Attention all that can cook!

gailc

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I know in Appleton they have this place called dinner helper and I am sure this is a simillar place in Milwaukee. They have weekly menus and all the food is prepped and they give you the instructions how to assemble the recipe. I think you can get meals for a whole week!! Its more expensive that doing it yourseld however much more tasty and better than frozen and stuff that comes out of a box!! Also the farmers market should be opeing soon and they are great places for veggies fruit and other stuff!!
Easy chicken recipe:
Purchase cut up whole chicken. Rinse pieces under cool water and pat dry. Place all pieces in large baking pan. Dot with butter and salt and pepper or any other seasonings!!! Bake at 400 degrees 45-60 minutes.
Penzeys.com a Wisconsin based spice company published a TON of recipes in their monthly catalog and on their website. This catalog would be a good reference as it explains what herb/spice goes with what food!!
I have alot of this stuff!!!!
Just remember simple is good. A good cookbook- the red covered Betty Crocker cookbook!!! I have had mine for over 25 years!!!
 

esrgirl

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I love to cook! There is a show on Food Network called "How to Boil Water" http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_bw , check it out sometime, it's great. It's a show for people who don't know how to cook at all. There is another show called "Semi-Homemade" (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_sh) that is great for beginner cooks with families.

My suggestions are to buy a pre-filled spice rack and a digital thermometer. Target and such places sell both. I got a thermomemter at Mejier on sale for $8, so they aren't that pricey. Here is one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=284507

For cookbooks I suggest the Rachel Ray "30 Minute Meal" series, the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, the big red Betty Crocker cookbook, and "Everything you need to know to cook today" by Betty Crocker.

Learn about handling meat, including the temps it needs to be and how to prepare it here:

http://www.tyson.com/Recipes/Learnin...t.aspx?d=0&t=2
http://www.tyson.com/Recipes/Learnin...rvingMeat.aspx

for slowcooker recipes go here: http://www.crockpot.com/

For beef go here: http://busycooks.about.com/od/howtoc...tocookbeef.htm

For pork go here:
http://busycooks.about.com/od/howtoc...tocookpork.htm

Fish:
http://busycooks.about.com/od/howtoc...tocookfish.htm


Also check out http://www.recipezaar.com/r/153 for beginner cook recipes.

I like to buy basic ground beef, that is around 85% lean. It has the best flavor and won't dry out like ground sirloin, ground chuck, etc will. Alton Brown swears by ground beef, and I trust him.

For pork the most cost effective thing is probably to buy a whole pork tenderloin, about 6-8 pounds. The grocery store will slice and wrap it for you. Have them make 1-1 1/2 pound roast from each side and cut the rest into pork chops, about 3/4 of an inch thick. That will make the best pork chops and it's just super cost effective, easy to make, and tasty.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are wonderful. Meijer will often have buy one get one free bags of frozen breasts. To prepare them the best thing is to pat them with a paper towel, to dry them. Add a little salt and pepper, dredge them in a little flour, shake off the flour, and put them on a med/high skillet with a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook them until no longer pink. You can make different sauces to cover.

You could even just buy cans of Campbells Cream soups, look at the label, and follow those directions. It's amazing how good a can of cream of mushroom soup, four chicken breasts, and some potatoes and carrots tastes when baked.
 

MoochNNoodles

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I love my Betty Crocker cook book. It has lots of information on how long to cook things, descriptions of things (like even pan types and what not) and just everything. I mean it even has pictures of over cooked scrambled eggs, done scrambled eggs, and not quite done scrambled eggs. My MIL got it for me after DH and I got engaged. It's been the best thing. You cang et a lot of Betty Crocker recipies from their website too.
 

menagerie mama

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I think mashed, scalloped or baked potatoes go good with meatloaf, and corn or green beans. Really anything. I have a meatloaf recipe too if you want it.

