Those who do not enjoy cooking find it difficult or too challenging. One reason may be that they are intimidated by the recipe. The actual ingredient list and / or instructions can be extensive.
To get started, browse the recipe from start to finish. While it may seem long, the ingredient list frequently details very common items such as butter, cooking oil, salt, pepper, various spices, etc. The instructions may seem complicated, but again they simply detail the basic procedures like setting the correct stove or oven temperature. Familiarize yourself with the methods or processes and get an idea of how easy or difficult they can be depending on your abilities. You want to be comfortable and try to cook the dish or you may experience the feeling that the dish does not turn out right. If you feel uncomfortable, try cooking it just for yourself and experiment / practice your skills. Even the best chefs have burned toast or cooked a hard-boiled egg too long … so to speak. Remember, the recipes are used by the best cooks in the world.
Now that you have read the recipe, you know what it entails and the ingredients you will need. You want to have all the ingredients when you start. It will be very frustrating to start cooking and run out of something simple. You will lose your enthusiasm and interest.
Next step … prepare the ingredients.
Make sure you have the right ingredients … and the right amounts. While you can generally substitute spicy brown mustard for Dijon mustard, you can’t use dry mustard. You don’t want to know that you need 3 cups of chicken broth when you only have half a cup. As you gain more experience in the kitchen, you will learn how easy it can be to substitute and / or adjust quantities.
Now … make sure you have the right cookware and utensils.
Most recipes will call for a specific type of pot or pan, but it is rarely “exotic” and not something you already have in your kitchen. Large spoons, ladles, tongs, and basic “fins” usually cover what you need. One word of advice … if you are using enamel-coated or “non-stick” pots and pans, be sure to use rubber-type wooden utensils to avoid scratching the coated surfaces.
Here’s a recipe that lists nine ingredients, but as you read and see it, it’s very simple, including the instructions.
White clam sauce recipe
1 (10 oz) can clams, chopped
¼ teaspoon olive oil
½ teaspoon butter
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon oregano
3 tablespoons (heaped) dried parsley
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon. grated Romano cheese
Combine all the ingredients and heat in a saucepan. For overcooked linguine. Makes 2 servings.
Some time ago I decided that if you have to do something several times a day, why not make it a hobby and enjoy it? Cooking can be fun and give you a sense of accomplishment … not to mention a really nice meal for your family or friends.