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Across the Fence:  Cooking?  |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 06:23:10 AM
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Yeah I really don't know what that is?!!! I want to change that this year! I know how to do very simple things but if you said make a meal, I'd panic! There are no cooking classes around here...hm maybe I could con my fav restaurant into doing one:) But yeah any advice for starting out?
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
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Peanut
True Blue Farmgirl
603 Posts
Jennifer
Waverly
Virginia
USA
603 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 06:25:24 AM
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Do you have an older friend or neighbor who might like to help you learn? Many older people crave companionship and may jump at the chance.
"What is a farm but a mute gospel?"
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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kydeere40744
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
Jessica
Kentucky
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 07:37:17 AM
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You might want to check with your local extension office - they sometimes offer little cooking classes with the homemakers.
~Jessica in Kentucky & Miss Wilma's Niece~
Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow...
http://bluegrassprincess.blogspot.com/ |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 07:43:54 AM
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Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook explains a lot. I bought it when I was first married. It explains how to measure/level a cup of flour, what to do with different cuts of meat, etc. Also, shows on the food network would be helpful. I think there are videos on their website as well. I watch the cooking shows because they inspire me. I love baking, not cooking, so I need a little inspiration.
Good Luck,
Trish
Farmgirl Sister #91
Make cupcakes not war! |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 07:50:51 AM
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I come from a long line of mediocre cooks and I end that line. One of the only nice things I'll ever tell you about myself is that I'm a heck of cook.
I made myself learn to cook when I became a vegetarian, so that I could experience foods without being bored to tears and losing my goal. I already understood basic measurements, but there were terms that I didn't know, so I just looked them up, asked older friends (a WEALTH of information) or taped cooking shows.
The Fanny Farmer cookbook is my recommendation, and the Better Homes is good, also. I have the 1960 version, so the basics are true basics :)
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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sleepless reader
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
CA
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 07:55:27 AM
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What about women from church? If you aren't involved at one, but know somebody who is, maybe the women's gropu would be willing to give lessons as a fund raiser. Many churches have the facility and space to do that.
Good luck!
Sharon
Farmgirl Sister #74
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 09:14:05 AM
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My Mother, God rest her soul, was the worst cook I've ever known! So I never learned the art from her. When I was out on my own by myself and didn't have enough money for a television, I broused the local thrift shop and started buying cookbooks. I taught myself with super easy recipes at first and then as I got more confident I started teaching myself to bake.
I am an amazing baker and an ace at soup making. I do well with cooking but still go by the recipes. For a wedding gift I was given the Fanny Farmer cookbook and it has explained a lot about measurements and the lingo that's used as well as saved many a meal from my then inexperienced hands.
The key is to enjoy the process and be gentle with yourself.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 09:26:14 AM
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I seriously recommend the Alton Brown books (and the TV Show, but I understand about avoiding TV). He explains the science behind cooking and it really helps you to understand why things behave the way they do. I have found that with a better understanding of say the way starch behaves in rice- I can apply that to other starches like potatoes.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 10:22:07 AM
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If you'd like to learn the science behind cooking, I'd recommend a book called "How Cooking Works." Learning some basic principles can help you learn to adapt recipes to be more like you like, as well as to create your own. It's a nice book, and I'm sure you can get it on Amazon.
I'm proud of those of you who want to learn to cook! Food is one of the joys of life, and it's clear you wish to make the most of it. Good for you! |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 10:46:36 AM
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This is a little off topic, but what kinds of things do you eat if you can't cook? It is a foreign idea to me, my family is food oriented. Gramma had a diner, Mom has famous pickles,etc. I have been wondering about it all morning. If it is a raw diet, you are most likely better off not knowing how. PS enameled cast iron will change your life!
