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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/10/2008 10:16:53 AM | | OP, you mentioned Basmatti rice. As a professional Chef, I can help with that. I have spent years perfecting both the stovetop version as well as the bulk way in the oven. First rinse the rice through a sieve or collander, till water runs clear. Let drain well. Shake it a bit at first to get the moisture to run down, then let sit over a pot, or the sink for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, you have the tea kettle full of water & on the boil. When rice is drained, heat the pot you are going to cook the rice in on medium high, ( not too big, not too small that the water boils out)with some olive oil, or whatever oil you use. 1 Tablespoon per cup of rice. When the pan is just smoking hot, add the rice in one fell swoop, and sautee till you see the color change slightly on all grains. Rice will become slightly golden. Add boiling water to cover rice by 1/2 the volume of rice in the pan. (example, if the rice is 4 inches up the side of the pan, then cover it by another 2 inches) Brown rice gets doubled. Twice the water per rice. Add salt to taste. if you can't taste it in the water, you won't taste it in the rice, and it will be bland. That's all the flavoring Basmatti really needs, and the brown fice tastes like remarkably like popcorn. So then you cover it with a tight lid, and lower the heat after 10 minutes, then keep making the heat lower as it cooks. Brown rice takes almost twice as long as white. If the water gets low and the rice is still crunchy, add some hot from the kettle. Stir only once or twice, but then when the rice has almost absorbed all the water, stir lightly one final time, in case some is sticking to the bottom. Cover & let simmer on very low till you think the water is gone. (or for bulk rice, put in a 400* oven till done)If you put your ear close, you can hear it crackle like a rice crispie if it dries out. You don't want it over-dry. When you think it's almost absorbed, turn it off & let the pressure in the pot make it fluff. DO NOT OPEN THE LID AFTER THE LAST STIRRING. After 15 minytes, you may take the lid off and be greeted by the most amazing aroma of complete goodness & health. Chow down as is, or add a virtual cornucopia of meats, veggies, sauces and nuts. A Santee! | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/10/2008 10:24:51 AM | I would say get some cookbooks, experiment and practice .....
... and then of course, you can cheat 
Last night I sauteed some shrimp in a little oil for 3 minutes and added some TJ green curry sauce and simmered for an additional 10. It was awesome
Bon Appetit  | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/10/2008 10:50:33 AM | | for me its just practice and experimentation. You kinda learn what goes best with what, what conflicts with eachother, what taste overpower another | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/10/2008 2:06:24 PM | | AZ not sure whether it has been mentioned in a previous post somewhere but if you pick up an ingredient in the store there may just be a place on the label of there site and you will find all kinds of recipes. I know I have found a wealth of information from some of the leading brands of stuff you use in cooking and baking. Happy cookin. | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/10/2008 3:30:03 PM |
For me, it's been more like practice, failure, quit. I'm a wee bit short on patience, you see. And it's so much easier to whip up a gourmet cheese enchilada...
Hey,Rome wasn't built in a day and go by the KISS principal 'kept it simple sir' at first
and as you get better over time your sense of imagination will take over and after a while you off to at some time to a high end restaurant and say silently to your self,and I quote; I can do this too and for a fraction of the cost! Have fun!~smile~
P.S. Fresh spices,herbs, and veggie 's in moderation makes a simple meal explode into omg. | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/10/2008 3:46:07 PM |
, still though ladies' appetite is not the same as the gents' but cooking meal together and then enjoying afternoon siesta could anyone wish for more?
You make me 
Men and women are different yes,
but we still have many things we still can enjoy doing,....together.
I'm hoping I didn't let the cat out of the bag too soon for those who think also that 2 heads are better than 1 in a sharing relationship. ~smile~
Long live the house,the home, and the most important ingredient, love... | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/10/2008 3:53:11 PM | | If you can read you can cook! Pick out some simple cook books and follow the recipe. As you start feeling more confident add a little more spice of this and that, don't over do it though because once it's in there you can't take it back out.. Have fun and don't worry if you mess things up now and then. All great cooks bomb every once in awhile. It's part of the learning process, but relax and try to have some fun with it. Don't be afraid to experiment | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/10/2008 6:29:35 PM | I would recommend watching America's Test Kitchen on PBS and/or Good Eats with Alton Brown on Food Network. They usually concentrate on one food or technique per show. It is step by step. They tell you why you should do it a certain way. The people behind America's Test Kitchen have a magazine called Cook's Illustrated. I don't get the magazine, but I do subscribe to their web site.
I second the recommendation of Joy of Cooking. It covers everything from the basics to more complicated dishes. Again, it has step by step instructions.
