Please help a beginner

Hi All

I just moved out of my parents house and in with my fiance and I don't really know how to cook! I mean I can follow a recipe but am very new at this cooking business.

Would you mind sharing some of your favorite and perhaps easier recipes with me so we don't live on take out

TIA!

Re: Please help a beginner

After cooking for myself and my DH for quite some time now, I've learned that having Cream of Mushroom/Chicken soup on hand at all times is a GODSEND!

Also, invest in a crockpot. All you have to do is throw the ingredients in and set the timer... how easy is that!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One of my DH's easy favorite is Italian Seasoned chicken.

1 package of chicken breast (boneless/skinless... there are usually about 4 pieces in a package)
1 packet of Good Season Italian Dressing mix
1 cup of grated parm cheese.

Mix the Italian dressing mix and the parm cheese together on a plate and coat the chicken with the mixture (I sometimes add a little bit of garlic powder to the mixture for even more flavor. I also will stab the chicken a few times on either side with a fork to allow the flavors to seep into the chicken).
Place the coated chicken in a baking dish (make sure you spray the baking dish with some Pam before-hand) and bake at 350 for about 25-30 or until the chicken juices run clean (to check, just cut into the chicken).

I always make all of the chicken taht comes in the package bc that way I can usually get a second meal out of it. I serve it with pototoes or rice, salad, and greenbeans.


Also... on this board, there are certain threads that you can search for that are dedicated to beef recipes, chicken recipes, etc. Good luck!

Message edited 8/11/2009 2:07:11 PM.

Re: Please help a beginner

when I first started cooking I always kept my Better Homes & Gardens cookbook handy. (The red & white checkered one) Besides having easy to follow recipes it also has useful information such as roasting times and conversion tables. 16 years later, I just bought a replacement copy because mine literally fell apart.

The most important thing I can tell you is don't be afraid to fail. EVERYONE makes a bad meal now and then. It happens, don't let it stop you from trying again.

Also, when you find a meal you make well (mine was spinach lasagna) use it for when you have people over. Keep the stress level down for yourself when you start having little dinner parties.

Good Luck!

Re: Please help a beginner

I'm not much of a cook, but go to kraftfoods.com
They have great and easy recipes. I've made so much stuff from that site and you won't believe how easy and good the stuff is. Also, read pples comments b/c they have good ideas to change things up or not

Basics are baked chicken parm or baked turkey meatballs I make.

Oh, and get the veggie steamers in a bag. I put it in the microwave for 5 mins and you have lots of yummy steamed veggies that took 5 mins

Re: Please help a beginner

you can't really go wrong when you use fresh ingredients.

get yourself a great cast iron pan.

a few EASY meals you can make and feel like a rock star.

steak.

heat up said cast iron pan. rub steak with kosher/sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. add oil to the pan. when it's HOT, lay steak down. DON't MOVE it. let it sear on the outside, at least 3-4 minutes for medium rare depending on the thickness.

turn over and sear the other side for a few more minutes. push in on the top of the steak...the more it gives the rare-er it is, so cook according to what you like.

to accompany, in a skillet heat up olive oil with 3 or 4 smashed garlic gloves. add 2 bags baby spinach to the pan and wilt down. add salt, pepper.

serve your favorite condiments (steak sauce) etc.

if you are feeling adventureous, you can also make a pan sauce.

serve with rice, pasta, potatoes..what have you.

for easy potatoes, preheat oven to 425. slice a few potatoes into quarter inch rounds. toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. lay on a baking sheet and roast until desired doneness. serve your "frites" with the steak.

generally, I stay away from prepacked flavor packages and seasoning mixes b/c they are usually heavy on salt and preservatives.

get a cookbook and look up seasoning mixes/spice rubs that appeal to you. take an hour to mix them yourself and they will keep for a long time.

I like Giada's EveryDay Italian for specific dishes. she really breaks it down and makes things easy.

good luck to you!!!

Re: Please help a beginner

Thanks so much everyone!!

I haven't tried my hand in the kitchen yet, my fiance won't share LOL I knew he liked to cook but didn't realize how much!