(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

Amazingly easy broccoli soup

[laurashapiro.livejournal.com]

1 bunch fresh broccoli
1/2 head fresh cauliflower
1-2 tbsps butter
4-6 cups chicken or vegetable stock (canned is fine)
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup milk or cream (optional)

You need a blender or food processor for this one.

Roughly chop the vegetables and sauté them in butter in the bottom of a soup pot. Keep the heat low/medium; do not allow the butter to brown. Sauté for about 5-10 minutes, then add the stock and turn the heat up to high. When the soup boils, turn the heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are very tender. Add a pinch of salt.

Turn the heat off and pour the soup into your blender or food processor. Purée for a few minutes until the soup is smooth, then pour it back into the pot and heat it up again. If you want to add milk or cream, do it now, stirring for a few minutes over medium-high heat until the soup thickens again. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve.

This is a great with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Re: Amazingly easy broccoli soup

[cherryice.livejournal.com]

So I did warn you I was going to ask some dumb questions, right?

Google tells me that saute-ing requires a saute pan. Would I be able to do it stir-fry like in a frying pan? I guess you're actually supposed to have a wok for stir fry, aren't you?

Re: Amazingly easy broccoli soup

[laurashapiro.livejournal.com]

In general I find you can ignore most advice about only using specific items of cookware for specific tasks, unless you take up baking, which is more finicky. I cook well and often, and I own a total of one knife and four assorted pots and pans.

When I make this soup, I do the sauteing right in the soup pot. And while I do own a wok, I frequently stir-fry in a frying pan. The wok does work a bit better because it gets hotter, and very high temperatures are desirable for stir fries, but a frying pan works just fine most of the time.