TLC In The Kitchen

When I started thinking about starting a blog it got me to thinking.  Where did I learn to cook?  When did I learn to cook?  As I have been thinking a lot about it, the answers have been surprising.  Even to me.

My mom taught me the basics.  As a matter of fact, she was a very good teacher.  She would give directions and leave me to follow them.  She didn’t just do it herself and let me watch.  She let me do it.  Being that I am a hands-on, visual learner this worked very well for me.  I learned how to brown and season ground beef, roast a chicken, make mashed potatoes, bake a cake, make spaghetti sauce and so many other things.

My earliest recollection of being allowed to cook in the kitchen alone is when I was in fourth grade.  At that age I can remember being asked to make the beef stew for dinner or bake a birthday cake for one of my siblings.  It seems that past that age I have numerous memories of cooking in our kitchen alone and with my family.

I also credit my dad for giving me the confidence to cook.  He would always rave over any meal I made.  Often comparing my meals to mom’s.  I am sure he was being generous with his praise, but he made me feel so good about cooking that I am sure he is a big part of why I love to cook so much.

I also have to give credit and thanks to many of my mom’s friends and other family members for teaching me their techniques and recipes.  Androula taught me some delicious Greek dishes.  Germaine showed me how to stretch a dollar and some Mexican cooking.  Both of my grandmas took the time and energy to show me how to prepare several of their special dishes.  Aunt Lorene showed me how to make creamed pearl onions and dilly beans.  Annette (our neighbor) taught me to make egg rolls.  I learned so much and didn’t even know it at the time.

So if you don’t know how to cook and you want to learn to cook, ask someone close to you who does.  I have found most people are very willing to share their knowledge with an enthusiastic learner.  Also, watch Food Network!  You would be amazed at how much you can learn from watching a few good episodes.  Get a good cookbook.  My favorite cookbook of all time is the Fannie Farmer Boston School of Cooking Cookbook.  I have had three different versions, but it is still in print in several variations.  Another great cookbook is the new Martha Stewart’s Cooking School: Lessons for the Home Cook. 

And if you already love to cook, don’t forget to cook with your children!  Not only will it benefit them as adults, but the time spent together in the kitchen is quality time.  You will enjoy working with them and creating something wonderful to share.  They will thank you someday.

Thank you Mom!