I'm probably your typical mom cook. Maybe I'm not typical, I don't know, but I'm an average cook. I can read and follow a recipe, but I have a large handful of memorized concoctions that I fall back on many times.Well, if you saw Julie and Julia didn't it just make you want to be a better cook? It did me. Now it didn't make me want to be a french cook, just a better 'mom' cook especially in the area of meats. I'm a copy cat and have decided to do something similar. I really like publications from Cooks Illustrated because they test, test, and retest all their recipes to find the best method for cooking. For instance, pigs are being bred for lower fat content which is why pork chops are often dry. I have a terrible time with dry pork chops, but did you know that if you start cooking your pork chops on a cold pan that you can keep them juicer? I didn't know that and yes it worked! I made pork chops a few nights ago and was pleased with the results for a change. I've also learned the best red wine to buy for cooking when using it in sauces. I used to be clueless about that.
So, I've decided to work my way through the Cooks Illustrated New Best Recipe Book. Now, I'm not going to do it in a year, but I hope to make an average of 4 recipes a week from it. My family still likes my spaghetti, and casseroles for me are quick to throw together on a busy night so I better keep my old favorites on hand.
I wish I'd have taken a picture of this, but last night, I did make the Chicken-Fried Steak with gravy page 401 yummmm, the Mashed Potatoes page 187 also a yum, and the Coleslaw with Buttermilk Dressing, nothing wrong with the recipe, we just don't care for buttermilk and didn't like it. That's our taste buds though. I prefer a sweet coleslaw.
So through this I hope to become a better cook, not just an average cook. We'll see what happens. Do you have this cookbook? What are your favorite recipes from it. I'd love to hear.
Blessings,
Nancy
That movie has sure inspired a lot of folks. I haven't seen it yet. I don't think I will change my idea of cooking. I don't cook, anymore. You know as the mother of six that I have cooked. My HH started cooking Sunday dinner many, many years ago, and his fried chicken and green beans are famous in our family and extended family. His physical health is better than mine so when I had bilateral knee replacements, he started doing all the cooking. He is not a chef. But who am I to complain. Both of our sons are fabulous cooks. That is a good idea to supplement your cooking experience.
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