- No one likes your cooking; hence, a lack of positive re-enforcement, which god knows we all need more of.
- It takes too long. Consider this might be due to a lack of practice.
- Dull knives. Did you know that a good kitchen knife costs $50? Be careful though, if you are used to the dull type, you don’t want to cut yourself.
- Choose simple recipes with fewer ingredients – try to get ingredients you can spell, I find that helps.
- Stuff tastes better if it was grown locally, picked closer the day you bought it. Try farmers markets, it’s better for the environment, too.
- Fill up your pantry with all the basic ingredients; for the kitchen challenged, I’ll list them for you:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Eggs
- Flour
- Sugar
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic (fresh, minced or paste)
- Milk or cream
All of the above have substitutes for those with allergies; make sure you have either the real thing or the substitute of your choice! Continuing:
7. Don’t over cook
8. Practice with small groups, or even for just yourself!
9. Ask for advice from those you know who are good cooks.
10. Maybe your kitchen needs a make-over, so you can find the measuring cups and spoons, the right size pot or bowl. A new sink will be a pleasure to use – no gross black stuff you have to scrape around the edges or dings in the enamel that you wonder if it is harboring some dangerous microscopic life form. Not to mention a new gas range . . .
Bellingham kitchen remodeled
Notes from the Field 