1. Start Simple and Small
Begin with Basic Recipes: Choose recipes with fewer ingredients and straightforward instructions. Think pasta dishes, or simple salads. The majority of the recipes provided here are for starters.
Learn to Make Your Favorites: Experiment with cooking your favorite meals. It is more fun and motivating when you are making food you enjoy.
2. Kitchen Safety
Always Supervise Your Cooking: Never leave the kitchen while you are cooking. It is important to keep an eye on what you are making.
Handle Knives Carefully: Learn the basics of knife safety, such as keeping your fingers tucked in and using a stable cutting surface.
Be Aware of Hot Surfaces: Use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot pots, pans, or baking trays.
Turn Off Stoves and Appliances When Done: Make sure to turn off the stove and all appliances when you are finished.
3. Healthy Eating
Incorporate Fruits and Vegetables: Try to include a variety of fruits and veggies in your meals. They are full of essential nutrients and very versatile. You will find many recipes focused on veggies here.
Balance Your Meals: Focus on a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to keep you energized and satisfied.
4. Cooking Techniques
Master a Few Techniques: Learn some basic cooking techniques such as boiling, sautéing, and baking.
Manage Seasoning Wisely: Whether you are using solid or liquid seasoning, it is helpful to add it to the cooking spatula first and then stir it into the pot to prevent over-seasoning.
Wash Vegetables Properly: Some vegetables (spinach, radish greens) can be challenging to clean. A good practice is to wash them before chopping. Once chopped, place the pieces into a large bowl and rinse again with water. This two-step process helps remove any remaining dirt or debris effectively.
Don’t Be Afraid to Season: Experiment with a variety of herbs and spices - seasoning is essential for creating great flavors! Feel free to substitute ingredients or omit them based on what you have available.
Understand Measurements: Familiarize yourself with measurement conversions to follow recipes accurately. For example, one tablespoon (tbsp. or tbs.) equals three teaspoons (tsp).
5. Kitchen Essentials
Stock Your Pantry: Keep basic ingredients like pasta, rice, canned tomatoes, corn, and beans.
Invest in Basic Tools: A good chef’s knife, cutting board, set of pots and pans, and a cooking spatula are some of the essentials. Begin with a small spoon for measuring salt and other condiments.
Green Recycling Practices: Utilize the green recycling bin on your countertop for disposing of vegetable peels and food scraps.
