(no subject)

[cherry]

It is possible -- nay, probable -- that I have been heard many a time to proclaim that I have neither interest nor aptitude when it comes to all things domestic.

Seriously, people, I have set off the fire alarm while boiling water. I wish that was hyperbole, but, alas.

With my fancy new apartment, however, and this "taking lunch/supper" places kick I'm on, I am reaching out for help. I have decided that I am going to try to cook at least once a week.

What are your favourite recipes? Where do you find said things? What would you recommend to someone starting out?

Really, I'm very open. I don't eat red meat or bananas, but other than that ...

I adore vegetables and fruit and trying new things, but I appreciate classics. I enjoy both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. I am partial to fast and easy, but am stoked to try things that are a little more involved. I am especially willing to put in the effort for things that are a little different (read: non-North American fare).

I often take lunch and supper to my full time and part time jobs, so reheatable/cold foods are good, and I am also interested in your favourite sandwiches and any awesomely interesting sandwich/salad combos you've tried.

Please: Educate me, mock my ineptitude, it's all good.

Comments

[pixelarious.livejournal.com]

If you like vegetables, I suggest ratatouille. It's totally easy, the only effort involved is chopping the eggplant and zucchini, and sauteeing them a little before you dump everything in a pot and let it cook for a bit. Then you have a delicious dish you can have as a side or a main meal, and it keeps for a few days. My two cookbook staples are Fanny Farmer and Joy of Cooking. Both are great all-purpose books, with a recipe for practically everything. I don't recommend How to Cook Everything, simply bc I find some of the recipes rather bland. It's a good starter, but once you've figured out your way around, stick with the better books.

[cherryice.livejournal.com]

I have a few random books that I picked up in sale bins. They are titled things like "Four Ingredient Cooking" and "The Cookless Cookbook," and the last time I tried to follow their suggestions, it turned out rather unwell. This is more likely a fault in myself than in the books.