Beginners

[sarah1234]

I just got my first flat, having always lived with my Mum. I haven't done much cooking before, my few attempts have got a bit burnt or were a bit too fancy for a novice. Does anyone have any ideas/experiences they would like to share of an easy dish for a beginner which will be impressive but pretty much can't go wrong?

[Clanad]

Try pasta (linguine, spaghetti, penne, etc.) with your own sauce. Sauce is easy to make, and is done over low heat. The nice thing is that you can use one recipe for the sauce and then "fix" it to your own taste with oregano or other spices and if you can boil water you can cook pasta... serve with a nice salad and warm french or italian bread... Luck!

[woofgang]

atipasti are as posh as hell and you just buy them and arrange them on the plate. get things like olives, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, maybe some shell fish, parma ham (or decent ordinary ham if watching the budget)salami if you like it, those little balls of mozzarella,garnish with spring onions and slices of red pepper (or any other salad you fancy) and serve with warm ciabatta to mop up the juices. For real poshness serve with a glass of chilled dry sherry

[zgma]

Quiche - buy frozen prepared pie crusts. Cover the bottom generously with a melty kind of cheese, preferably one with a sharp flavor like swiss or sharp cheddar. Then add a layer of veggies - this can be sliced tomatoes, or you can quickly saute some broccoli and mushrooms together (olive oil in a pan, add the veggies, cook over medium heat occasionally stirring for about 10 minutes). Then, mix together 3 eggs and a cup of milk. Pour over the veggies and cheese. Sprinkle the top with a little salt, and a little paprika. Cook for about 35-40 minutes in a medium oven (375 degrees is good), or until the top is set and has browned a little bit. Let it sit for 10 minutes before cutting.

[zgma]

I would say that an easy way to learn how to cook is to get a good cookbook (ask around, see which ones your friends like!) and start by following recipes exactly. Then, after you have a few recipes that you've made a few times and feel comfortable with, try experimenting a little - substitute one ingredient for another, add touches of things that you think would go well. After a while, you will be using the recipes as a guide, but making your own things. Slowly you will build up your repertoire of things that you know how to make.

[bluedolphin]

The Student's Cookbook is a great resource from a step by step tutorial on how to make a cup of tea...to lots of things that will keep ur tummy rumbles at bay... Are u cooking on a hot plate only ...do u have a grill? Makes a big difference.... Good luck.

[ianess]

Biggest problem is trying to do too much too quickly. Too much heat causes burning of the outside while the inside stays raw. Turn the heat down and give it time...you can always add more heat if necessary but you can`t unburn your latest cremation....use a lid as well and it will cook more evenly. Patience and practice.

[Hgrove]

boil some rice and boil in the bag cod in parsley sauce, you can then pour the contents of the bag on a bed of rice. Steam fresh broccoli and carrots - more difficult to overcook and make it all mushy when you steam, and better for you too.

[NetSquirrel]

Following on from Clanad, spaghetti bolognese is a nice easy pasta recipe that most people will enjoy. All you really need is some minced beef, onions and a tin of tomatoes. From there you can add extra ingredients according to a recipe or to suit your taste. The only thing that can really go wrong is to crumble the meat by over-mixing it. I like to heat up a few of those "part baked" baguettes to go with this - these truly can't go wrong.

[FP]

Salmon Parcels. Put each salmon steak on some strong cooking foil. Season with lemon, black pepper and a very little oil. (sesame oil is very nice) Bring the foil parcel around the salmon and seal. Use one parcel per person. Place on a baking dish and cook in a pre heated medium oven for about 15mins. Easy, delicious and good for you. Serve with steamed veg or a salad and some of those baby potatoes that only need washing and boiling in their skins.

[Dark Angel]

Put two chicken thighs in an oven proof dish, seasoned with salt, pepper, crushed garlic and dribble with vegetable oil and sesame oil.Put some new potatoes in the dish as well.Cover the top of dish with tin foil, and put in oven for about 30-40 minutes on medium heat. Eat with rice, or pasta and salad.

[Xena1973]

Pasta is a nice meal and is easily prepared. (for two persons)put half a bag of pasta twists or shells into a large saucepan of boiling salted water....simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, drain. You can add tuna and sweetcorn or whatever you like and either mix them in the pasta or pour them over the pasta. Its your choice. Also tomato and mushroom puree with cheese sprinkled over the top is delicious. Good Luck.