on most every dish you make...
Little garnishes are pretty like sprigs of parsley but men especially like the etable things that dress up a plate.
Spiced applesauce, diced tomatoes, a couple slices of fresh cucumber or pickles, some raisons soaked in apple juice or some cranberry sauce.... it does not take your grandmothers homemade gravy to spoil a guest... just a loving touch that makes the plate look wonderful and inviting. Serving it with flare is as important as what you cook. You can do it!

Answer 2

Yea take some cooking classes and you will learn the proper techniques to prepare food and how to cook it. I too am not very good in the kitchen and I took and cooking/wine course. For 5 weeks, we made something and ate it after wards while drinking and learning about wine. We leaned some neat dishes but I really only make the lasagna from the first day. Simple, easy and good. I went mostly for the wine but still really enjoyed the cooking part.

Answer 3

there are cheaper options than cooking classes. The best thing is practice. Watch cooking shows on tv. Read cooking magazines - they are the cheapest kind of mag and often have really easy recipes. Ask a friend if you can go to their place to watch them cook dinner and help out when you're there. Start basic like spaghetti bolognaise or something like that, then once you are confident, try a roast (which is actually easier than it seems).

Answer 4

A good cook book can help a lot too. If you're having trouble, try finding a rookie book, or a children's cook book. These usually have more complete instructions that are easier to follow.

One good thing I found to practice on is Chili. It's pretty easy and forgiving. Also it is great for experimenting, you can change ingredients almost at will and see the effect it has on the outcome.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Watch some cooking shows or ask someone that you like their cooking to sit with you in the kitchen and talk you through it. Pay attention to what you are doing and use cookbooks following instructions exactly until you are comfortable changing things a little bit. While you are cooking, if you don't know something, call someone and just ask. Trial and error will get you the best results.

Answer 6

What's your definition of decent? And no, you don't. That is not the only way

Normally I like to watch people cook, my mom for example. Or you can just look at those how-to TV shows on the Food Network. Can't go wrong with those....

Decent dinners don't always have to be hard to do either. Go to the bookstore and check out some recipes for people who aren't gormuet chefs, such as yourself.

Answer 7

No way experiment. I did with my pepper jack pork chops and it was soooo good. I didn't even look in a cook book for this. I just thought of things that may go good together tried it and oh wow I never got so many compliments from my husband for one dinner that I did with this mix, Until I turned it into pepper jack chicken. EXPERIMENT. If it tastes bad there is alway tomorrow night. You have to make a few horrible meals in your life before you can make enjoyable meals :) Good luck.

Answer 8

well I wouldn't say its the only way but if you take cooking classes you will improve I can tell you that but you also have to practice at home so what if you say I don't know any recipies go online and find some to cook or e-mail me cause I can show you some but make sure its something you like and usually it takes about a few weeks but you will get it eventually and it takes hardwork but make sure you follow the instructions step by step or like said If you don't understand I can help you well I hope it helps

Answer 9

Watch cooking shows...and practice. I taught myself how to cook when I was about 9 years old, and I am still learning...I consider myself a pretty wonderful cook for being only 20 years old, but honestly, just practice. Think of semi-basic foods you like...say chicken noodle soup. Eat a can of campbells slowly, take in the tastes and try to replicate them...your basic needs will be veggies, chicken, boullion, and noodles....experiment...you will find in the long run cooking doesn't have to be lame

Answer 10

Years ago I finally figured out if I actually opened one of my many cookbooks and followed a recipe, I could actually cook! I haven't stopped since. I watch all the shows on the Food-network as well for hints and ideas. There are so many cookbooks available from desserts to salads to fish etc. There are several general ones that cover everything such as Betty Crocker. You have to practice and pay attention to what you are doing.