Yes, I was at the dog walk in Waukesha. It was so fun, all the different doggies! I didn't see a tv camera so maybe I wasn't there then though!
Here's a really good recipe, that's super easy and you can prepare it the night before so you just throw it in the oven that day:
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
2 cans beefy mushroom soup (I can only find this soup at Pick and Save, I tried Jewel today but couldn't find it)
(I know you don't like mushrooms but you can barely taste them)
1 package Lipton onion dry soup mix
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all the soups together in a roasting pan with a cover, add chicken, cover with soup. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. The soup will serve as awesome gravy for mashed potatoes....mmmmm!!! One of my favorites!
 

arlyn

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Cookbooks are great!

If you're looking to start meal planning and cooking your own stuff, I'd recommend you see what sort of evening courses your local community colleges may offer.

I've taken classes from ballroom and swing dancing, to Thai and Italian cooking and even household budgeting.
Most Comm. Colleges offer it all, pretty cheaply too.
 

deb25

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This cookbook is a great source of information and recipes. Explains a lot of cooking terms, etc.
 

zak&rocky

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I have a recipe for turkey meatloaf that is awesome, a co-worker gave it to me- Only thing is that it does take an hour or so to cook and that is usually too long for me! If you want it let me know. All you need really is a few spices, ketchup, sugar, bread crumbs, and egg and some onions! (also the meat :-))
 

jessy

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Hi, I'm 25 and in a simlar situation. I have a DH and can just about cook a few receipes but we get bored eating the same old things!

Have you tried oven ready frozen food? You can just keep it in the freezer, choose what you want each night and, following the instructions on the box cook it really easily each night. Turn oven on - put food in - wait specified amount of time - turn oven off - take food out - eat!


How about asking your grandma for some simple cookery lessons?

My big sister has taught me a few simple things to cook.

p.s. I'm also with you on the spending ages cooking something that only takes a few minutes to eat!
 

lunasmom

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Wow, I'm surprised no one has mentioned this! There a TON of recipes here in TCS that all sound YUMMY! http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=52

I'm not the greatest cook either. I think I have ADD when it comes to cooking. Everytime I put something on the stove I walk away from it and go onto the internet!
Doesn't help that my computer is right next to the kitchen.
Plus B can cook better then I can, but he doesn't have the patience to chop up anything or defrost like I do. Although I really just can't stand cooking. Maybe I'll find a new boyfriend...one that CAN and WILL cook for me!
 

zak&rocky

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Yes, those frozen ON-cor trays are pretty good, but you need to have a side along with them..
 

george'smom

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Basic (Betty Crocker for example) cookbooks are a good idea to get.
I learned how to cook when I was a young teen. I loved to try new recipes and read cookbooks.

Try to pick simple recipes until you get the knack for it.
The hardest part of making a meal is the timing (knowing when to start one thing while another is cooking (like garlic bread while the spaghetti is boiling).

Nestle has a good website (swapped recipes). You can search most anything and the recipes are rated.

I would also invest in a Crock Pot (Slow Cooker).

Good luck!

Laurie
 

george'smom

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Here's an example of a recipe that I found at www.verybestbaking.com
I went to swapped recipes and typed in the keyword "simple"

Super Simple Crockpot Lasagna
Read Reviews Write a Review for this Recipe!

Very Best Baker: t. arthur
Rated:

A very tasty dish that is quick and simple to make and smells wonderful. This recipe was given to me by a dear friend who is a great cook.
- Not A NESTLÉ Tested Recipe

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 pounds hamburger/sausage
* 1 (16-oz) box lasagna noodles
* 6 tbsp. butter
* 1 small box processed cheese (or a small box of cottage cheese)
* 1 (8-oz) pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 jar spaghetti sauce

Directions:
Brown the meat. Drain off any grease. Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Add the butter to the hot noodles. Stir to melt. In a crock pot, layer 1/3 of the noodles, cheeses, browned meat and sauce. Repeat for 2 more layers. Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours. Serve with a green salad.
 

kaleetha

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I sympathize as I was in the same situation a couple years ago.

I highly reccommend "The Joy of Cooking" because it has sections that tell you about each and every food you are making. For example, muffins.... it tells you don't over stir and what happens if you do (they get all tough and icky tasting and sometimes have lots of air bubbles).

