hi, im living on my own - need help cooking?

Question

ive been really depressed in the recent years, but am deciding to take responsibility in taking care of myself. im attending college but living off campus... what are some essential things i need for cooking when it comes to pots and pans?

ive already invested in a hamilton beach 6 qt. crock pot.

and im looking to get an indoor grill.

anything else that would make my life easier?

Answer 1

You need a colander or strainer to drain pasta and rinse veggies in.
You need at least one very sharp quality knife ( a sharp knife is safer than a dull one)
You need a cutting board that fits in your sink or dishwasher. Some of them are stupidly huge.
You need pot holders and a 9 x 13 baking dish. This is good to bake cake, brownies, and oven chicken or oven roast.
You need a cookie sheet. Good for cookies, frozen fries, chicken, garlic bread, etc.
You need a wire rack that will double to cool things on and also to cook things on in the oven over a pan.
You need a large pot and a small pot with covers and a large pan and a small pan with covers.
You need a large and small mixing bowl, glass, metal, plastic, doesn't matter.

Most of these items you can get for free if you let your friends and family know you want them. Many of us have them in multiples just creating clutter and chaos and would love to pass them along.

Answer 2

To start you don't need much. I suggest a set of stainless steel cook ware. Sets come in all shapes and sizes but so do their price tags. In fact check out this link. 21 pieces for 80 bucks! Also with reasonable care these will last forever. I have some that are over 25 years old and look look new. Stay away from nonstick. No matter what you do the coating gets messed up and you have to throw it away. Take your time and it won't stick to the stainless either. I would also invest in a couple of good quality knives.

Answer 3

Look for glass pots made by Corning or Pyrex that can be used both in the microwave , on the stovetop and in the oven.
Some home supply stores have kits made for someone starting out with most of the essentials included in one package at a reasonable price. Some possible places in the US would be Bed, Bath and Beyond, Macy's, Kmart, or Target . Look at the ads in the newspaper for sales, none of the items needs to be bought at full price because they are often put on sale.

Answer 4

Excellent decision, but take it slowly at first.
A crock pot is highly versatile for preparing meals.
If you can load it in the morning, it's ready for supper-time.
Almost anything works, especially cheap cuts of meat.
Root veggies first, then flavourings (onions, carrots, celery),
a cup of water, stock, wine, etc. then meat on top.
Add frozen veggies (peas, corn, etc.) last when you get home.

Indoor grill like George Forman's is great for steaks & chops.
Don't use a charcoal grill indoors without good ventilation.
Set of 1,2,3 qt saucepans, as you can afford them;
small for sauces, large for pasta, medium for vegetables.
You'll need a small skillet, stainless or teflon coated.
At least one round or square pyrex casserole dish.
I like a chinese wok for stir-fry dishes.
Maybe a cookie sheet or some foil roasting pans.

Answer 5

a microwave and a toaster oven. then get frozen pizzas or English muffins and put some spaghetti sauce cheese and pepperoni on top and toast it in the toaster oven .MMMMmmm . OR fry some Lunch meat with a slice of cheese and slap it together with the English muffins. And Lipton noodles are awesome and easy, too. If you get an indoor grill, grill some chicken breasts and bake yourself a potato and make yourself some of those Lipton noodles personally I love the chicken broccoli or the broccoli Alfredo, or just regular chicken flavor. I just made myself hungry

Answer 6

depending on the meals you wish to fix just make a list of them when you think of it any pot and pans can be brought in a set will do buy heavy ones dont get the cheaper ones they will last longer and cook better wouldnt hurt to get a 10in or a 12in cast iron skillet for the oven they come in handly watch a few cooking shows and see what they are using http://www.tvfoodnetwork.com

Answer 7

Using Aluminum foil put the ingredients on top as listed, then bake. Packet Potatoes / Vegetables 1 Small Onion 4 Medium potatoes 2 Tbs olive oil or vegetable oil 1 tsp seasoned salt ½ tsp dried dill weed ¼ tsp pepper Center onion Top with diced potatoes Sprinkle with oil and seasonings Bake at 450 for 30 to 35 minutes or grill for 15 to 20 minutes Vegetable packet 1 Small onion 3 Cups broccoli florets 2 Medium Carrots/thinly sliced 1 Medium yellow squash or zucchini 1 tsp dried basil leaves 1 tsp garlic salt 2 ice cubes 2 TBS margarine/butter Center veggies Sprinkle with seasonings Top with ice cubes Dot with margarine Bake at 450 for 20 to 25 minutes or grill 15 to 20 minutesGarden Vegetable 3 Cups broccoli 2 Cups Cauliflower ½ medium red bell pepper cut into 1 inch pcs. 1 tsp dried basil leaves ½ tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper 2 ice cubes Center vegetables Sprinkle seasonings Top with ice cubes Bake at 450 for 20 to 25 minutes or grill 15 to 18 minutes Parmesan Baked Fish 4 (4-6oz) Orange Roughy, Flounder or Sole Fillets ¼ Cup Mayonnaise ¼ Cup grated Parmesan Cheese Cayenne pepper 2 Medium zucchini sliced ½ Medium red bell pepper cut in strips 1 fish per packet Spread with mayonnaise Sprinkle with cheese and cayenne pepper Top with vegetables Bake at 450 for 18 to 22 minutes or grill for 10 to 12 minutes

Answer 8

You've been given so many good ideas. I hope you use them all. I'd like to advise you to pray and go to church. You said you have been depressed and all these good people have given you great advise on how to feed your body. I'd like to give you advise on how to feed your soul. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. Find a church you're comfortable in and really get involved. Feed your soul so that you'll never get hungry (depressed) again. I'm saying a prayer for you now.

Answer 9

well, make sure you eat healthy.Crock pot was wonderful idea you can do tons with it.I have roast /carrots potatoes,celery and brown gravy in mine now.
I do use the kitchen aid mixer !its worth every penny.You can get different attachments and make pasta etc.
Another thing my kids love are panni press(for sandwiches) or george foreman grill.good luck!!

Answer 10

A toaster oven is very versatile...not just for toast. I had one in my dorm room, and would cook pork chops, chicken, potatoes..they are very handy and small.