learn how to prepare 10 excellent meals

Okay, so it is more of a side-dish than a meal but it is one of the first things that I’ve cooked lately that has come out perfectly delicious. The scent was a cross between a sweet potato and a pumpkin and I had it without any added sugar.

Over the last couple days, I’ve just been eyeing and reading recipes from magazines, blogs, books, etc. I’ve probably read hundreds of them. There are just so many things I want to make but I probably won’t ever make any of them. I mean I don’t have the money to make that many and I need practice before I can make them well. But maybe I can make just some of them.

learn to prepare 10 excellent meals

Cheese Croissants. Super easy. Although I’m marking this goal as done, I know I have a lot more to learn; and I’ll continue to make an effort in the kitchen. At least I’m getting comfortable with using the stove, which was my problem in the first place.

Yay cooking!

French Toast and Pancakes. Both came out very well! I’ve found that throughout this goal, I’ve enjoyed making the breakfast foods and desserts the best. No surprise there, I suppose.

1) Fresh ravioli with Jamie Oliver’s tomato sauce recipe
I love this recipe – I made it for the first time on the weekend and it is a healthy, easy staple. Fresh ravioli is expensive but so worth it

2) Fruity curry chicken pasta salad – Delicious, but need to be more organised / quicker in the prep. Can make it and refrigerate for a few days.

3) Spicy tuna pasta salad – Also delicious, easy staple.

4) Banana bread – great for winter!

5) Apple-cranberry salmon salad – healthy and delicious: marinate salmon in teriyaki sauce; mix 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1ts honey with chopped apple; lettuce leaves; mix the lot (I left out the cranberries)

Today, I tried to make deviled eggs. I wouldn’t call it a success because it didn’t have a smooth consistency! It had little clumps. I couldn’t mash it enough! I tried but do I need to use a blender or something? But for such a small amount? Any ideas?

Plus, it tasted sweet. I was afraid it’d be too spicy but next time, I’ll try adding more tabasco sauce. The egg whites themselves didn’t look perfect either since I had a hard time peeling them without peeling into them. I guess they needed to cool down more in water.

Hand cut french fries and chicken tenders. YUM.

Right so now I have:

1) Spaghetti Bolognese
2) Shephards Pie
3) Fajitas
4) Sausage Casserole
5) Burgers and Potato Wedges
6) Pork and Bean Stew
7) Pan Fried Chorizo and Potato with Peppers.

Only 3 more to go.

I made lamb with rice. Not really an “excellent” meal, but I cooked it properly. hehe..