The more you cook; the more your confidence builds. Don't worry if you screw up. Sometimes, screw ups can even taste good. | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/10/2008 6:52:57 PM | First of all cooking comes from the heart. I enjoy cooking. It takes practice and patients. I would strongly suggest Foodtv.com. Some recipes are hard some are difficult. If your kitchen is all that you say it is ... pick something simple to cook generally no long than 3o minutes to prep and cook. For sauces I would suggest getting a good food processor and get plenty of spices to try different things. Make sure your spices are fresh. Chances are you spices in your cabinet are over 3 month old. Get new ones.
Best of Luck
Ron | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/11/2008 5:46:21 AM |
Don't worry if you screw up. Sometimes, screw ups can even taste good.
I once made purple rice. Fortunately, it was in the lat 60's, so nobody remembers, anyway!
You folks are unbelievable. I'm gonna go buy Joy of Cooking, new rice, new pots, and all the little sauce packets I can find at Ye Olde Local Groc Store and practice, practice, practice. You will see me on TV in 5 years and can disavow any knowledge of me then!
 to all, and to all a good night. | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/11/2008 12:55:55 PM | | I am only 25 yrs old, and my mother didn't teach me how to cook either. Back from 18 to 21 I only cooked hamburger helper meals, or frozen dinners. But last few years i've been learning how to cook. All I can say is reciepes can be your best friend, and also experiment ( practice makes perfect). It took me about 10 times of making cornbread before I finially made it right. When you cook something, taste it, take down notes if you think added too much something or not enough, guess estimate. You'll eventually get it right. Grandmas home-made biscuits i'm sure came w/ 50 yrs of practice. | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/11/2008 6:38:40 PM | | Someone once told me that a good cook is someone who just knows what he/she can cook. In other words, being a good cook doesn't have to mean cooking like the chefs on those "cooking" shows. It is simply a matter of picking simple things and cooking them well. For me, my crockpot is one of my best friend. A great meal is a pot roast cooked in one one. I just rub salt, pepper and a little garlic powder into the raw meat. I add potatoes, carrots and an onion (cut up into big chunks). I pour a can of beef broth on top of it all, add a little more pepper...turn it on low and about 6 hours later there is a great meal! Very simple! Another idea is to surf the net, I have found some great very simple recipes for things just by typing the dish into my browser. | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/12/2008 8:27:16 PM | Jim I think said "practice, practice, practice"..
I'd watch the simpler cooking shows.. like Rachel Ray 30 min. meals, and that Semi Homemade show on the Food Channel, Paula Dean is pretty easy too..
Then I would decide what I would enjoy learning how to cook and select several dishes..and try to keep it simple. Usually there are very easy ways to make things.. it might look complicated but with all the new types of foods in the grocery store it is usually pretty easy to substitute.
Don't try to cook something difficult right at first.. start with simple stuff..
And above all.. It might be a good idea to have a pal to give you advice.. good cook book.. also utalize online information like for definitions and how to do things..
One of my favorite easy cook books is that one where you make things out of 5 ingredients or less..
Also I will give you my fabulous meatball recipe.. that is guaranteed to wow anyone..
TxsippeGals Famous Fabulous Meatballs
Buy a couple of bottles of the cheapest barbeque sauce you can find
Buy the frozen ready made meatballs
Throw all in crock pot or big deep pan plus about an empty barbeque sauce bottle of water and heat on low. You can also take out as many meat balls as you want and put in a small sauce pan with some barbeque sauce and heat it on the stove at med. low heat. This is great for covered dish suppers and people will go gaga over these meatballs. Just be sure if you use a crock pot you give it plenty of time to cook clear through (3 hours on high).
Now I put this on rice.. you can buy the Lipton rice now in a bag and heat it in the microwave but here is how you do rice it is easy..
1 cup uncooked rice (long grain)
2 cups water
dash of salt (just a couple of shakes from the salt shaker)
Spray the pan with "Pam" put water in the pan and the rice plus the salt bring to a boil.. immediately turn off the heat stir a couple of times seal with a pan lid or foil tightly onto top of pan.. let it set for 15 min without doing anything to it. Slice butter and place on top at end of 15 min and toss.. rice will be perfect every time.
Then I go to the store also and buy Coles garlic bread slices.. break off a couple of slices and cook in oven on the rack so it browns on both sides.
OhOhOhOh another idea is to buy a crock pot.. and with it will be a recipe book. You can cook some great things in a crock pot and basically you just dump everything in it put on the lid and plug it in. | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/13/2008 7:31:48 AM |
In other words, being a good cook doesn't have to mean cooking like the chefs on those "cooking" shows. It is simply a matter of picking simple things and cooking them well.
Most of the time, I cook for me, so this advice works. I am very satisfied with the diet I've put into my belly since my divorce a hundred years or so ago. There are times when I want to do better and that's when I need "skill." I don't want to be Gordon Ramsey--he is way too much into himself, profanity, and berating others (and I'm not sure he knows much about cooking)--but I would like to be able to cook pretty creative meals with simple ingredients. I don't think I want cooking school--I don't drink alcohol and will not use any in my cooking--but I would like some of what they have.
