Learning to Cook

It might not seem like it right now, but there really are only so many take-aways and ready meals you can eat before even you become disgusted by them. Of course, you always have the University canteen to turn to when you need haute cuisine. Either way, if gloopy, gluey, tasteless meals just aren’t your thing, then there’s no alternative but to learn to cook. Don’t worry, almost everyone can boil water. Strap on an apron, heat up the oven and get ready for a total meal makeover!

Why Bother Learning to Cook?

If you haven’t been totally turned off by the thought of another dinner from a tin, then you might be wondering why you should bother learning to cook. Honestly, there are multiple reasons.

• It’s less expensive than eating out or getting a take away.
• It’s more nutritious than eating out or getting a take away.
• It can be great stress relief and allow you to be creative and daring.
• It means you can always eat what you want, when you want it.
• It means you’ll be able to entertain and impress your friends.
• It’ll make your mother happy.

What Do I Need to Learn to Cook?

Learning to cook doesn’t require many special tools but before attempting any recipes do make sure that you have basic equipment. The good news is that many larger department stores and supermarkets sell entire “starter kitchen” sets complete with everything you need to outfit a kitchen, including:

• Measuring Jug.
• Measuring spoons.
• Measuring cups.
• Tin opener.
• Bottle opener.
• Ladle.
• Vegetable peeler.
• Spatula.
• Chopping board.
• Small, medium and large saucepan.
• Frying pan/skillet.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Small mixing bowl.
• Assorting baking pans.
• Strainer/colander.
• Sharp Knives

But How Do I Cook?

Once you have all of your equipment assembled, all that’s left is to use it! Not everyone cooks dishes the same way, but following easy recipes to build up your cooking confidence makes the start much easier. If you diligently buy a cookbook (especially one of the handy books written for students and crammed with affordable, easy, short recipes) yet you still don’t understand what it all means, then turn to:

• The Internet to look up unfamiliar cooking terms or try StudentCook
• Videos and DVDs that can show you what to do.
• Television programmes for real footage.
• Friends and family who may know the answer and can give you a demonstration.
• Cooking classes at a local community centre or through your University.

Learning to cook can be a pain, but it’s a life skill that everyone must master. Not only will you become the toast of the town if you can turn out a gourmet meal based on three ingredients, but you can guarantee that you’ll be well fed. Don’t worry about making mistakes at the start, simply commit to learning how to cook well. As you go along natural trial and error will lead you to some truly sumptuous recipes. Just make sure to thank everyone who helped you along the way when your bestselling cookbook hits the shelves!