Thanks so much, mama. Everyone is so friendly here - I'm so glad I got here!
We're only being friendly cuz you're new. Wait till you've been here awhile. :p
Just kidding, of course. This is a very friendly group. Has to be, there are so few of us posting here.
Anyway, as I said on the cookbook thread, don't let these things intimidate you. There are some things you only learn through time in grade. But here's one trick you might find helpful.
Decide for yourself that on some schedule (weekly usually works nicely) you are going to learn a new technique. Let's say, sauteing. Every night that week you include something in your menu that has to be sauteed.
I guarantee by the end of the week you will know everything you have to know about sauteing.
The following week choose a different technique or procedure. At the same time, look at techniques similar to what you've learned. How, for instance, does searing differ from sauteing? And so on.
Pretty soon---a lot sooner than you think, in fact---you'll be teaching others.
Also, keep in mind that there are no wrong ways of doing anything. Short of burning it, a dish turns out the way it does. If it isn't precisely what the recipe intended, so what? As you gain more experience you won't be following recipes precisely anyway.
And, as Mama points out, there are no stupid questions. So don't be afraid to ask.
Just kidding, of course. This is a very friendly group. Has to be, there are so few of us posting here.
Anyway, as I said on the cookbook thread, don't let these things intimidate you. There are some things you only learn through time in grade. But here's one trick you might find helpful.
Decide for yourself that on some schedule (weekly usually works nicely) you are going to learn a new technique. Let's say, sauteing. Every night that week you include something in your menu that has to be sauteed.
I guarantee by the end of the week you will know everything you have to know about sauteing.
The following week choose a different technique or procedure. At the same time, look at techniques similar to what you've learned. How, for instance, does searing differ from sauteing? And so on.
Pretty soon---a lot sooner than you think, in fact---you'll be teaching others.
Also, keep in mind that there are no wrong ways of doing anything. Short of burning it, a dish turns out the way it does. If it isn't precisely what the recipe intended, so what? As you gain more experience you won't be following recipes precisely anyway.
And, as Mama points out, there are no stupid questions. So don't be afraid to ask.
Great idea, KY. I had sort of been doing that - when I had some success with a certain technique, I noticed I would make that at least 3 or 4 times that week in an effort to "memorize" the skill. But when I have a poor result with something, I just don't try it again for a very long time. But really, as you suggest, that's when I should make sure I try that technique every day until I get it down. Hmmmm, it's time to change my approach.
LOL at "only friendly cuz I'm new"! My boys' friends often mention how nice I am - mostly because I really understand how much pizza teenaged boys require to function properly. My sons always say "thanks, but she's only this nice when you're new".
LOL at "only friendly cuz I'm new"! My boys' friends often mention how nice I am - mostly because I really understand how much pizza teenaged boys require to function properly. My sons always say "thanks, but she's only this nice when you're new".
Teenaged boys. Hurrrrumph!
I remember those days. All they are are hormones with legs on one end and mouths on the other.
There is no possible way any human being can keep a fridge stocked when there are teens in the house.
I remember those days. All they are are hormones with legs on one end and mouths on the other.
There is no possible way any human being can keep a fridge stocked when there are teens in the house.
I Just Read This Entire Thread And Loved Each And Every In-put From All Of You!!! I Had No Idea Home-ec Is No Longer Offered In School, And Am Outraged By The Very Thought Of It! There Should Be Some Grass Root Efforts To Re-establish This Very Vital And Essential Class Back To Our Schools!
I Loved Home-ec. Joined The Home Ec Club For An After-school Activity And Became A Pretty Decent Cook As A Result. Mom Never Let Me In The Kitchen [it Made Her Nervous To Have Us Under Foot] But We Ate As A Family At The Table, And Had Nutritious Meals With Lots Of Fresh Veggies And Fruits! I Kept The Tradition As Have My Children And Am Now Doing The Same With My Granddaughter! My Children 2 Boys 1 Girl Are All Great Cooks, And Every Now And Then I Get That Call..."hey Mom How Do Ya' Make?" I Guess Everything Is Up To Family To Teach Tradition, Common-sence, Our Values, And What Is Really Important In Life!
No Wonder My Front Yard Is Full Of Kids Peeking In The Kitchen Window:)! Maybe I Will Start My Own Impromptu School With Neighborhood Children!
I Loved Home-ec. Joined The Home Ec Club For An After-school Activity And Became A Pretty Decent Cook As A Result. Mom Never Let Me In The Kitchen [it Made Her Nervous To Have Us Under Foot] But We Ate As A Family At The Table, And Had Nutritious Meals With Lots Of Fresh Veggies And Fruits! I Kept The Tradition As Have My Children And Am Now Doing The Same With My Granddaughter! My Children 2 Boys 1 Girl Are All Great Cooks, And Every Now And Then I Get That Call..."hey Mom How Do Ya' Make?" I Guess Everything Is Up To Family To Teach Tradition, Common-sence, Our Values, And What Is Really Important In Life!
No Wonder My Front Yard Is Full Of Kids Peeking In The Kitchen Window:)! Maybe I Will Start My Own Impromptu School With Neighborhood Children!