Cooking

Magic it isn’t. It is possibly an art or a science depending on your viewpoint. For the creative or artistic, then cookery can be an art. If you are methodical, then you probably treat cookery as a science. Whatever approach you adopt, you can do it by using some simple rules. These rules must apply even if you are artistic – perhaps they are even more important.

Starting to Cook successfully.

Firstly understand that cooking has it’s own language which you must learn. (As with most things you try). Get a good old fashioned cook book and you will find a list of meanings in the front – Definitions and descriptions of weights and measures  etc. It might also often explain how to boil, simmer, braise, roast or bake. It will also have conversions from Gas to electricity scales. You may not find all this information in more modern book. The older classic books are often better in this regard

Getting Started Cooking.

Start with something simple the first time. Once you have mastered fried eggs you can start to separate eggs and make meringues etc.
Before doing anything, read the recipe through – twice. Don’t start until you understand it. If in doubt about the meaning of any terms, look it up. Don’t guess – it may possibly be incorrect – and critical.  Now lay out all your ingredients. At this point you should measure the amounts you need and put them on plates or cups. Never guess or estimate, weigh or measure everything. If it turns out well, you can duplicate it . If it isn’t exactly right, make a note to change the quantity of the ingredient which makes the difference. (Quite often salt or sugar, but maybe other ingredients such as flour).
The key to success is to start with a basic cooking recipe

Once you have mastered the basic recipes such as scrambled eggs on toast, take the next step, try omelettes or soufflés. Much the same ingredients – just different (and more difficult) ways of cooking them. Whatever they say, very few cooks makes a dificult meal at their first attempt, it takes practice and whilst the recipe does not turn out the way it should it will usually be good enough.

When you have mastered with some recipes, experiment slightly, to make them your own. change seasonings and see how you like it. Many times it will be magnificent, sometimes it will not work. If you have kept good notes and measurements then you can repeat a recipe that is successful.

Presenting your Meal.

It has become more important to present your dish to please the eye and nose as well as the taste buds. It has been proved that people who have no sense of smell do not enjoy food as much as those who have this sense. Therefore if a meal looks pleasing you are more inclined to expect to enjoy it and are more likely to try it. This is where creative people find it easier to produce an enticing dish than those less artistically gifted.

One last thing, cooking is meant to be enjoyable. If you like what you are doing, it will show.