How to Cook
Learning "How to Cook" is a tall order, and happens over time with experience, creativity and some instruction.
To say "cooking is easy" would be an understatement,
and not do it justice.
You can learn to be an excellent home cook without attending culinary school; yet, you do need to become a student of cooking.
My mom was an excellent cook, but she grew up during the Depression years when food was for survival; not for joy & fancy affairs.
To her, salt & pepper were the only seasonings that existed. That isn't an insult, but simply a statement of the reality in which she lived and learned to cook.
Example: When I started cooking for myself and used garlic, she thought I was a culinary genius. :) I can remember her telling my uncle,
"She cooks with garlic" as she raised her eyebrows like I was on the cusp of a scientific breakthrough. :)
She's sweet & she was proud of her daughter -- bless her heart.
There is a science behind cooking, but praise the Lord, we don't need to understand it to learn how to cook; we simply get to enjoy the benefits!
For instance, how does a hunk of gooey dough turn into dense, tender, delicious bread after its been subject to heat....baffling!
But, who really cares?! It's wonderful, and I'm not going to fight the amazement that is cooking. :)
There are certain constants in cooking that are glorious and comforting -- baking powder, baking soda and yeast all make bread rise beautifully.
If you have a grasp of
cooking terminology
and can
follow a recipe;
you will most likely succeed in making a delectable creation.
It's that simple! :)
Today, it seems learning "how to cook" is on everyone's agenda -- it seems to be "in fashion" to cook, so there will be a plethora of resources for you in learning.
There are a few characteristics that the aspiring home cook, as well as, aspiring chef seems to possess.
We'll talk about that & what can be learned from it.
1. A drive to learn.
When I was stateside this last summer, I saw the first episodes of a new show on the Food Network called, "Chefography." It told the story behind how Food Network stars got their start in the cooking industry.
I love stories of beginnings and what inspires someone to do what they do. It seemed that each star began by having a zest for food & cooking early in their lives.
My all-time favorite, Guy Fieri, was always experimenting with his food as a young boy & even started a pretzel business while he was in high school.
All that to say, there needs to be a zest for cooking -- a desire to learn "how to cook" in order to really be a student of cooking, because it's what will move you forward.
It doesn't have to be a "save the world" kind of passion; but a thirst, if you will, for learning how to cook.
This drive to learn will give you the freedom to experiment & discover new ways of cooking.
**Start by watching the Food Network channel; something will spark within you to want to learn more. I promise I don't have a vested interest in the Food Network channel. :) I find their shows incredible for teaching cooking methods & you will expand your knowledge of cooking terms.
**Get some great teaching cookbooks. Two that I recommend are: "The Way to Cook" by Julia Child; and "How to Cook Everything" by Mark Bittman -- I have the yellow version. There is a newer version out there -- it is a red book.
I started reading cookbooks when I was first married; I was in an acquisition stage of gathering cookbooks and knowledge. It was really fun for me & I love to try new recipes. :)
Here are my 2 favorite "How to" cookbooks I mentioned.
**Start reading cookbooks! & you will learn how to cook. Consider what you want to learn about -- home cooking, baking, breads, biscuits, scones, making cheese, and/or cooking from scratch. Read it all! :)
**Depending on your interest; you may want to go to Culinary School. This is what I want to do when I return stateside. You don't have to go to "Cordon Bleu" or "The Art Institute" to be a great chef. Many community colleges have culinary programs now and are a fraction of the cost; and you could most likely get financial aid.
2. Learn
cooking terminology,
cooking methods & experiment.
To learn how to cook, the understanding of basic cooking terminology & cooking methods will be essential. Study it & experiment with recipes; many a cook claims to have learned through trial and error.
SO EXPERIMENT!
Julia Child says never to be afraid of cooking, and she is right. If something flops; well, the world won't end. If you want to experiment with new recipes, and your family & you are getting fat :); well, test the food, and give the rest away to those in need.
3. Experimenting will help you understand what tastes good.
It will give your cooking personality & flare. You will begin to know when something doesn't taste right, and you'll have an idea how to fix it. Or when reading a recipe, you will have discernment if certain ingredients don't seem to mesh or baking times seem off. You will become an experienced cook! :)
Experimenting will give you confidence in cooking.
4. You will need some essential kitchen supplies & kitchen equipment. Please see link below for list. :)
Kitchen Supplies & Kitchen Equipment
Well, that ought to get you started on your quest to learn "how to cook."
Please see the links below for specific cooking tasks & my store for great kitchen products.
Blessings,
Julie :)
Amazon has great products for the kitchen;
check out my store & browse :)
Return to Home Page from How to Cook
Go to Julie's Store
Go to How to Saute
Go to How to Make Croutons & Stuffing Mix
Go to How to Make Chicken Stock
Go to How to Make Beef Stock
Go to How to Make an Omelette
Go to How to Make Salsa
Go to How to Make Ricotta Cheese
Go to How to Make Buttermilk
Go to How to Make Pizza Crust
Go to How to Make Biscuits
Go to How to Make Gravy
Go to How to Make Tartar Sauce
Go to How to Read a Recipe
Go to How to Roast Peppers
Go to Cooking Terminology
Go to Ingredient Substitutions
Go to Weights & Measures
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keep-your-home-cooking from Girly Aprons.
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