I think learning to shop is an important part of good cooking.
I think learning to shop is an important part of good cooking.
Hey CW, you know how we begged bakechef into starting a thread so we could tag along on their wedding preps? Well, IF you can find a minute to breathe and type, would you be so kind as to get a thread going about your adventures in teaching? I think a lot of us would enjoy following along. That's IF you can find time. Whatever you end up going over with him, I hope you two have a fun time.
Sorry, sorry....I think this IS that thread...
Like you, I don't cook much from recipes (unless I'm baking). Rather than teach specific recipes, I would probably teach him a few basic techniques:
- How to cook eggs
- How to know when meat is done
- How to cook pasta and rice
- How to steam or stir fry veggies
- How to follow a recipe
I know the last one sounds sort of vague, but I would find out what kind of foods he's interested in, show him where to find recipes on the internet, and then walk him through a couple. Once people learn recipes, it gives them the confidence to try some things on their own.
White sauce is one of the first things I remember we learned to make in home ec. I can definitely teach him how to make bread, but I've gotten lazy and use the stand mixer or the bread machine to make the dough--but pizza dough might be something to make. Pie crust was on my list because I think everyone should know how to make pie crust (bread and pie crust were two things my grandma taught me before I was 10 years old, along with lefse).+1 here. I thought the same thing. One technique my mom taught me that is not covered would be how to make a basic white sauce that can then be modified into gravies and cheese sauces. I'm always impressed with anyone who makes their own bread since that is a skill I've not mastered so that might be something too.
On the other hand, bread is easily purchased and not for a beginner cook in my opinion. The same goes for pie crusts. He can purchase a pie or buy a ready made crust. It sounds like this guy probably wants to learn how to put some simple meals together rather than get into advanced cooking. You don't want to overwhelm him if he knows little about cooking. I'd also point out to him that there's a wealth of cooking videos out there for great recipes. One of my favorites is Food Wishes Video Recipes
Chef John does a very nice professional job with them.
I'd ask him what he likes to eat first. It makes no sense to teach him how to cook something he has no interest in eating.
Having said that, most people like chicken and the roast chicken is a great start, with leftover dishes to follow. I'd also teach him about brine for chicken and pork.
On the other hand, bread is easily purchased and not for a beginner cook in my opinion. The same goes for pie crusts. He can purchase a pie or buy a ready made crust. It sounds like this guy probably wants to learn how to put some simple meals together rather than get into advanced cooking. You don't want to overwhelm him if he knows little about cooking. I'd also point out to him that there's a wealth of cooking videos out there for great recipes. One of my favorites is Food Wishes Video Recipes
Chef John does a very nice professional job with them.