How did you learn to

minniebride14 Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:18 PM

How did you learn to

COOK?! I am the absolute WORST! My FI is so cute; he tells me that he loves the fact that I try. I can make sauce (w/meatballs, etc), chick cutlets and THAT'S IT! i'm clueless!

prncssrachel Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:19 PM

Re: How did you learn to

I learned from watching my mom so much as a kid, but the best way is to just do it and if it comes out bad, just don't do it that way again

Latina511 Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:21 PM

Re: How did you learn to

I learned from my mom, grandma, aunt, cousin, sister, bro-in-law (chef) and my father (also a chef). They didn't teach me hands on but I always looked and learned by myself. I love to cook. I think its in my blood.

MrsTC Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:21 PM

Re: How did you learn to

when I got laid off over the winter I was a housewife LOL...I learned a lot because I had time to make a nice dinner every night.

DaniRN Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:21 PM

Re: How did you learn to

I learned by watching my mom, cooking shows, etc.. but also by trial and error.

Jen-same here, when I was on medical leave for 3 months FH expected me to ccok more so that's when I tried a lot of new recipes. Now that i'm back to work, it's less cooking

Lisa Rose Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:25 PM

Re: How did you learn to

by watching mom, cooking for myself (and others) in college, cooking shows and trial and error!!

shamma Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:27 PM

Re: How did you learn to

I was raised by my g-ma she would not have a young girl growing up in her house not being able to cook, as she would say every woman must know how to help themself. Then when I came to America, mom would let me watch her, I think the best way to learn is to watch. Mom is an excellent cook. I still call her when I am cooking

Marnles Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:31 PM

Re: How did you learn to

Still haven't learned!

eroxgirl Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:45 PM

Re: How did you learn to

I made the mistake of asking to be taught when I was 11...and by the time I was 12, I was the one who cooked dinner for my mother every night. I don't cook anymore.

minniebride14 Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:50 PM

Re: How did you learn to

So, what should I do then? Funny thing is that I, too DID watch my mom. I guess it just didn't 'rub off' on me Then, because I don't know how, I just don't have the patience. SOOOOO many times, I go to the store with all good intentions to cook (or try). Then, I get frustrated, don't do it and end up throwing the food out! I'm going to be a bad wife!!

And, of COURSE, my FMIL is the absolute BEST cook!

Niecey Posted: Jul 10, 2003 01:57 PM

Re: How did you learn to

I really learned by trial and error and calling my mom for advice. I like to experiment and enjoy cooking (when I have the time to enjoy it). MY mom is a great cook so I guess being around her helps. I started really cooking more when DH and I started living together because I hate cooking big meals for just myself - hate the mess.

Really just keep trying and experimenting and watch the Food channel.

Did you every consider classes? My friend has taken some from this school and had a good experience. They have some cool classes and some cooking basic classes. I might take some - I would love to take the Latin, French and Asian food classes!
http://www.iceculinary.com/recreational/calendar.shtml

Lisa Rose Posted: Jul 10, 2003 02:01 PM

Re: How did you learn to

try simple dishes first. You know how to make pasta right?? make a pasta primavera (pasta with fresh veggies with a light cream sauce). You be surprised how easy it is but tastes GREAT!!

Take a dish you know how to make and modify it a bit. Instead of frying breaded chicken cutlets, I take a stone ware dish, spray with olive oil spray, place the cutlets in the dish, spray the cutlets with the oil, then bake! Make some rice and a veggie or 2 and you have a delcious meal!!

Check out allrecipes.com. They have some of the best recipese around. some easy some hard!!

Good Luck!

kelly4 Posted: Jul 10, 2003 02:01 PM

Re: How did you learn to

I wouldn't call myself a cook yet, but I learned by wathcing my DH. He LOVES to cook and from what I've learned from him is that the best way to learn is by experimenting! We NEVER follow recipes and just wing it. I love everything he cooks and have to admit that I love what I come up with. Each meal is different and we vary each one depending on our moods.

PS~ marni.... yes, the pasta and chicken I made last night was a big hit! Who would have thought! Ari walked away from the table for a minute and cooper ate the rest! I guess cooper loved it too!LOL!

minniebride14 Posted: Jul 10, 2003 02:03 PM

Re: How did you learn to

Okay, I guess I should give it a REAL shot! Another problem is that I don't get home from work til almost 8:30! I'm pooped!

I didn't even think of the Food Network. What about that Nigella Bites show?

I don't really have time for classes - and I'd probably fail! As I said, I have no patience

I'll check out the site though!!

minniebride14 Posted: Jul 10, 2003 02:05 PM

Re: How did you learn to

Thanks, guys!! I'll definitely try again. Any more suggestions?

Lisa Rose Posted: Jul 10, 2003 02:07 PM

Re: How did you learn to

do you like pesto sauce??

AtticaQT Posted: Jul 10, 2003 02:07 PM

Re: How did you learn to

I learned from watching my mom ...plus I love to cook and bake! I remember when I was young (9 or so) and my mom would cook, i would die to do something...i was convinced that I should be the one to chop the onion. My mom refused to let me do anything except get the ingredients for her and then just watch her. I used to get so ****ed! But i shouldnt complain because now i can make all the cook foods she would make. It just came naturally from there. I think you have to first want to learn how to cook...everything flows from that.

Edited to say:

Since you come home late, try preparing things the night before (like cleaning veggies, arranging all the necessary ingredients, spicing or marinading meats), or prep a few things early in the morning...that way when you come home - you just have the cooking to do and not the prepping. Often the prepping takes a lot more time!

minniebride14 Posted: Jul 10, 2003 02:08 PM

Re: How did you learn to

I DO like pesto sauce!

The only thing is (yep, I'm a problem), I only eat pasta once a week !

Niecey Posted: Jul 10, 2003 02:08 PM

Re: How did you learn to

It is hard when you get home late. I usually make quick and easy dishes on the weekdays (I usually don't start cooking until like 8-8:15 - we eat after 9 everyday) and use Sundays (mostly in the cold yucky weather) for experimentation. Steaks, pork chops, chicken, etc. (and steamed veggies)

I agree with what Lisa Rose said abobe. Quick and easy dishes and variation of what you already know are great places to start to get your courage up! I think there is a cookbook for working woman - like under hour recipes. I think there may be a section on allrecipes.com for that too!

Good Luck to you. (PS not knowing how to cook - will not make you a bad wife!)