Current Events > I turn 29 next week and don't know how to cook. Ask me anything.

(+) Yeah! (+)

Spending my 29th birthday on a vacation to the U.K. with a few friends. My first time outside the U.S.

Happy almost birthday

Why bring up cooking? Sore spot?

FolkenRawr posted...

Happy almost birthday

Why bring up cooking? Sore spot?

Yeah. My parents never taught me how when I was younger, so I'm slowly trying to teach myself. Also because I'm trying to get in better shape.

Where are you looking to visit in the UK?

If it makes you feel better op.
I dunno how to cook either.

before my dad died, he wanted to learn how to cook and there was many times where tried to get me to make him some food but at the time I was defiant and rebellious

i regret not taking up my dads offer on learning how to cook :/

When making most regular meals there isn't a whole lot to learn if you can read. Just look up a recipe and follow the directions. If you can google you can cook. Eventually you'll get a feel for ingredients and be able to make your own recipes.

Baking on the other hand can be more complex. There's less room for error.

reincarnator07 posted...

Where are you looking to visit in the UK?

I'm going with three friends, two of them have been there before. We're spending 2 days in Scotland, 2 days in England, and 2 days in Ireland.

Going with the flow. Super excited though.

LeoRavus posted...

When making most regular meals there isn't a whole lot to learn if you can read. Just look up a recipe and follow the directions. If you can google you can cook. Eventually you'll get a feel for ingredients and be able to make your own recipes.

Baking on the other hand can be more complex. There's less room for error.

Yeah, I'm realizing that now. I just seem to never be able to get the internal temperature right.

Spiritlittle posted...

Yeah, I'm realizing that now. I just seem to never be able to get the internal temperature right.

A lot of that comes with experience, like I know a big chicken breast baked at 450f will take around 15, flip, 13 minutes and come out nice a juicy.
A big part where inexperience shows is under valuing resting your meat. Rest. Your. Meat.
A meat thermometer is one of the most important things in your kitchen.
Also, chicken needs go be 165, right? Pull it out closer to 150-155 then rest. Peak juiciness.

Cooking is just about playing around with flavors. It's honestly really easy to cook.
Baking on the other hand...

What you do mean cook? You dont know how to make recipes or you dont know how to use a hot plate orc boil water, etc.

Precisely why I don't bake. I like to just go with my gut and adjust flavor on the fly with cooking. Can't do that with baking lol

Also, TC; GSP - Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper. Great base for damned near anything.

If you can boil water you can cook. What you really mean to say is you'd rather eat the food other people make because it tastes better.
It's just laziness on your part

Another useful thing that doesn't require a meat thermometer is sous vide. Very beginner-friendly since you set the temp on the device and it can't be under or overcooked. Cheaper tough cuts of meat like chuck can be turned into amazing steaks.

Spiritlittle posted...

I'm going with three friends, two of them have been there before. We're spending 2 days in Scotland, 2 days in England, and 2 days in Ireland.

Going with the flow. Super excited though.

Ireland is its own country, unless you meant Northern Ireland? I'd defo not mix them up with the locals, it's a bit of a sore spot...

For England specifically, I'd see if you can visit some of the more historic towns and get some proper English culture. I hope you have a good time!

TC, there is a book called Help, my apartment has a kitchen that is a really good starter cookbook. I used it in college, and I just sent my oldest off to college with it (latest updated version) . Really simple recipes that are actually good.

My Mom is a great cook who taught me how to cook at a young age, and I still found it very useful. Cooking is fun!

And happy birthday TC, and hope you have a good trip!

Westernwolf4 posted...

TC, there is a book called Help, my apartment has a kitchen that is a really good starter cookbook. I used it in college, and I just sent my oldest off to college with it (latest updated version) . Really simple recipes that are actually good.

My Mom is a great cook who taught me how to cook at a young age, and I still found it very useful. Cooking is fun!

And happy birthday TC, and hope you have a good trip!

Thank you!

Spiritlittle posted...

Thank you!

Welcome! I met my wife on a trip to London, so I envy your trip. It is a very special place!

Westernwolf4 posted...

Welcome! I met my wife on a trip to London, so I envy your trip. It is a very special place!

Lol ironically my boyfriend told me he had been cheating on me on Valentine's Day.

We're still together and trying to work through it because it was a really messy situation. But I'm leaving out of town for the first time since that stuff went down.

Spiritlittle posted...

Lol ironically my boyfriend told me he had been cheating on me on Valentine's Day.

We're still together and trying to work through it because it was a really messy situation. But I'm leaving out of town for the first time since that stuff went down.

I am really sorry to hear this. I hope a trip with friends is healing and restorative for you. Sometimes a fun adventure is exactly what is needed. I hope it is great for you!