I want to learn how to cook?

Question

so basically, my parents don't cook much but I want to learn how to cook big meals. Like thinks you see on tv. I'm only 15 and school is my biggest priority right now but I want learn before i graduate high school. any suggestions.

Answer 1

Well, I guess the best place to start would be with home-ec at school. I personally didn't learn much in that class but I had a mother that starting teaching me how to cook when I was like 8.

Anyway, I know some schools really offer some decent resources because culinary schools are becoming more well known. (and I live in a very rural area and am a high school teacher) Besides that, do you have any friends that learned to cook from their mother? I taught a few of my friends how to cook and I'm sure my mom would have taught them if they had shown interest or something.

Also, this is a little more difficult, but I know some grocery stores will offer some cooking classes. We have Dierbergs and Schnucks in this area and they both do.

Good luck, learn where you can. Even if that is only through the food network. Perhaps you and one of your parents could take a class and learn together...

Answer 2

Try and take home ec at school. Until you can add that class, get a good cookbook from the library or buy one if your parents don't have a general cookbook. Most cookbooks have good instructions for you to follow. Joy of Cooking's new edition has added more instructional chapters. I think the newest edition will cost about $40, but you might find older editions available for less or used. I'm always referring to things in my Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook or Joy of Cooking or Betty Crocker. The Food Network TV shows and website can teach you a lot, including videos on their website. A couple other websites with simpler recipes are Betty Crocker (which also gets you to Bisquik recipes) and Taste of Home.

Once you feel comfortable following recipes, you'll be able to create your own variations that appeal more to your liking. I really enjoy cooking. I'm sure you will also.

Answer 3

You have a ton of great suggestions here! Family and friends can be a huge help, if any of them is willing to play teacher! Most local colleges offer night classes for different cooking courses, so definitely check that out. Your library is a great source, not only for cookbooks, but for instructional dvd's...sometimes videos are easiest, because you can see how the food is prepared. Also, check out Food Networks website...here's the link...
http://www.foodnetwork.com/

That site is full of recipes, tips, techniques and videos!
Maybe you should start a weekly or even monthly event where you experiment on your friends or family - that could be a lot of fun and a great way to learn!
Most of all - have fun with it and realize that it's a learning process!

Answer 4

You've got a lot of good answers! My daughter is 12 and I wish she would take more interest in cooking, but it may be that I don't know how to teach her. I learned all I do know from watching my grandmothers and helping and watching my mom and watching cooking shows.
Reading cook books is a good way to learn to. I have a mexican cookbook that shows the different steps so you can see what it is suppose to look like.

when actually cooking a meal remember, simple does not mean boring. some cooking shows make things "way out there" with ingredients who knows what they are.

One of my mom's favorite meals is Pinto beans, turnip greens, bacon, and cornbread. It's so southern and pretty simple. (I have trouble with the cornbread so I get the Jiffy cornmeal muffins.) :o)

My husband's favorite with Pinto beans, cornbread, and fried sliced potatoes. (He also liked fried spaghetti - The hardest part is frying the spagetti noodles. Then mix in browned ground beef and spaghetti sauce. Cook until spaghetti is soft.)

Learning to cook is a important job in one's life, unless you plan on eating out all your life. Cooking is also a nice way to tell someone they are special. It is also a great way to spend time with friends and family, cooking together. (but not too many, too many cooks spoils the dinner.)

Best of Luck!

Answer 5

Surely they still have Home Ecomomics in High School! If they do, go to the Home Ecomomics teacher. Tell her of your wish to be able to cook! Ask her if you can purchase a Cooki Book that is used in Home Economics Classes? She will probably say YES!

If this fails, you need to Look Online! You want a book 1985 or further current so Microwaving is included!

Your question was literate, so you can read! Home economics cookbooks are great because they explain things to you, how to do them, which aren't in all cookbooks!

If you can't find one that does, then you need to check out buying a Cookbook that explains the 'How to do' of many things!

Ask questions! You will find the right book!

Answer 6

I remember being in your situation. I spoke to a friend's mother who was a good cook, and she taught me how to cook. Also, I bought some basic cookbooks and made dishes from there. Don't start with the fancy gourmet cookbooks with tons of ingredients per dish and tons of steps. Start with the basics, and work your way up. Also, there are cooking classes in some areas, such as Seattle.

Answer 7

you can watch the cooking channel. some of the recipes are easy and quick to learn. or get a cook book they have alot of different types. just remember practice makes perfect expect the first few dishes not to come out right

Answer 8

The Joy of Cooking cookbook has wonderful recipes and information on how to buy foods and scientific information and very simple recipe information~not the latest edition, the older one

Answer 9

Check you local yellow pages or newspaper for low cost cooking classes. Talk to your parents about it. They may make time to teach you or a family friend could?

Answer 10

check your local community college or community center. they may have classes on weekends. or just get some books from the library and start with the basics.