Can You Stand the Kitchen?

I know we’ve all heard someone tell us, “When are you going to learn to cook?!” or “I feel sorry for your husband!” plenty of times. Well instead of cooking for a future spouse, you should start learning to cook for yourself. Too many times, I have gone into the kitchen, looked in the pantry, walked out and done the EXACT same thing maybe 3 more times. Especially being a fan of the Food Network, I always want to make those delicious meals or desserts but never seem to know how or have the ingredients to follow along. Learning to cook for yourself saves tons of money because it probably lasts longer than fast food and is most likely healthier than what you’ve been eating at the carry-out across the street (who knows how long they’ve been using that frying oil). The Food Network is a great source to learn so many different new foods from different cultures and regions of the world. We all have our favorite dishes, but why not try a different way to make the dish. Living as a college student with a stove, kitchen, and no meal plan has really forced me to learn to cook (I was never that bad to begin with). Here are a few tips on learning to cook for yourself!

1. Don’t be afraid of the kitchen. Go in there even if your family laughs at you for trying to be the next iron chef! Don’t be shy about it. As long as you have your recipes, ingredients, and pride, you’ll be just fine.

2. Do your research. When you find the dish that you want to make. Look at other recipes. Check the Cook Time, Level, and Serving Size. You may also want to look at the reviews of the recipe. Sometimes although the level may say easy, it may seem like rocket science to those who aren’t professional cooks. Once you pick your recipe get shopping!

3. Add your magic touch. When I’m cooking, if I see the recipe says to add something I don’t like (like mushrooms) I won’t write off the recipe. Why not add something you love as a substitute? Just make sure that what you’re adding is going to taste good.

4. Save it for later. If you’re watching TV and see a dish that looks beyond delectable, look it up later and get cooking.

5. Try Again. Like Aaliyah says, “If at first you don’t succeed, pick yourself up and try again!” If it doesn’t come out right the first time, go back and try and think of what you did wrong. One time, I added a tablespoon of baking powder instead of a teaspoon. Those little mistakes can make the difference. So don’t get angry, just try it again.

When cooking you eventually learn that it won’t always come out the same every time. Especially when you get so accustomed to making meals that measuring cups aren’t used, you’ll be more comfortable adding your own flare to the dishes that make them taste that much better. While you’re cooking, just remember to have fun with it. Don’t get so comfortable with it. Try new recipes or methods to making dishes. We all have our favorite dishes, but until you try to add something new to it you don’t know if you’ve been missing out on something 10 times tastier. For instance, ever since I’ve learned to make Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding by Paula Deen, I haven’t made my old banana pudding ever again. If you don’t like banana’s leave them out. This is just one dish that Food Network has graced my heart with yummy goodness. Oh Happy Day! After making several dishes, your family will be asking for you to cook and you won’t need to look up recipes all the time. You’ll get accustomed to how you flavor fish or chicken and what seasoning you like better. This is an experience you will only thank yourself for in the long run. So get cooking ladies!

--Rebecca Matey
Brownstone Intern