Photo By Mass Distraction

 There are some of us who know how to cook. I mean, really know how to cook. They take this and that and make them into something good. Me? No. I have to follow a recipe to the letter or I screw it up. Exception would be for chicken adobo and curry. The only two things I can probably cook with my eyes closed. And of course rice, but that doesn’t count. 

This wouldn’t be a problem at all if I were single and no hungry mouths depended on my culinary skills. But this isn’t the case. So everyday I must summon my kitchen muse and find my inner Julia Child, somewhere. If you are anything like me, I hope the following tips help.

1. Find simple recipes with clear instructions. I love Pioneer Woman’s style, although I wish she had more ehem, nourishing recipes of a different kind. Nonetheless, hers is easy to follow. Awesome pictures and a hefty sense of humor are both much appreciated as well.

2. Invest in quality cook ware that you like, and that will last you well through the years.  My husband got me a red enameled cast iron round french oven for Christmas last year, similar to the more expensive Le Creuset Round French Oven and it seriously helps me look forward to when I will be using it again!

3. Start with a clean kitchen. It helps me get in the mood when everything is in place, and the kitchen counters are ready for use. I also try to make sure our kitchen sink is at least clear before I start cooking, so I can clean up as I go, which brings me to my next point…

4. Clean up as you go. Sorry for being repetitive but this is something that helps me tremendously, because I dread the mess that accumulates at the end of every cooking session! I try to wash items as I use them. Or make sure your dishwasher is empty before starting so you can just put one item at a time in there when you are done using it.

5. Try to use as little pots, pans and utensils as possible. I learned this from my sister. If you are making pasta, use the same pot for making the sauce after you have drained the noodles off. Reserve a spoon for tasting and use the same one. I know it sounds like a no-brainer but for someone who doesn’t know how to use their brains in the kitchen, I had to learn from someone else.

6. Do it like the pro. I know it takes a bit more time but I love having my ingredients ready in small prep bowls. I try to lay the groundwork for cooking dinner throughout the day by cutting vegetables here and there, and getting the kitchen ready for use in increments.

7. Treat it like a learning project. I guess this works for me because I like to learn. So I try new recipes whenever I can. I borrowed Julia Child’s earlier shows from the library. I watch the Food Network when I’m at my mom’s house or find stuff online that sounds exciting to learn. I don’t do it all the time, just about once a week or when the inspiration hits.

8. Take photos.The past few weeks, I’ve been taking pictures of our dinner meals every night. It makes it fun for me, and it sort of documents my progress in the kitchen. A good encouragement for when I need it.

9. Turn up the music. Whatever gets you in a happy mood. I love Pandora because whatever kind of music I feel like listening to, it gives me quite a good selection of similar artists. I usually opt for something mellow, like Priscilla Ahn and it puts me in just the right mood to sway and dance albeit slowly with my apron on.

10. Begin with the end in mind. I try to set the table before I even begin cooking dinner. It helps me picture the ultimate purpose of persisting in the kitchen, even when it’s not the most comfortable place for me. It helps remind me that all that trouble I go through, in the end is about the people I love most.

What about you? Any other tips you might add?