A while ago, Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen, one of my favorite food blogs, compiled a list of her readers' most common fears in the kitchen. A lot of them hrang true for me - certain techniques or recipes that seemed too daunting, or too much work to be "worth it". Since first reading the post in question, I have come a long way in my culinary journey. I actually enjoy cooking in and of itself - it's actually more about the journey now than the destination. The end result is just a bonus that I can enjoy (hopefully with others!). And, usually, it's never as difficult as you think.
The list, alphabetically, and notes on my experience with each. The color scheme goes:
RED - LEGITIMATE FEAR AND AVOIDANCE
ORANGE - HAVEN'T MADE, BUT NOT TOO SCARY
BLUE - HAVE MADE, AND IT KIND OF SUCKED
GREEN - HAVE MADE, AND WILL MAKE MANY TIMES AGAIN
artichokes - OK, these are actually still REALLY annoying to prepare, in my opinion. Maybe I'm just doing it wrong...
biscuits - Come to think of it, I've never been compelled to make these! I'm not intimidated, though.
bread - I have made several types of bread, with very good results! I'll continue to make breads, because they are really not that much work, with great payout.
cakes - Done. I've made layer cakes completely from scratch.
canning - Ah, haven't done this one, and don't have plans to. I actually AM afraid of canning incorrectly and getting botulism or something horrible.
caramel - I have made simple caramel and brittles. Just need a candy thermometer and patience.
chicken, whole - Done. Not my favorite food, though, so haven't repeated it too much.
crepes - have not tried making these!
deep frying - my most recent conquest. Very successful - crispy and delicious! Though my apartment smelled like duck fat for a while.
eggs, poached - I've made decent poached eggs and they were just ok...need to up my game here
fish - no fear here. I've made many kinds of fish, yummy and easy
fried chicken - Now that I'm in the frying game, I'll definitely try this!
frying - Yep.
gnocchi - seems time intensive, but if I ever had a gnocchi craving I guess I'd try it? Meh.
gravy - I've made gravy, but need LOTS of practice to perfect it.
meat, steaks, and chops - No problemo
phyllo - I have a few recipes requiring phyllo bookmarked. It doesn't seem difficult, actually...should I be worried?
pie or tart crusts - seems complicated...Pilsbury is quite good!
rice - jasmine rice is no problem. A rice cooker would certainly make this even easier.
risotto - something to try.
sauce, hollandaise - Haven't made this EVER. Not worried about it, though
souffles - yeah these are a little daunting.
yeast, anything - pizza dough and bread so far. I have many active dry yeast packets to use, and am not afraid to!
other (the biggest category - who knows!)
I just bought biscuit cutters the other day, so I'm looking forward to making some! I have a bunch of different recipes pinned. Love biscuits.
ReplyDeleteGotta try making that no knead bread! So many variations that I've seen!
Will never can/jar. Nope nope nope. Same fears as you.
There are some all-butter crusts I want to try! No thank you, shortening. Blech.
I love gnocchi, but it does just seem too labor-intensive for not a lot of food in the end. I'd rather order at a yummy Italian restaurant. Also, you need a potato ricer and I don't want to buy that.
I know from experience that you are great at making cakes from scratch! That is next on my list.
Never made steaks before!! I need your advice on that. Pan sear then into the oven? That is something I'd love to learn how to do, since it's one of Matt's favorite foods. I also want to try a pork tenderloin! And pork shoulder (as we've discussed). And pork chops. Basically, all large pieces of meat.
You've got biscuits and scones down!! I am very impressed with you and your pastry cutter!
ReplyDeleteSo with you on the butter debate - noooo hydrogenated oils!
I will give you a steak tutorial, meats are totally easy. Pork shoulder is about 5 mins of work for delicious results.
I forgot about the potato ricer...forget gnocchi, man!