For years I avoided learning to cook because I never felt I had the time. Truthfully, even if I had the time, I would’ve much rather been doing something else. Typically, that “something else” would be some sort of craft or media that would allow me to see a quicker and easier return on my investment. That is, until I realized the practicality and long-term benefit of homecooked meals (both on my health and my wallet).
Slowly, an activity I once dreaded has become something I look forward to with every new recipe. However, I still make beginner mistakes, and in those moments I think about how much time I wasted by not starting sooner. Then I remember: I did. Several times over.
“Work In Progress” Cook
As I stated in my last blog post, I wanted to achieve greatness without the time and effort needed to achieve my goal.
Now, in my late 20s, I am trying to change my instant success brain to become comfortable with slow and steady results. It’s okay to be a “work in progress” Cook instead of a master chef. With that being said, I have made a lot of mistakes in my cooking journey.
My first 3 batch of muffins were tasty but obnoxiously dry.
My Honey Garlic Chicken noodles were flavorful, but I messed up my cornstarch slurry ratio.
My homemade hamburger helper was a mushy mess after I overcooked the noodles. Apparently it had something to do with needing to make them “al dente”.
Whatever that means.
Too Mushy!
Learning to cook has been interesting but also, rewarding. Every week I try a new recipe while also reattempting some old ones.
I’m determined to get this muffin recipe nailed down!
My mistakes have helped me to not put so much pride into what I cook. The recipe can be a success or a failure. If it’s a failure, that’s just a matter of throwing it out or trying to salvage it if the ingredients were costly. Then onto the next try.
My Next Cooking Goal
One of my biggest hurdles is learning how to make homemade bread. Although I do want a bread maker in the future, I still want to learn how to bake sourdough, sandwich bread, yeast rolls, and other bread variations. However, I don’t want to get too eager. I’m not even at the stage of being able to cook without following an exact recipe.
Delicious!
I plan on showing you all some of the dishes that will either have the pleasure or misfortune of coming out of my kitchen.
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