Farmgirl Sister #91
Make cupcakes not war! |
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junkjunkie
True Blue Farmgirl
1306 Posts
Judy
Lawrenceville
NJ
USA
1306 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 1:24:14 PM
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I'll have to admit, I'm not much of a cook. I guess you can say I'm a little lazy in that department. When I get home from work, to me it's a pain to have to chop and do the preparations for a good meal. A lot of times I'll go for convenience (good convenience food...not McD's). I like a good pizza and that can be good for you, depending on the toppings. Most supermarkets by me have already prepared and cooked foods to bring home. Whole Foods has a great selection, as well as other places. Sometimes, I'll buy a whole roasted chicken that will last me for 2 to 3 days. I usually buy fresh vegetables and steam or roast them. I'm a very plain cook....you would be bored! lol! Sometimes, I'll get a little ambitious and make something in a crockpot, or take more time in meal preparation. It turns out ok...sometimes I surprise myself....other times, it's like...oh well. I like to watch the cooking shows and they make it look easy. I do pick up some good tips and try to use them. Watching the shows or reading cookbooks, you'd be surprised what you pick up! I had to laugh when I read about Linder's mother not being the best cook! I remember, growing up, we had the sweetest neighbor next door, Mrs. Peterson. Every now and then, she would bring us a casserole or some type of dinner or side dish. Her heart was in the right place, but it usually was terrible. We would try to eat the food, but either gave it to the dog or threw it out. When she asked how we liked it, we always told her that it was delicious. lol!
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 1:34:28 PM
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Try cooking on the weekends. Before I had my baby, when I worked, I would cook on Sundays, for most of the weeks worth of food. It is hard to cook everyday when you work, especially if you commute.
Farmgirl Sister #91
Make cupcakes not war! |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 1:40:12 PM
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There is a book I learned how to cook with, aside from the old standard "Red & White" BH&G, that's called "The Basic Gourmet." It really is good for learning basics.
Now, for something that may sound obvious, but it really good - what about picking up MaryJane's Farm Kitchen issue of the magazine and some Budget Mix and going to town with it? It's a great way to learn to cook from "scratch," and use any fresh ingredients that you like. We love BakeOvers at my house, and the crepes with bananas and cream are to die for!
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 1:45:28 PM
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I second cooking for a week worth of food on the weekends. Even just doing prep work, like cutting up vegetables, separating out herbs and spices, organize your refrigerator by meal, so everything is together and do a lot of one dish meals that freeze or hold nice, say lasagna or meatballs, some mexican dishes, that just need re-heating helps me out a lot. Simple is better too, I find.
Cheers,
Heather |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
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BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 6:02:47 PM
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when i was a girl we had 4H cookbooks put out by the extension office. the were very good homecooked type food writen out very simply for begining cooks.
What we write today slipped into our souls some other day when we were alone and doing nothing.
-Brenda Ueland
http://quilandneedle.blogspot.com/ |
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kydeere40744
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
Jessica
Kentucky
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2008 : 9:56:52 PM
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This is the sign that my hubby gave me that I have on my fridge...I think it is a 'sign' for me to cook more! ha
~Jessica in Kentucky & Miss Wilma's Niece~
Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow...
http://bluegrassprincess.blogspot.com/ |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 04:07:47 AM
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| ROFLOL!!! Jessica, that's hilarious!!! Makes me think of a little embroidered sign I have, made to look like an old sampler, that says "Housework Makes You Ugly." |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 06:02:17 AM
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That's great, Jess. Justin put cocktail napkins in my stocking last year that had a very attractive 50's type lady with a lovley smile that says, "Make your own d*** dinner"...I love it!!!
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 07:49:02 AM
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OH JESSICA I love it! I have calendars with pics and sayings similar. love it. We had postcards and the one was a lady cooking a soufle and it said how big was it? wink wink hehe get it girls? And we sent it to my auntie and it never arrived we think the post office took it and hung it up to smile and laugh at. Oh well made someone's day!
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2008 : 07:57:31 AM
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I love those! I am recently a great fan of a sign my step-mother has in her house that says "What if the Hokey Pokey really is what it's all about?" I laugh every time I see it!
OK, I know that's off the cooking subject completely but SO much fun.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom |
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Across the Fence: Cooking? |
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Cooking?
