Many people think that cooking is a hidden talent that a chef is born with because of the chopping, dicing, and creativity that allows them to mix tastes and textures. This sounds right, but it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Chefs are born when they decide they want to make delicious meals for their friends and family, and they take the time to learn. If you are tired of eating carryout, all it takes to learn how to cook is a little dedication and changing old mindsets.
Like learning anything else, you need to set aside time every day to practice, so begin by writing your schedule on paper and carving out the hour you’ll need every day to prep, cook, wash dishes and eat. Not so difficult.
Next, start watching cooking shows before you ever start cooking in your kitchen. You’ve told yourself you can’t cook, which is not true, and you are going to prove it with Feast Bootcamp. Meanwhile, watch what they’re doing on TV and the foods they are using, but not the dishes they are preparing. Identify what foods you like.
While observing, evaluate your cookware and utensils. You don’t need the fanciest equipment, but you do need a few basics: a large pot for making pastas, a smaller pot, and a frying pan. Next, you’ll need a spatula for flipping burgers, a large spoon with holes for veggies and several sharp knives, large and small, for chopping and dicing. This is a good start.
Next, what kind of kitchen space do you have to prep and make your masterpieces? You will start out simple with easy dishes where the hard work has been done, such as Macaroni and Cheese, rice and beans or canned soup. You get to add pan-fried chicken, ground beef or veggies to make it your own.
Follow the directions on the Macaroni and Cheese, and add chicken or veggies; to the rice add canned beans in the skillet; then, add salsa on the side. Canned soup is already prepared, so simply boil water for peas, carrots or broccoli and add to the pot, and there’s your own healthy, tasty soup!
These easy dishes will get you started, and as you gain confidence, you can add more ingredients to make tastier meals!