When it comes to cooking, I find there are so many people that are simply just not comfortable in the kitchen. Even my own husband, while having the conversation about sharing the responsibilities around the house, his response went something like this, “I can vacuum, do dishes, laundry, make the bed, just please don’t make me cook.” So many people feel uncomfortable in the kitchen. I’m here to help simplify some things for you and to make this not such a scary place to go. 

I want to cheer you on and help you find some comfort in the kitchen preparing food. A recipe does not need to be treated like a food bible, it’s more of a suggestion really. 

A meal doesn’t have to be anything fancy, some of my favorite meals are super simple such as a roast chicken, paired with a pasta salad. “So how would I do that?” you might ask. Well, the chicken is already prepared, you just cut the pieces apart (see link on how to cut a chicken) and serve it on a plate. Then find some pasta in the pantry, heat water and follow the package directions. Now it’s time to dig in the fridge to find any vegetables or fruits you might have. Chop the vegetables, add to a bowl, then add the cooked pasta, top it off with a salad dressing, and stir together. Voila, dinner is served. 

Here are some “what if’s” that you might find in your fridge or panty: Let’s see, I have a box of penne pasta, an apple, some carrots, a little bit of broccoli, and some Caesar dressing. Perfect, look at that, you have everything you need to make a pasta salad. Or if you have peas, a red pepper, some grated cheese and Italian dressing, that works perfect too. No more running to the store to find that one ingredient that the recipe calls for, but you don’t happen to have. 

A recipe for baking is a different story. That is definitely the time when you need to follow the recipe to a T. It’s designed to come out a certain way using  just the right ingredients and just the right amounts. Partially why you won’t see me baking much, I have trouble staying in the lines. However, when you’re cooking a dinner, it’s way more forgiving and free form. Less of a certain seasoning, more of another, or swap certain ingredients because you don’t like the ones they suggest, or simply because you just don’t have those ingredients. 

I want to show you certain basics to help you put a meal together and look like a pro. Cooking does not need to be this mysterious complexity that only a few can master. You got this. So stay tuned, we’re just getting started.