On cooking
I like cooking shows. I don't know why...but I really like watching these chefs create delicious looking dishes which I would love to taste...but know I will probably never make. They all call for ingredients that I will never find at a regular grocery store...or too many fresh herbs that come in a big bunch when the recipe only calls for a 1/4 cup or less. I love to watch as they transform a tabletop full of little bowls filled with various things into a masterpiece. Sometimes I can almost smell the food.
I don't have cable TV, so I have to get my food fix from the cooking segments on the news or the morning shows. I have the same love for magazine recipes...especially if they have beautiful photos. I used to tear out recipes (even when still living with my mom, and not doing much of the cooking) because they sounded so good, and I wanted to try them. I also was printing recipes from the food network's website like crazy. Then I would never make them. I don't allow myself to do that anymore. If I'm not planning to make it within the week, I won't tear it out or print it off. Baby steps.
Those chefs on TV are such careful cooks. They do everything perfectly. They have mastered their stoves, and never mess anything up. And they are doing it under the pressure of TV, and usually with the dish in 3 or 4 stages of preparedness all at once!
I am an impatient cook. Subconsciously, somehow I always end up with the stove too hot, and things don't turn out right. My omelets are brown on the bottom and runny on top. My grilled cheese is toasted on the outside...and the cheese is not melted. My cookies always seem to be doughy one second...and then when I pull them out, they get hard. The problem is the worst with anything sauteed or pan fried. I can't master the temperature.
If I lowered the heat it would probably lower my stress too. Because the chicken is cooking too fast...and turning brown...cause I can't stir it constantly...because I'm trying to get the veggies ready to go in the pan before the chicken is done. I can't get everything to come out evenly either. I REALLY try...but my main dish will be ready while the potatoes still have 7 minutes.
I know my husband doesn't really mind...he usually loves what I cook him. But I am tired of feeling badly about serving him sticky pasta, or mushy broccoli, or overdone pancakes. I need to know the secrets!
My grandmother is an excellent cook. I like cooking and I love delicious food. I think I just need practice. She has promised to give me some cooking lessons when she returns from Florida. I am excited! I want to succeed at this...the artist in me wants to create...and I want to learn to be as talented as she is. I am really just looking forward to spending some extra time with her, learning the art and science she has been practicing and perfecting for over a half a century!
I don't have cable TV, so I have to get my food fix from the cooking segments on the news or the morning shows. I have the same love for magazine recipes...especially if they have beautiful photos. I used to tear out recipes (even when still living with my mom, and not doing much of the cooking) because they sounded so good, and I wanted to try them. I also was printing recipes from the food network's website like crazy. Then I would never make them. I don't allow myself to do that anymore. If I'm not planning to make it within the week, I won't tear it out or print it off. Baby steps.
Those chefs on TV are such careful cooks. They do everything perfectly. They have mastered their stoves, and never mess anything up. And they are doing it under the pressure of TV, and usually with the dish in 3 or 4 stages of preparedness all at once!
I am an impatient cook. Subconsciously, somehow I always end up with the stove too hot, and things don't turn out right. My omelets are brown on the bottom and runny on top. My grilled cheese is toasted on the outside...and the cheese is not melted. My cookies always seem to be doughy one second...and then when I pull them out, they get hard. The problem is the worst with anything sauteed or pan fried. I can't master the temperature.
If I lowered the heat it would probably lower my stress too. Because the chicken is cooking too fast...and turning brown...cause I can't stir it constantly...because I'm trying to get the veggies ready to go in the pan before the chicken is done. I can't get everything to come out evenly either. I REALLY try...but my main dish will be ready while the potatoes still have 7 minutes.
I know my husband doesn't really mind...he usually loves what I cook him. But I am tired of feeling badly about serving him sticky pasta, or mushy broccoli, or overdone pancakes. I need to know the secrets!
My grandmother is an excellent cook. I like cooking and I love delicious food. I think I just need practice. She has promised to give me some cooking lessons when she returns from Florida. I am excited! I want to succeed at this...the artist in me wants to create...and I want to learn to be as talented as she is. I am really just looking forward to spending some extra time with her, learning the art and science she has been practicing and perfecting for over a half a century!
4 Comments:
Yay cooking! I definitely recommend spending some quality time with someone who does know how to cook well. My husband taught me the basics of cooking and how to be a confident co-dinner maker that I am today. He taught me the basics, provided pointers, and made himself available during those moments of second guessing. It really helps to learn and practice with someone. I have a lot more confidence behind those creative ideas when cooking nowadays!
You're right; cooking is expressive and delicious! With a little practice and some time with your Chef Grandma, I'm sure you'll feel more confident in your cooking in good time.
Something that really helped me to know in the beginning is that most things that you cook are forgivable and can be saved. There are a few exceptions (rice, bread, baked goods) in which the directions should be followed closely. But everything else is just an empty canvas just waiting to be delicious!
thanks rachel! Yeah, tonights pork chop dinner was a 1 call to my mom before hand, and a 1 call to my grandma midway through. It turned out very well though...and I didn't overcook the green beans, YAY!
this doesn't relate to your post except, well, there's cake! but i was poking through your wedding photos. pretty dress! whoooa tongue kissing at the altar! who cares what's traditional, but is that traditional? also the bridesmaids getting in on the garter action? sounds like a very sexed-up reception.
lol...well technically he wasn't tongue kissing me during the ceremony...that was after while we were taking photos. You missed the bridesmaids feeling me up in the limo and my husband with a dollar (i think or maybe a $20) in his teeth.
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