Cooking Questions Answered

As a hobby, cooking has exploded in popularity thanks to such networks as Food Network providing hours upon hours of cooking shows. Cooking is something found worldwide in every culture. Careers based in the culinary arts are found in every city and town across the United States. The love of food has brought us together as something we all share in common.

Can anyone learn to cook?

Anyone can learn to cook. No matter a person's upbringing, their level of education or their background. It is one area where even children can find a hobby. If a person can read and understand directions, cooking anything is within their grasp.

What is an appropriate age to begin teaching children how to cook?

As soon as a child can learn simple commands, safety rules and understands how to grasp utensils, they can learn to cook. Experts agree that children should be no younger than nine when handling sharp utensils and should ALWAYS have adult supervision. Accidents can happen very quickly in the kitchen.

It has been proven time and time again that children learn through imitation. Buy your child a play cooking set. Let them "pretend" too cook their favorite dishes on using plastic play sets and a play stove. Before long they will develop a love that is similar to your own.

What are some terms used in cooking that I should know?

The most basic terms come in the form of abbreviations. You must know the difference between a teaspoon (tsp) and a tablespoon (tbsp). Most cookbooks offer conversion charts for the metric system. If you are in doubt as to how many liters in a quart there are, look it up.

Other terms such as fry, braise, boil, sear, and simmer are also useful to know. Luckily, most beginners' cookbooks give definitions of such terms. There are also many websites such as www.about.com and www.foodnetwork.com that give hints, tips and definitions.

What are the kitchen basics I need?

Kitchen basics that every kitchen should have are pots and pans (in a variety of sizes), measuring cups, measuring spoons, mixing bowls and an assortment of kitchen gadgets that make life easier. One of these gadgets is a can opener. Being forced to saw off the bottom of a can could take a little of the fervor away from cooking. Also consider keeping whisks, spatulas and tongs as part of your cooking basics. Another item basic that is used often is a drainer/strainer. These can come in the form of bowls or be part of a boiling pan set. It is used to drain spaghetti water from the pasta or can be used for anything similar.

What is the difference in cookware?

All cookware has one great similarity and function in common: to cook your food. It is the conditions surrounding the cooking that separate the bad cookware from the good. A lot is based on personal preference. A more experienced cook wants versatility in their cookware and is looking for quality. Far too often the novice cook buys a set of cookware only to find that the product is inferior. Do a simple search on the internet for cookware that suits your cooking needs. It is also important to make sure that the cookware is durable and can last for longer than a few months.

Are there certain ingredients that I should always keep on hand?

The standard staples of the kitchen vary according to what the chef cooks. The basic staples are; flour, sugar, salt, pepper, butter (or margarine), oil, eggs and milk. The more experienced chef might keep a wider variety of spices and ingredients on hand at all times. If you are a beginner, buy what you need as you come across recipes. This will save you time and money.

What are some cooking classes I can take?

There are a wide variety of cooking classes available. Many communities offer cooking classes especially for beginners. There are also cake decorating, candy making and ethnic cooking classes available. If you do not know how to whip something together for dinner, chances are high that there is a cooking class that can teach it.

Where can I take cooking classes?

Great question! Many communities and universities that offer adult continuing education cooking classes for the novice or amateur chef and there are also classes hosted on the internet. If you are considering a career as a chef, there are many world renowned culinary arts academies that can teach you everything you need to know. The only problem might be lack of experience and the high cost of tuition to one of these prestigious academies. There are alternatives to the higher priced classes and that is a culinary arts course at a local community college.

What is the difference between all the chefs's I read about?

When discussing the varying types of chefs, it is more common to be talking about a restaurant. The culinary world is similar to the military in some aspects. At the top of the chain of command is the Chef. He or she is in charge of the entire kitchen. Everyone takes their orders from him. The varying cooks beneath the Chef are the Sous Chef, the Pastry Chef. The Sous Chef takes his or her orders from the Chef and is essential to helping prepare the dish for the customer. They could be working on appetizers, entrees, or side dishes. The Pastry Chef is responsible for desserts.

The kitchen must work as a team in order for their meal to be a success. It is not about one person ranking above another but more as a joint effort for things to go smoothly and the customers to be satisfied.

What is the best type of cookbook to buy if I'm a beginner cook?

The best type of cookbook for a beginner is one that has a front section devoted entirely too explaining different cooking terms, measurement conversions and adequate substitutions. The recipes should be simple to prepare but not boring. A great tip when buying a beginner's cookbook is to find one that has a sturdy cover, good binding such as the type found in a three-ring binder, and pages that are not easily stained. Betty Crocker has an excellent cookbook that works well for beginners.

Where can I go to find great recipes and ideas?

There are unlimited recipes found on the internet posted by professional cooks, instructors and fellow amateur chefs. One place to find a plethora of recipes as well as instructional videos is www.foodnetwork.com. Many great recipes can be found in magazines as well as family and friends.

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