Friday, May 24, 2013

I need to learn to cook... And I have no idea where to start?

8 qt ice cream maker
 on days ago some ecreamery gourmet ice jul ecreamery gourmet ice
8 qt ice cream maker image



Tizzitrix


Any ideas or easy recipes, or websites with advice, or easy recipes on them would be much appreciated.
Thanks.



Answer
Buy a good general purposed cookbook and read it

The New Double Day Cookbook is a great one and has recipes from easy to more challenging which is great once you start learning how to cook.

The first thing you need to do though is to set up your kitchen with the proper equipment and tools. You'll never learn to cook if you don't have a basic kitchen.

There's nothing more frustrating than getting half way through a cheesecake recipe and realizing you don't have a 9" springform pan.

To that end, here is a list of must-have kitchen equipment. I've also added a few splurges that I can't imagine life without.

Pots and Pans

Your food spends a lot of time here, so quality cookware is essential. Look for heavy stainless steel, anodized aluminum or enamel-coated cast iron models that allow even heat distribution and prevent burning. Popular brands include Calphalon®, All-Clad®, Cuisinart®, Farberware® and Le
Creuset®.

Here are the essentials:

Saucepans [1-qt., 2-qt. and 3-qt.]
Stockpot [8-qt.]
Skillets [8" and 10"]
Large Saute Pan [deeper than a skillet, with a lid]
Dutch Oven
Roasting Pan [one shallow, one deep]
Broiler Pan [usually comes with your oven]
Double Boiler

Splurges
Copper is an excellent heat conductor, but it is a little more expensive and requires a lot of maintenance. Most copper cookware is lined with tin, and over time the lining will need to be "retinned." If you're concerned about aesthetics, copper also requires regular polishing.


Utensils

Keep essential utensils close at hand. A cylindrical utensil holder or small porcelain pitcher can house frequently used spatulas, spoons and more on the countertop. The drawer and cabinet nearest the stove are other prime locations for these items:

2 sets of Measuring Spoons [buy heavy gauge stainless steel ones]
2 sets of Dry Measuring Cups [same as above]
2 Glass Liquid Measuring Cups [a 2 cup and a 4 cup]
Cutting Boards [wood and plastic]
Spatula [super thin stainless]
Soup Ladle
Kitchen Tongs
Standing Grater [4-sided]
Colander
Vegetable Peeler [ceramic are a dream]
Vegetable Brush
Potato Ricer or Food Mill
Long-Handled Fork
Wire Whisk [Hard Rubber Whisks are available]
Baster
Can Opener
Meat Thermometer
Oven Thermometer
Timer
Corkscrew
Rasp
Slotted Spoons
Wooden Spoons
High-Heat Flexible Rubber Spatulas
Citrus Juicer
Strainers
Funnel
Nutcracker
Pepper Grinder
Salad Spinner
Coffee Pot
Tea Kettle
Wooden Skewers [6 inch are the best multi-purpose size]
Ice Cream Scoop
Collapsible Vegetable Steamer
Meat Pounder

Splurges
Le Creuset® Screwpull Corkscrew

I'm going to assume that you have a plate to eat on. Here are a few other items that come in extra handy during food preparation:

Nesting Mixing Bowls [4 or more bowls, pottery or stainless]
Microwave-Safe Casserole with Lid
Rectangular Glass Baking Dishes, multiple sizes
Airtight containers for dry goods storage
Ramekins [individual sizes]

It's a shame that knives have been labeled "unlucky" wedding gifts. Good knives are gold in the kitchen. Look for high-carbon steel and a handle that fits nicely in your hand. Popular brands include Henckels®, Wusthof® and Chicago Cutlery®. A variety of knife storage options are available, from in-drawer trays to counter blocks and magnetic wall-holders. Here are the basics:


Knives
Paring Knife
Chef's Knife
Carving Knife
Serrated Bread Knife
Serrated Tomato Knife [I can't live without mine in August]
Sharpening Steel [from manufacturer of your brand, used EVERY time you use the knife]
Boning Knife
Kitchen Shears [great for trimming fat from meat, and cutting the backbone out of a chicken]


Electronics
Some toys and tools require a plug, so make room by the receptacles.

Heavy-Duty Blender
Toaster /ToasterOven
Kitchen Scale
Hand Mixer
Microwave Oven
Coffee Maker
Coffee Grinder

Splurges
Food Processor [I love mine]
Standing Mixer
Electric Juicer
Ice Cream Maker [I love mine]
Waffle Iron
Chafing Dish
Pasta Maker [I love mine!]
Bread Machine


Baking Equipment

You probably have the brownie pan ready to go. To be prepared for every birthday and holiday, make sure you have the following on hand:

Round Cake Pans [at least two, 8 or 9-inch are best]
Springform Pan [9"]
Rectangular Baking Pan [13" x 9"]
Square Baking Pan [9" x 9"]
Loaf Pans [at least two]
Flat Baking Sheet
Baking Sheet with Rim
Glass Pie Plate
Muffin Tins [at least two]
Flour Sifter
Rolling Pin
Cooling Racks
Pastry Brush
Pastry Bag with Decorating Tips

Splurges
Tart Pans
Jelly-Roll Pan [4-sided baking sheet, which I use for everything, including roasting vegetables]
Angel Food Cake Pan
Bundt Pan
Palette Knife for Cake Decorating
Pastry Blender
Pie Weights



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