So I keep reading! | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/13/2008 7:35:11 AM | | They do sell small crockpots for the smaller family/singles. You can have the butcher cut a roast into 2 smaller ones, so they fit the pot and no waste. I use dry onion soup mix on mine. | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/13/2008 8:38:08 AM | i agree with sobeit.
start simple using a cookbook with easy dishes that have recipes for pasta and maybe chicken.
follow the instructions closely. don't detour from them.
make something for yourself first and then for a close friend.
then try harder recipes.
as others have said... practice. | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/13/2008 8:53:06 AM |
outofthedesert : They do sell small crockpots for the smaller family/singles.
Love my smaller oval-shaped one . Same "size" comment applies to food processors .
I had a full-size Kitchenaid , and cooking for one or two , it was way more of a pain to set up/clean up than it was worth .
Sold it on Evilbay and bought a Magic Bullet & along with a handheld Triple Roto Grater like mom had , I've never missed the processor. | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/13/2008 8:57:43 AM | The only food processor I have is used to make slushies and I drink it all. I also have a Magic Bullet--wonderful gadget!--and a single person's crock pot. As I said earlier, i bought the Joy of Cooking and tried to make a sauce. It didn't taste right after following the directions, so I pitched it. THAT is something I would never have done before reading all the motivating posts here!
Anyone want a fried banana?? I wonder if it will dance after frying! | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/13/2008 9:14:59 AM | I love cooking and I guess that's where the secret lies...
I never learned it from my mum...I was trained in a hotel in Bavaria in management but we also had to work in the kitchen for a while. I started then to get interested and in my sparetime I'd work at a bar where my friend worked but for no money. There I learned all the basics because I wanted to. It doesn't feel like being taught...it's fun to learn.
Once you got the basics you'll then be able tp play and make your own things up...
That's where I am at now. I cook lebanese, thai, greek, mexican....and just love reading cookery books and understanding the way each part of this world treats food and how they like to prepare it...
Have fun!
I | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/13/2008 10:06:29 AM | On Sauces (single guy here, we do things differently). I love a good pan sauce. (and impresses the heck out of the ladies) Rule of thumb is ANYTHING YOU DO IN A SKILLET HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A GREAT COMPLIMENTARY SAUCE. Remember this aphorism and never forget it! Remeber, as single guys we all know--- a great sauce can mask a bad meal -- always. Almost. You can even make great pan sauce from left-over HAMBURGER BITS. I know; I've done it. Remember this is guy-cooking 101!!  Always keep some good wine handy. After your done sauteeing or frying any kind of meat, be it pork, poultry, beef, remove the meat, deglaze the pan (fancy French term for 'pour in the liquid' with a 1/2 cup of wine (experiment with white wines first) scrape up all the meat bits and juices (you can also start with a meat stock, mix with the wine and go for a tasty reduction). Slowly whisk in butter, say a tablespoon at a time until the developing sauce starts to thicken. You could even add in flour to help it along or cheat a little mix together a little (A LITTLE!) corn starch in cold water then add the mixture into your sauce. Thickens nicely. Just remeber --- all things cooked in a skillet have great sauce potential. Remember, I'm giving you this info from one guy to another because these techniques are fast, effective and most of all, easy to execute and remember! Good books on making sauces for beginners with good sauce recipes that I know of and recommend would be The Family Cookbook (excellent chapter on pan sauces) also How To Cook Without A Book by Pam Anderson. Lot's of quick and easy sauces that taste great. Okay? Enuff talkin'! Now go to it AK!! Air it out, man!! It's time to discover that Rachel Ray in you that's been dying to come out all these years!! | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/13/2008 10:15:27 AM | | AK Transplant - Cooking is easy if your have the patience to put into it. I grew up with five sisters and a mom that was a nurse on the 3 - 11 shift. So I learned at a very young age how to cook. I have a large selection of cook books and find the internet to be helpful when I am trying to make something new. I find that if you start with good ingredients, you are half way there. Don't try and cook anything too fast and pay attention to it when it is cooking. One of my best cook books is from around the 1942 era and gives just basic good advise. If you truly like quesadilla/Mexican food, I have a really good chili con caso recipe. Let me know and I will give it to you. Basic ingredients, a crockpot and you will make it time and time again. Take care. Geoff | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/13/2008 3:38:20 PM |
I have a really good chili con caso recipe. Let me know and I will give it to you. Basic ingredients, a crockpot and you will make it time and time again. Geoff
I would like it, Geoff! | |
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| How does one become a better cook?
Posted: 1/13/2008 3:42:23 PM |
Always keep some good wine handy.
I hope none of your suggestions (to me) require wine. I don't consume alcohol in any form, including cooking. I do, however, have dealcoholized 'wine' that I might try. | |
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