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Learning to cook
I've mentioned before in this subforum that I'm brand new to cooking and am trying to learn (mostly to save money), but often even threads I start about basic stuff segue into things that I don't understand. This is not your fault, by the way - I mean, I understand that anyone who isn't me should understand "cook a chicken in a pot" - but I am so new to this that I, uh, don't. Like, going back to the example, do you do anything to the chicken first? Do you just put the whole thing in the pot? Then what? Does it go on the stove? Do you add anything? Do I need water? How much water? What temperature do I set it to? How long do I let it cook for? What happens next? Does it keep in the fridge? What parts are and aren't edible? Basically when I say "explain to me like I am five" I mean it.
So basically I am coming to ask if you have any resources or websites that can teach someone with zero experience how to cook.
Alternatively if you want to walk me through something easy step-by-step like I'm a brain damaged puppy or something, that's fine too.
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Well, first thing's first: is there anything in particular you'd like to learn how to cook? That really helps with giving you recipes/instructions.
I know this probably isn't the most helpful, but you've really got to experiment, especially with spices. You can "learn" how to cook lots of things, but if you're not spicing properly, it's really not going to help much. And to learn how to spice, you'll just have to trial-and-error it. Smell them, find out what each spice goes with what best. For yummy foods, you definitely want the following in your cabinets at all times: salt (minimal salt should usually do the trick, though), black pepper, crushed red pepper (if you like food with spice), garlic powder (NOT garlic salt), and onion powder (NOT onion salt). Those spices alone should be enough to make just about anything taste good, but if you want to make specific dishes, some other spices are important as well.
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I'll learn to cook pretty much anything so long as it's gluten-free.
And I don't like spicy foods at all, so when it comes to spices I figure I'll just need the basics.
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Well, when I say spices, I mean flavors. Not necessarily spicy spices.
If you don't have a slow cooker/crock pot, I highly suggest getting one. They're great, because you can just put a ton of food in them with maybe some broth if needed and it cooks on its own.
I think you mentioned wanting to learn how to cook a chicken? Get a crockpot. Season with a little salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder. Maybe get some rosemary and basil. Rub on it so that it's even, stick in the crockpot (doesn't need any broth or water) and turn on low. When you get home from work, it should be done. Since you live alone, you can probably eat off of it for a couple days.
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Honestly. Pinterest is a great place for recipes. I have learned a lot from just trying recipes. The easiest thing is just to try it! If you mess up, oh well. if you have a question about it, google it! you'll find things explaining it. That's how I found out how to ribbon zucchini.
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Second in pinterest. Search for gluten free easy recipes and it will give you a goldmine.
I'm on my phone and can't type out a lot but pinterest seriously!
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pike!
Hello, Pike! I would be glad to help you cook Italian foods! if you can read a recipe card and understand English and various measurements, I would gladly help you out. you should have a general understanding of how to make sure that various meats are cooked thoroughly, however I will supply you with the degree that it should present. if your interested just let me know. I'm new to this forum but not in the kitchen. just trying to make a couple of friends here!
all the best,
Jody :shobon:
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http://startcooking.com
I did a Google Search and found that.
Click on the "Recipe Index" - there's a ton of stuff there, though some of it does have gluten (you could easily switch out for gluten-free stuff.. IDK how gluten free pasta tastes other than egg noodles, but I know gluten free breads can be nas-tay.).. And it has step-by-step instructions for things.
Also look up Julia Child's recipes.. Many of them are more complex, but she was wonderful at showing how to properly cook & butcher things like whole chickens.
Giada de Laurentiis is also good at coming up with simple, easy recipes. She's Italian which means pastas and breads are gonna happen, so again, you'll have to switch them for gluten free versions, swap the pasta for rice, or omit altogether.
Feel free to PM me if you need help or anything though!
EDIT: Why does Julia Child look like my grandmother? rofl.. Like when she was younger. This cracks me up.
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I had this post started about all the different cooking terms and what they mean, but real talk you should buy a good cookbook. A good cookbook will not only have recipes but will also have information about how to cook certain items, what cooking terms mean, sometimes will even go into the science of cooking. If you can find one online or in a used bookstore, an 80's or 90's edition of Better Homes & Gardens Cook Book is an awesome way to get started. My dad learned to cook with one and so have I and my sister. I have heard the more recent editions aren't as good as the older ones.
Also - youtube instructional videos.
As far as boiling something in liquid, you always want the liquid to cover the solid, even as the liquid evaporates. If you're boiling something that is mostly liquid then you want to make sure you cook it at a high enough temperature to get it done but at a low enough temperature you don't scorch it. Sugary foods scorch easier than non-sugary foods.
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You want to eat food? Tell me what kind. I'll tell you step-by-stepp how to make it, just as if you were a brain damaged puppy.
Gluten-free? Not a problem. There are always plenty of things we can substitute for that tasty trout with gluten in it and it will still be good.
Chicken in a pot? No silly. Well, yes. But I feel there are better ways.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Take boneless skinless chicken breast.
Put it on a cutting board or something as a prep area. Give it a few shakes of pepper and a few shakes of garlic powder. Do both sides. Don't dump it on there. Just a light covering.
Cookie sheet pan thing. Put some aluminum foil on it. Trust me, save yourself the cleaning.
Plop that chicken on that aluminum foiled cookie sheet thingy.
Toss it in the oven on about the center rack once preheated.
Leave it there for exactly 23 minutes.
Take it out. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
Eat with some other tasty trout.
Fantastic.
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Jamie Oliver has some great cheap recipes on his site and TV show. Ok they're not all gluten free but you can replace as you need to.
http://www.jamieoliver.com/savewithjamie/
The Banh Mi sandwich is awesome.
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What are some of your favourite things to eat, Pike? Then maybe we can tell you how to make those things. :)
Are you willing to spend time cooking, or would you prefer quick & easy meals? And, what cooking utensils do you have to cook with? Basic stuff such as pans and baking trays, oven and microwave? Or do you have a slow cooker.etc?
If you are going to be following recipes, I recommend getting a measuring jug and kitchen scales, if you don't have them already. It's much easier to get stuff right & tasting yummy when you're not guessing quantities. :jess:
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Start with cooking instant noodles first, young Pike. :bigsmile:
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Christmas, instant noodles are so good! :D
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Instant noodles are loaded with sodium, though.. Euggghhhhh