Are cooking classes the only way to improve my horrible culinary skills. I just want to make a decent dinner.?
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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!
practice, experiment, classes.
no, you can experiment.
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.
check out www.kraftfoods.com they have really easy recipes, with tips and video clips to help you out.
The Food Network has good shows and a good website for learning.
No you don't have to take classes to learn how to cook.
Ask other people questions. Everyone has to eat.
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).
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.
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.
Ask friends for easy recipes, or just try a recommended recipe off the Internet or a magazine. My friend showed me how to cook potato soup: Peel & chop potatoes & onion, put in pot & add enough water to cover. Simmer until potatoes are mushy, add sage or bay leaf, salt & pepper, add milk. Continue to simmer until soup is thickened to taste.
A good secret to learning to cook is to have patience.Never rush things along.
You don't need lessons.Follow your recipes to the T and start out with simple meals.
Don't be offended by this,but a great recipe book for beginners is called:Cooking For Dummies.Check out local book stores or even your library.
You can do it with patience and perseverence.
Cooking is fun.Good Luck.
Reading books & websites on cookings, recipe and tips. Some site even grade their recipes into easy, intermediate & advance levels. So you can practise at your own's pace. Reading on cooking tips will avoid common mistakes in kitchen and cooking so to get your dinner on table more easily.
Enjoy!!
http://www.foodsubs.com/
http://www.foodreference.com/html/cookin...
http://www.verybestbaking.com/
http://www.chefs.com/
These are few sites to help you expenriment on new recipes.
My mother never went to cooking school and she can outcook any of those wimps on tv!
Now, basically, this is what you need to remember:
all general baking is done at 375 degrees, middle rack.
basic frying, slow and don't walk away from it, easy to catch fire.
boiling, watch milk carefully, don't want to redecorate your kitchen.
start off with something simple such as breaded chicken cutlets, green beans and biscuits. green beans is great source of fiber.
Just know that you want to start your chicken first, then right after you start your chicken in either the fryer or baking in the oven, you want to start the green beans, put them in at least a 2qt. sauce pan, bring up on med ht, drop back on med-low and simmer, season with butter, sea salt and I prefer ground pepper, then when your chicken's about to come out of pan or oven, get your biscuits (canned is fine) on the sheet, I pam spray it, and follow the directions. lay some foil lightly over your chicken - don't want it soggy crusted, and voila. should be a decent meal! Course, you can throw in a bag of salad with some almonds, mandarin oranges and Poppy seed dressing or ranch. Not bad if I do say so myself.
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.
just get a couple of good recipes, perfect those, get the basic idea, then experiment on your own. you just have to get the hang of the timing and what food goes well with what...
some of my favs that are easy-ish...i've actually tried both of them...
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/?q=recipes...
http://www.recipezaar.com/44321...
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
If you want to get better at making a certain dish. You can't make it a couple of times and say I 'm no good. You need to keep track of what you did the last time. You will learn how fix your own mistakes. Now if your on your 10th time creating small disasters then I would say "Yup, go for it". gl
Watch the food network they give easy and simple recipes with step by step visual instructions. If you dont have the food network channel the internet has loads of sites that give simple recipes...Good luck.
I'm a good cook and I learned by following recipes in a book. If you do what they tell you to do it will come out right. Or hang out with someone who knows how to cook well and watch what they do. Once you get the hang of it you will be able to change ingredients in the recipe to suit your liking. And you won't have to measure anything. You can just eyeball it.
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.
NO, but they do help!
If you love to cook, than you must have a feel for what you are cooking. Read, watch food TV shows, talk to friends and family, but most of all.. PRACTICE.
If you have a good pallet, and cook with fresh local ingredients you can't go wrong. Try this, try that and so on, until you find your personal niche. Oh, one more thing, "do not be afraid of your knife"! A good, sharp knife is the best thing in your kitchen. Use it, over and over and over again until it is apart of your hand while your cooking.
LOL We've all had that problem at least once in our lives. Start with some EASY recipes. The rest comes later with practice.
ONE PAN CHICKEN MEAL
4 boneless chicken breasts
potatoes-wedges
carrots
strips of bacon
salt and pepper to taste
2-cups water
Layer first 3 items in a casserole dish or oven-proof pan. Place the strips of bacon on top. Pour water into the bottom of the casserole dish or pan and cover tightly with lid. Bake at 375 F for about 1-1/2 hr. Serves: 4
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST RIBS EVER!
To bake: fill broiler pan half-full with water.
On the top section (the part with the slits in it) lay out your ribs. You may add a rub or sauce at this time or leave them plain. Cover the pan with foil. Fold the edges of the foil under to seal in the steam as they cook. Place in oven at 300 degrees for 2 -1/2 to 3 hours. Remove foil carefully as steam will be very hot. Now all the grease is down in the bottom pan with the water and the ribs are completely cooked and tender. The last half hour add your favorite BBQ sauce. Place them under the broiler for a few minutes. Serve hot.
For grill: place ribs on grill and coat with favorite BBQ sauce. Grill on each side just a few minutes until crispy.
For broiler: add BBQ sauce and broil for a few minutes on each side. Watch closely because sugar in the BBQ sauce will burn quickly.
Chef's Salad
2 cups torn salad greens
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
4 ounces deli ham
4 ounces deli turkey
4 ounces Swiss cheese
4 ounces cheddar cheese
2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
4 pitted ripe olives
Salad dressing of your choice
Slice the ham, turkey and cheese into thin strips. On two serving plates, arrange the salad greens, onion, celery, meats cheese. Add the egg and olives. Serve with dressing of your choice. Makes 2 servings.
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
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.
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