Learning how to cook

[Anonymous]

Are there any classes or videos or resources that I can use to learn how to cook well? I cook, but there are things that I never learned (such as, don't crowd a pan of steak or chicken). I think I'm also so inefficient in the kitchen because I don't know the proper techniques, etc. I don't want to become a master chef, but I do want to know how to cook well and do it efficiently. Any advice?

[Anonymous]

America's Test Kitchen does a good job of explaining their techniques. I have one of their books called "the science of good cooking", which breaks recipes up by technique (browning, braising, baking, etc). You can read the theory behind a particular technique, then try a few recipes that use it. Personally I find that more helpful than just following a recipe, I like knowing WHY it's important to do things a certain way, and what will happen if I don't.

[Anonymous]

It may sound silly, but some of the competition shows on Food Network are helpful for tips like these (Wort Cooks in America, Next Food Network Star, probably others I can't recall). There's a lot of chatter about what they are doing right and wrong, and I've found it helpful for the kind of tips I think you're after).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:America's Test Kitchen does a good job of explaining their techniques. I have one of their books called "the science of good cooking", which breaks recipes up by technique (browning, braising, baking, etc). You can read the theory behind a particular technique, then try a few recipes that use it. Personally I find that more helpful than just following a recipe, I like knowing WHY it's important to do things a certain way, and what will happen if I don't.

Yes this. They explain WHY which is super helpful.

[jaybird]

If you're interested I can give you lessons in basic techniques. I taught at L'Academie de Cuisine for years. In the professional school and the recreational school.

[Anonymous]

Read The Joy of Cooking from front to back. It goes from boiling water to making the perfect souffle.

[Anonymous]

jaybird wrote:If you're interested I can give you lessons in basic techniques. I taught at L'Academie de Cuisine for years. In the professional school and the recreational school.

NP: how much would you charge?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:America's Test Kitchen does a good job of explaining their techniques. I have one of their books called "the science of good cooking", which breaks recipes up by technique (browning, braising, baking, etc). You can read the theory behind a particular technique, then try a few recipes that use it. Personally I find that more helpful than just following a recipe, I like knowing WHY it's important to do things a certain way, and what will happen if I don't.

Yes this. They explain WHY which is super helpful.

Another vote for America's Test Kitchen, both the magazine and their cookbook, The New Best Recipe. They also have an online cooking school program, www.onlinecookingschool.com, which I've never tried but have been intrigued by.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

jaybird wrote:If you're interested I can give you lessons in basic techniques. I taught at L'Academie de Cuisine for years. In the professional school and the recreational school.

NP: how much would you charge?

$80/hour with a 3 hour minimum plus the food cost. I usually recommend a few sessions over a few months if want to really learn some techniques that you can use. If you want to learn a specific technique 3 hours is usually enough. i.e. fresh pasta. PM me if you want to know more. I also do dinner parties!

[Anonymous]

jaybird wrote:If you're interested I can give you lessons in basic techniques. I taught at L'Academie de Cuisine for years. In the professional school and the recreational school.

How much do you charge?

[jaybird]

Anonymous wrote:

jaybird wrote:If you're interested I can give you lessons in basic techniques. I taught at L'Academie de Cuisine for years. In the professional school and the recreational school.

How much do you charge?

Its up there^^

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It may sound silly, but some of the competition shows on Food Network are helpful for tips like these (Wort Cooks in America, Next Food Network Star, probably others I can't recall). There's a lot of chatter about what they are doing right and wrong, and I've found it helpful for the kind of tips I think you're after).

I'm a pretty good cook, DH didn't know how to cook anything when we met. We watch a lot of Chopped together and have both learned a ton of practical cooking tips that way.

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine said she learned a lot from ordering Blue Apron boxes. While I'm good at cooking, I find Cooking Light (online: myrecipes.com) teaches me some new techniques from time to time and has good explanations in general.

[Anonymous]

Take a knife skills class-that is one of the most important things to learn. The rest can come from just reading food magazines, cook books, and blogs
Places like Hill's kitchen on Capitol hill offer classes as well as sur la table.