Im a mum and I've recently met a man and I can't cook. It's one thing I get so embarrassed about. I never cook for any one because I just can't.
I wish I could make my daughter nice meals and now my new boyfriend.
What ever I do, it just never works out. Most things are just tasteless even if I follow a recipe every step of the way.
Let's just say im so bad I can't even make pumpkin soup or steak.
I tried to make hasselback potatoes last night. Pretty simple. Chuck them in the airfryer and they didn't open they were just a hard potato. Kept cooking. Just a rock really with again no wow factor.
I use to make meatballs growing up. It's all I could do. Tried it again recently and they were just dry and bland. Even with everything I put in them. I'm so frustrated with my self.
My mum never cooked when I was growing up so she never showed me how.
What can I do to become better? How do I make things taste better or just turn out the way the recipe says they should. I've been practising since I moved out home at 19, so 10 years.
Please help this bad cook out.
Cooking Wars
Cooking Wars
Posted in:
Mental Health, Self Care, Food, Health & Wellbeing
10 Replies
I'm a very average cook. I'm OK with that... but I ordered every plate a while back and learnt so much. Give it a go
Buy a slow cooker they are amazing. Throw diced beef in with a slow cooker mix and some potatoes, carrots and onion . It makes a great hearty meal, especially in winter. You can leave it in all day and get it out for dinner it will be cooked perfectly.
It sounds like you need a mentor! I’m a reluctant cook but I can follow a recipe. There are so many cooking shows and YouTube clips and You can see exactly what they are doing and what they want it to look like. And remember measurements matter for flavour, temps matter, times matter (but can vary with different ovens) you have to check throughout and with practice you’ll know when it’s on its way and just needs more time or more heat etc.
I’d say you need to start simpler than potatoes (they are quite hard) choose a recipe, watch it first and then really pay attention as you make it.
I’d also recommend using frozen veggies. You can microwave them or oven roast spuds or even make mash. Just really takes the stress off so you have less to do and to worry about.
I’d say start with a good hearty meal you can really make your own. Bangers and mash with gravy. You can add veggies, buy fancy sausages, add to your mash, glam up your gravy, whatever you feel like to make it yours.
Then you can switch out the meat - chicken Parma/ your meatballs, switch some veggies, add garlic bread, swap sauce, your repertoire will grow, until you’re confident that you know how to cook all of these different foods.
It's a skill like any other. Don't beat yourself up over something you had no control over.
I wasn't really taught how to cook, I helped in the kitchen but wasn't shown how to check when things were done, times, temps etc. I've learned to really like to cook though and the more I get into it the more adventurous I get. The trick is to find simple things you like to eat and master those. Then branch out.
I've had my fair share of meals that went to the dog (and one even he wouldn't touch), that's ok. It's all about learning your strengths and playing to them.
Do you have any friends who cook? I'm sure any of them would be happy to show you some basics.
For the bland problem. That's not on you mate, many recipes are created that way to appeal to the masses. If you want more you've gotta add it. When they say to use water, I use vege stock. I have a herb and spice collection that takes up an entire kitchen drawer. And don't get me started on the sauces. There's 2 shelves in the fridge dedicated to sauces, mustards, horseradish, Korean chilli paste, jars of garlic, ginger, chillies etc. Plus the herb garden outside.
For some inspiration check out recipetineats. The chicken pot pie filling is amazing, make it and just chuck it into some puff pastry in a Kmart pie maker and voile, home made chicken pies. The beef cheek recipe I use is from the same website.
A few things I highly recommend.
A good non stick frying pan. I never use high heat, no more than 3/4. Never use spray oil. And I never put it in the dishwasher, only hand wash with a little detergent and a sponge.
A reasonable quality meat thermometer. It helps identify when your meat is cooked instead of overcooking "just in case".
Good knives, even if it's just a couple.
A Kmart set of plastic utensils. Never leave them sitting in any pan while you're cooking but they're great for protecting your non stick pan.
A good baking/roasting dish with lid and insert rack. Between casseroles, braises, lasagne, tray bakes, roasts etc this will pay for itself in no time. One that goes from cooktop to oven will save you time and dirty dishes.
When following an online recipe, read the reviews. Some people add tips and tricks.
Good luck. Hopefully you're cooking up a storm soon.
If you can follow a method, you can cook.
If you don’t cook, what do you and your daughter have for dinner?
I’ve accepted its not my skill, we can’t be good at everything!
I would take a cooking class.
How old is your daughter?
Maybe you can find a cooking channel on YouTube with a cook that makes simple and easy to follow recipes with step by step meals. You and your daughter can both learn how to cook together
How old is your daughter? Maybe you could learn together. As others said watching YouTube videos or ordering ready to cook meals are both great options.
With videos you can pause them as you catch up with each step and follow along exactly.
Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get the exact same result every time, cooking is a skill that needs practice.
Invest in a good slow cooker and check out pages on Facebook for meal ideas or try some of the recipes in the back of the book that comes with it.
Don’t stress, you’ll get there with a bit of practice.
Seek out some cooking classes! A lot
Of restaurants do them and they’re great fun! I would also consider a program like hello fresh. Gives you everything you need with the recipe card.
They’re basic recipe and great for a beginner cook. My husband never had to cook growing up and has no idea what to do or where to start, but he loves the hello fresh recipes because he can easily follow them and they taste yummy