learn how to cook and then actually cook

I haven’t cooked at all, I guess I’m not naturally interested in cooking.
Part one of this goal would be good to go over first. The “learning” part of it I can do now. Once I get out on my own I will have to knowledge I need to cook, then I can “actually” cook.

I made some fried rice tonight. It’s good to learn such a simple meal, it’s a good start.

My local farmer’s market had collard greens and yams on sale. Chef G Garvin had recipes for collard greens and candied yams in his book. I figured I’d make good use of the cookbook that has sat on my shelf for a year and my latest purchases from the farmer’s market. The result was a pleasant surprise. They aren’t the best greens or yams I’ve had in my life. They are okay, almost good. Good enough to have for dinner yesterday and today.

I went over to my friend’s house last night and she was like “want spaghetti for dinner?” I’m like sure, thinking her mom was going to come in and make it but sure enough my friend starts pulling out pots and pans and spices and diced tomatoes. I know it’s not hard, but still she seemed confident and was surprised when I told her I didn’t cook. Well I suppose now at 20 years old, I should finally tackle the kraft dinner and more!
My sister is getting into cooking, maybe one night I can help her out in the kitchen and pick up a few things.

Have bought a beginners cookbook (students cookbook), I always thought it would be scary or boring somehow, its not, its quite satisfying really. I’ve cooked sticky chicken, chips and eggy bread so far. (All easy, fast and yum!)

Came across an interesting way to cook it in a crock pot…giving that a try today.

Will have to wait for a long while. Not necessary right now.

I’m cooking Christmas Eve Dinner for my wife’s family. Wish me luck!

Tonight I made chili using a recipe I found in the latest Real Simple Magazine. It was edible. But, I don’t think I’ll make it again.

Today is the first time I made this… highly seasoned and it really filled me up after a hard 45 mile bike ride I did earlier in the day.

Serves 6, I served it with butter noodles.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef stew meat.
¼ cup all-purpose flour.
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 ¼ cups beef stock or broth
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Sour Cream for topping

Directions:

Toss meat and flour to coat. Use all the flour.

In a large Dutch oven over medium high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter with the oil. Add meat and brown for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low. Add remaining tablespoon of butter and stir in onion, paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, salt and pepper; mix well. Cook for 2 minutes.

Add stock, vinegar and tomato paste. Bring to boil. Cover and simmer until meat is very tender, about 1 ½ hours. Server topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Enjoy.