What is the best way to learn how to cook on your own?

I’ve never been taught how to cook besides like basic stuff like heating up pasta. I think I’m a really great baker because I was taught that, but I’m like the third generation of women in my family who do not like cooking and really were just never taught how! My husband‘s family are all really great cooks but live far away and I feel bad when my husband has to do all the cooking.

I’d like to make him feel more taken care of when I have more time than him to do things like cooking!!!

So please send me your favorite people to watch and learn from and read about and recipes easy to start with!!

Question

What is the best way to learn how to cook on your own?

I’ve never been taught how to cook besides like basic stuff like heating up pasta. I think I’m a really great baker because I was taught that, but I’m like the third generation of women in my family who do not like cooking and really were just never taught how! My husband‘s family are all really great cooks but live far away and I feel bad when my husband has to do all the cooking.

I’d like to make him feel more taken care of when I have more time than him to do things like cooking!!!

So please send me your favorite people to watch and learn from and read about and recipes easy to start with!!

JV · Answer

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: If you cook in my kitchen, this is required reading.

JV · Answer

Taking stock before using heat: My husband doesn’t love cooking, so he’s the “you” in this relationship. Everything gets covered in hot sauce if something goes awry—also a Rec! I love when he tries to pitch in/you guys are very fun to watch in the kitchen…One thing that helps him is taking a beat to assess before he turns the stove on, or puts food in the oven. That’s because, as soon as he adds heat to the equation, the operation starts to feel overwhelming. **So take stock! Is everything chopped? Is the “mise en place”? And then turn your knobs and set timers to help manage the heat.

Joy Fowlkes · Answer

Meal Kit Delivery: Okay, they’re not great for the environment… but as a very good cook, I’ve tried to help teach folks how to cook and failed so many times. And twice now, I’ve had roommates that started using meal delivery kits that empowered them to cook for themselves. It’s just less intimidating to start with the basics!

And if it doesn’t turn out well, just blame the kit!!

Rachael · Answer

Jacques Pépin!: I learned a lot from my Dad, and he learned a lot from watching Jacques Pépin.

One of the true OGs in simple, yet excellent cooking.

So here’s over 3 hours of the essentials! 😂😅

Amy · Answer

J. Kenji López-Alt: My husband and I love Kenji! He’s approachable and thorough in his ways of cooking. We spent a lot of time in 2020 just watching him!

eva h · Answer

Joy of Cooking: pick an ingredient you have / want to use and use the index in the joy of cooking to find a recipe you like. this is such a good place to start with fundamentals that also gives you room to grow and try harder things as you go on.

eva h · Answer

create tv (pbs): public television! they have a huge variety of shows & you can either watch live or watch videos online. also has non cooking DIY & travel content (shoutout Rick Steves and Bob Ross)