It is never too late to learn to cook. Many successful cooks actually have actually started in their 30s and gone from learning how to boil an egg to hosting successful restaurants or food stalls. Learning to cook is a process and of course there are bound to be mistakes in the beginning. But these mistakes will help you get better and learn along the way. So here are some proven easy ways to be a better cook:
1. Make some changes
Do people not pay you compliments when you cook? Perhaps it is time you make some changes. Change the recipes and start cooking different recipes. If all you have been doing is opening cans; then it is time you start making food from scratch. Real food cooked with fresh ingredients always tastes great and some simple recipes are all you need in order to be a better cook.
2. Use cookbooks
As you try and expand your options, get your hands on some basic cookbooks. You can also use online resources to search for easy recipes. If you do not understand certain terms or ingredients, you can ask experts or even post your queries on online communities and forums. Just one website or a basic cookbook is enough to help you get started on your journey as a better cook.
3. Understand recipe requirements
As you read recipes, get familiar with the terms used for recipes such as rice, cakes, breads, pasta etc. You will start noticing that certain types of food have specific requirements which will be common to recipes in that food group.
4. Follow food bloggers
The Internet is the best place to search for recipes and follow top food bloggers. These experts have many tips and tricks up their sleeves that can help you whip out delicious recipes. Many of them will also teach you shortcuts and special secrets that can help you improve your cooking style. Bloggers have a unique way of sharing anecdotes related to food that can help you remember ingredients and recipes. Soon you will be cooking like an expert as well.
5. Watch food shows
It is hard to miss TV food shows these days-they are so addictive! Shows can help you learn techniques and cooking styles you love and you can even view regional cooking shows from all across the world.
6. Learn from other cooks in your family
Your family members or friends can also teach you how to cook. Simply talk to them or observe when they cook and you are definitely going to pick up some great tips.
7. Start small
The best way to become a better cook is to start experimenting. Pick an easy recipe and try it out today. Do not go for anything that requires expensive ingredients or is time consuming. Even if you make mistakes, it is okay. Learn from them so you can perfect the dish the next time round.
8. Taste what you make
As you cook the food, taste it so you can adjust the ingredients. With practice, you will be able to tell what a recipe is missing by taste testing it from time to time.
9. Fix mistakes
A good cook also knows how to fix mistakes. There are some mistakes which you cannot reverse, but smaller mistakes like adjusting salt and other flavors can be done easily. Here are some easy ways to correct common cooking mistakes.
10. Cook with a calm mind
Avoid cooking when you are hungry, tired, upset or angry. This will reflect on your cooking. Cook only when you are calm. Be confident when you cook and this will automatically make you a better cook.
11. Offer to help at parties or join a cooking club
This way, you can test your cooking skills and even learn a trick or two. Helping someone cook for a party can also let you analyze how far you have come.
12. Get a friend/family member to taste your dishes
Once you are confident, get people to taste your dishes. This will help you improve and better your skills.
There are no rules when it comes to cooking, at least in most dishes. With practice and over time, there is no reason why the above steps won’t make you a better cook. Good luck!
