Do you cook from scratch? If so where did you learn to cook or do you follow recipes?
My mom had me cooking a lot when I was younger because she went to night school and I had to watch my brothers. Otherwise I use a cook book.
i learned to cook in home ec and from my mother. Then I went on to become a cook in the Army Reserves, and had a wonderful mentor at my unit who was a classically trained chef who wernt on to become head of the Merchant Marines food service. I've cooked professionally, and as well as baked. I taught dh to bake.
My recommendation is to find someone to mentor you - show you different techniques like kneading, saute, braise, etc. If your local community center or college has any cooking classes, take one or two. You may be able to learn via videos, but that doesn't allow you to ask questions.
Find yourself some easy recipes and try them out.
Some tips:
- Read through recipes entirely before you make them so that there is no surprize when you get to step x and it tells you something entirely new.
- Before you begin any recipe, lay out ALL of the ingredients you need (another thing that reading through the recipe will help is finding missed ingredients).
- Master the easy before you go on to the advanced stuff
- don't get discouraged if something doesn't work - even the best cooks have flops once in a while.
- if you aren't sure about something in the recipe, don't be afraid to ask - that's why you should pre-read it.
- Many companies that make convenience products also have lots of recipes that use their products, and they will give them to you if you ask. Kelloggs has an extensive library of recipes. I was looking for the ORIGINAL Rice Crispies Treats - not the marshmallow ones, but the one that used peanut butter and butterscotch chips. I called Kelloggs to find it, and the lady asked if there were any other recipes I wanted, and I said I'll take anything you have. I received a large manilla envelope a few days later stuffed to almost overflowing with recipes I have never heard about before.
- Companies also have 1-800 numbers to call for help. If you're making a Butterball turkey, there's a turkey line. Duncan Hines has a 1-800 number - you can ask about any of their products, including if a product is out of date or box is messed up can you still use it. Kraft does too. If you want to use one of their products but are unsure how to use it, call the number and ask. If they don't know, they can transfer you to someone who does.
- If you like something someone else has made, ask for the recipe. While there ARE some family secret recipes, if you don't ask, you won't know. If you don't understand how to do one of the steps, ask. Most cooks will explain how to do something, and will be thrilled if you like their recipe enough to ask for it.
- Do NOT be intimidated by what other people can do. So what if Martha Stewart can start with planting wheat to make her bread? If you want to make bread with a box mix, that's up to you. Don't let anyone tell you that the way they cook is better - cooking the way you feel the most comfortable is the best way FOR YOU.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. If it doesn't come out, at least you know it doesn't work. In my kitchen, when I make something, even if I like it, I ask dh - Is it a keeper? Meaning should I make it again. Chances are that it will not exactly be the same.
- Follow the recipe exactly the first time. Then you will be able to see what it's SUPPOSED to be like. Then make changes according to your taste. Want more cheese? Want less spice? You know what it tastes like and looks like when it's done right, make it your own.
I like to cook from scratch, but I sometimes cook semi-scratch (use some convenience foods). It just depends on what I'm cooking and how much time I have to make it.
What school are you going to attend? It can be expensive, but CIA is one of the best.
Quoting jesusismyfriend:Recipes esp for baking. I am going to start culinary school in the fall and I have a chef's book all ready for it. I love to cook and want to make that my carrier now that my sons seizures are under control better.
Quoting I_told_you_so:
What school are you going to attend? It can be expensive, but CIA is one of the best.
Quoting jesusismyfriend:
Recipes esp for baking. I am going to start culinary school in the fall and I have a chef's book all ready for it. I love to cook and want to make that my carrier now that my sons seizures are under control better.
The closest CIA is 3 hours from me. I want to go to Cordon Bleu when the kids are out of the house. I am going to Allegany College of Maryland.
I cook from scratch. My mom, both grandmas, etc. all did/do. Heck, I didn't even know what pizzas/hamburgers/ or hotdogs were until we went to our first birthday parties in elementary school. lol I follow recipes but I aslo make up my own meals too. Sometimes they work and other times the dog is happy it didn't work out. It's mostly trial and error at my house......I hate following directions. lol
I will follow recipes for baking and special dishes but mostly I just whip up what I know.
Age appropriate chores
- mommy06and09
on Jun. 16, 2012 at 7:34 PM