Help me learn how to cook from a book...?

Question

I don't know how to cook. I am extremely lazy in the kitchen and want to learn to make good, tasty meals that require a MINIMUM of preparation* and utilize as many shortcuts as possible (e.g. frozen veggies, pre-made stir fry sauces, etc.).

I love vegetables and chicken but don't eat red meat. I prefer ethnic flavors such as thai, indian, asian etc. I'm thinking learning some stirfry techniques might be a good place to start, but I'm open to other ideas.

What are the best cookbooks for me to try? In addition to a lack of cooking technique, I also know very little about basics such as stocking my kitchen. Thanks!!

*Ideally 10 minutes or less.

Answer 1

Start simple! Have you ever seen those little Pilsbury cookbooks at the checkout counter in your local grocery store? They are terrific for beginning cooks as well as those who are looking for something new and fast to cook.

I have started a new Yahoo Group dedicated to cooking. There are recipes and I have started a photo dicitonary and encyclopedia so you can see what things are and how things should look.

Feel free to have a look and join the group if you like. My friends and I will be happy to help you.

Cheers!
~Marie
Food for Fun and Feasting
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Food-for-Fun-and-Feasting/

Answer 2

Rachel Ray has a very good cookbook called the 365 no repeat.She guides you through every step with reassuring, encouraging precision and, because the recipes are not arranged in the conventional way, you'll find groupings—"romantic dinners," "good for a crowd," "super fast supper," etc.—that allow for a quick pick and a year of dazzling dining.
I gotta tell ya this girl is hot!

Answer 3

Go to google and type in "three ingredient recipes" or four or five,,,,,you will find many that use things you can just buy and throw together,,,,they are good too...

http://busycooks.about.com/od/fiveingredientrecipe1/a/threeingredient.htm

Here's one you might like.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hours,
Ingredients:
3 lbs. chicken drumsticks
1 onion, thinly sliced
12 oz. jar chunky salsa
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken pieces in 2 quart baking dish and top with onion slices. Pour salsa over all and bake at 350 degrees for 55-65 minutes until juices run clear and chicken is thoroughly cooked, basting occasionally. 4 servings