Some really simple things that I make are :

Pork chops (cook in a frying pan on medium heat with about 2-3 tbs. of oil. wait until one side is kind brown and then flip it over. I add spices like lemon pepper, oregano, basil, salt and pepper). Make sure with pork that it isn't pink!!! You can also make chicken this way.

Rice: A good rule of thumb is to use 1 3/4 cups of rice per every cup of dry rice. Make sure to wash the rice well. It's easiest to put it in a very fine colander (the bowl with the handle and holes in it
) and run water through it in the sink. I actually also use a big bowl underneath the colander, allowing the water to fill up the bowl and swishing the colander back and forth in the water.

Frozen peas : absolutely the best frozen vegie out there. stick in a bowl and microwave for about 1 1/2 minute.


Fried chicken is easy to make. Just dip the chicken in beaten egg and then roll in a plate with flour. (I mix some spices with the flour for added flavor.) The chicken should end up with a light coating of flour. Cook with oil.

My all time favorite: Take a tortilla and lay it flat in a frying pan (melt a little bit of butter in the pan first). Wait till the one side is warm and then flip. Place a layer of cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add sprouts, tomato, avacado, slices of left over meat... ect. It's really good and filling too! They don't take more than about 3 minutes to make (not including prep time.) With prep time, think like 10 minutes.

Good luck!!!
 

tilly tiger

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Sar said:
At the end of the day experimentation is the key to good cooking!


i totally agree sar but im in a very lucky postion cause im a qualified cheif so if u need any help just get incontact with me
 

maverick_kitten

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buy a wok and try stir-frying.

its so quick and easy and almost any combination of meat/veggies tastes good.

You can also either have it plain or buy a stir fry sauce or just use a dash of soy sauce or fish sauce.

Stir fry's are so healthy too.
 

george'smom

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Originally Posted by Kaleetha

Rice: A good rule of thumb is to use 1 3/4 cups of rice per every cup of dry rice. Make sure to wash the rice well. It's easiest to put it in a very fine colander (the bowl with the handle and holes in it
) and run water through it in the sink. I actually also use a big bowl underneath the colander, allowing the water to fill up the bowl and swishing the colander back and forth in the water.
I have an even simpler solution to cooking rice. . . . I buy the no fool boil 'n bags (just put them into boiling water for 10 minutes). There are several companies that make this type and it's so easy.
 
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lilleah

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Alright guys...

Tonight is meatloaf!

Any recipies and tips are needed!

Im going to work now, and when I get home, Im checking TCS and then Im going to go to the store for all the stuff I need. What should I make with meatloaf? What kind of pan?? All that stuff I gotta know.


Thanks all!
 

george'smom

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Originally Posted by lilleah

Alright guys...

Tonight is meatloaf!

Any recipies and tips are needed!

Im going to work now, and when I get home, Im checking TCS and then Im going to go to the store for all the stuff I need. What should I make with meatloaf? What kind of pan?? All that stuff I gotta know.


Thanks all!
Hi Lilleah

Use a bread pan (non-stick coated type is the best).
Here's my recipe:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (lean)
1/2 cup medium cracker crumbs (crush some crackers)
2 beaten eggs
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
dash dried thyme (crushed)
dash dried marjoram (crushed)
dash nutmeg

Combine all ingredients and 1 teaspoon salt; mix well.
Pour into a loaf pan and using a fork, press down. Bake at 350 (pre-heat the oven) for 1 1/4 hours. When done, carefully pour off juices. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

You can bake potatoes at the same time!
 

kaleetha

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The above recipe looks yummy!! I also put ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of mine and bake it. But if you do it in a bread pan I don't know if that would work, cause then the ketchup might get all soggy.
 

george'smom

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Originally Posted by Kaleetha

The above recipe looks yummy!! I also put ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of mine and bake it. But if you do it in a bread pan I don't know if that would work, cause then the ketchup might get all soggy.
I've also put ketchup or cheese on mine (after draining/scraping the fat off the top). I then put it back in the oven for another 5 minutes or so.

I'm getting hungry now.
 
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