Consider these tips to help you build cooking skills AND confidence!
- Cook often -
Practice may not make perfect, but it definitely sharpens skills!
- Start easy –
Even basic recipes taste great, and you will develop your abilities as you go.
- Make something delicious –
You will be inspired to cook again, soon!
- Follow the recipe the first time, but don’t be afraid to experiment.
Remember, cooking is an art, and baking is a science. Follow recipes for baked goods closely for best results.
- Find a cookbook you love, then prepare as many recipes from it as possible.
You will build on your tasty successes!
- Read the recipe before you start –
You’ll save time, frustration and allow your errors to be mental instead of full-out flops.
- Pre-prep your ingredients before you begin to cook.
By chopping, slicing, measuring and gathering all required parts before you start cooking, you’ll be ready to focus on the process.
- Consider kitchen equipment –
You probably don’t need chef-quality tools, but a few good pieces will make cooking easier and more enjoyable. A sharp knife and one or two pots and pans (used ones that are relatively heavy may be a smarter purchase than brand-new thin or lightweight options) are good starting points.
- Stock the staples –
Some items are called for in most recipes, and experienced cooks consider many ingredients “must-have”. You may be tempted to skip a flavorful add-in or avoid a recipe entirely if you don’t have the basics on hand. Spices can be expensive, so consider buying some you see listed most often in recipes you plan to make, and opting for others later.
- Learn the techniques –
Look up unfamiliar cooking terms and techniques online, or in a cookbook. You will often discover that the skill is somewhat easy, even if the name makes you stop and wonder.
- Cook often! Yes, it bears repeating –
You will become more skilled, relaxed, versatile and organized the more you cook. Cooking is a healthy habit that’s worth forming.
Adapted from https://www.bustle.com/articles/157810-11-tips-for-learning-how-to-cook-once-for-all. Accessed August 21, 2019.
