OT Help! Recommend Me a Cookbook!

In the the past year I have come to the realization that I cannot cook to save my life, so I am asking OT to help me out.

Thanks,
- Christopher

 

whats ya cookin ????? meth ?

 

Think he's lookin for this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Anarchist_Cookbook

RMX

 

Chris,
Walk across the street to Borders and find a simple one that starts with the basics, like 30-minute meals or single dish meals. Or copy meals from restaurants you like.

Trying to find a winter hobby?

 

Pretty much. I am overwhelmed in the cookbook selection. I need to break away from only eating tuna sandwiches and scrambled eggs. Ladies like it too.

 

LOL! Can't you just go check your traps up there in Alaska, and roast whatever you catch?? (After the fur is skinned, of course)

OK, bad Alaska joke......(I trapped furbearers in CT as a kid, and Alaska was my dream for a while)

We cook Italian cuz, wife was raised there, and I was, sort of, so, if this is a taste you might savor, which most people do, start with this:

Most good Italian meals are actually v simple, and made with just a few ingredients: virgin olive oil (no brainer), parsley (not cilantro), garlic cloves (no powders!), oregano, tomato(diced in cans is actually v good!), onion and others. Learn to make fresh tomato sauce using these fresh ingredients, and put on spaghetti, cooked ALDENTE, not American mush style!!!!!!! Master this first, and you will be a big hit, GUARANTEED by Joe Papa!!! If you are serious about this dish/recipe, PM me and I can get you more minute details. I dont waste time with Authentic Italian Recipes with wanna be's. We do not eat anything in my home that is PSEUDO ITALIAN!!!

Then if you dont like Italian, wait for another post. Either way, good luck. (and good trapping this winter season)

 

Betty Crocker's basics is a good way to start. But since you clearly have access to the internet, why not just go to foodtv.com and look up recipes there? There are very good recipes from the network's website and I can tell you that I've personally tried several of Alton Brown's recipes (show called "Good Eats") and they turn out really well.

Bob

 

If you want to know the whys behind recipes then I recommend The Cook's Bible by Christopher Kimball.

http://www.amazon.com/Cooks-Bible-Best-American-Cooking/dp/0316493716/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-9198504-4326321?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193535356&sr=1-1

 

This is what you want:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764568779?tag=bettycrockerc-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0764568779&adid=1WEDSKJ41VY11HBBTRDD&

It's the Betty Crocker. Other books give you fancy recipes and special things, this one teaches you to cook everything basic. The one must-have.

 

The Joy of Cooking

Its been in print for a long time. Its a good one. You can always look at websites. If you get Food Network, watch Good Eats. Alton Brown's recipes have never ever ever let me down.

 

just go to B&N or Borders, they always have piles of cookbooks around the entryways on clearance.

 

Another vote for The Joy of Cooking, just pick up the latest edition that's out.

 

There are also a lot of websites you can get recipes from.

http://www.epicurious.com/

http://allrecipes.com/

These are two that I use.

 

2 BIG thumbs up for each of these from a rather experienced cook. Only sad part about Joy of Cooking is that I don't think the new editions have the nifty bits (like how to skin & prepare a squirrel)! Luckily, I have a copy of the older edition - so that & possum, beaver, armadillo, wild boar, or bear can be on the menu too!

Also - strongly consider Alton Brown's book "I'm Just Here for the Food" - not so much a book of recipes, but rather the methods behind different types of cooking (and a really fun read too!).
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If you like flavorful Latin/Mexican cusine then perhaps my wifes cookbook "Latin Lover Lite" will help you. Its simple, ease to use and there are pictures for each recipe.

WWW.CHEFLALA.COM


Cheers....Jeremy
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I have a Joy of Cooking that my mom got for me when I first moved out on my own. It's a really good one. Lately I've pulled several recipes off www.foodnetwork.com . Lots to choose from there.

 

When you are past the basics, subscribe to Cook's Illustrated, simply the best rag for gourmet cooking.


Of course, at any stage, you will need a proper apron
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It is not that hard to become a good cook. Before you prepare a meal, jsut think about the food you like. Hell if you think a turkey sandwhich wiht peanut butter would be good, then go for it. Taste is in the eye of the eater. And if you are eating the food, then just try to combine things you like.

It does help to know some of the basics. The most important is how to cook different meats. Make sure you never over cook any type of meat, be it fish, steak, chicken, etc...if it is over cooked, it will taste like ass.

I rarely use reciepes or cook books. I find it to be more enjoyable and rewarding whenyou can throw something together off the top of your head, then to use something someone else came up with.

So again, stay true to what your tastes are, and go out to eat a good bit to get ideas for other things to try. A lot of cooking is trial and error, so don't be afraid to experiement.

If you are looing for very specific advice, such as what types of spices go with a certain meat, or ideas for a sauce, let me know. I spent 6+ years working in kitchens for a reason.

 

Taste is on the tongue of the eater! My eyes don't got taste buds...!

 

I would LOVE to learn how to make authentic Italian tomato sauce/dishes!!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

 

You know what I was trying to say...

Some would say presentation is almost as important as taste itself.

 

Thanks to everyone for the input and suggestions. I think I'll stop off and grab some magazines first, then hit the used bookstore this weekend.

 

'Joy Of Cooking', as others have said.
Easiest way to good food recipes that the average person can access.

 

What do you enjoy cooking besides fish?

 

You are asking because...why?