Kindly help out a beginner

[emma]

I have to admit, I really don't cook. Then again, I'm almost 20, so I should know how, right? It works. In theory.

At any rate, I've been thinking a lot about cooking lately, and I'd really like to learn. I'm not so good with cookbooks, and I don't have a lot of money to spend.

So.....help?

I'd be cooking for myself and my boyfriend, if that makes a difference.

[watershield]

So....what is it you want to cook?

Here's a little thing anyone can do.
Put a pot (half full of water) on the stove at about a medium heat.

Chop some celery, carrot, onion. About 1/4 cup each and toss it in the water. Let it simmer away until the carrots are tender.
Taste the water...it needs something.

Maybe 1/4 tsp of pepper and 1/4 tsp of salt.
Let that simmer for a bit and give it a taste.

Hmmm... needs something. How about 1/4 tsp of chopped garlic.
Simmer and taste.
Add 1 tbsp soy sauce. Simmer and taste.

Maybe some left over chicken and maybe a tbsp of chicken bullion (1 cube)
Maybe a hand full of egg noodles.
Have a look in the fridge. Anything you want to add or use instead?

It's all about tasting and adjusting as you go.
If you get a taste you like, hey it's soup
If not, drain the water separate the noodles, add it to some boiled rice and fry it in a pan for chicken fried rice.

[emma]

Hmm...that does sound easy enough. Maybe deceptively easy.

The only problem is, I don't have any of that stuff in my kitchen. My roommates are heavily set on pre-packaged foods.

*goes to make a grocery list*

[createholly]

Ookies I love cooking so I mix up concoctions all the time. Not many of them work....^;; but the one thing that works is INSTANT. lol or if not get a cook book for kids. Kids get the best food ideas. It's great. and then get a specialized one, or try the internet. I would give you a recipe but I don't want you to burn down your house...it happens to me ^^

[watershield]

If your going to the store to stock up. keep it simple.
Carrots, potatoes, celery, onions
Beef or chicken in a mug works really great for soup bases, sauces or gravey flavorings.

If your going to make a tomato sauce, when it calls for water, substitute with clamato juice. Might as well use something that has favour.

If you want an interesting steak, marinade it in Golden Italian salad dressing. (never use a creamed dressing to marinade meat, just an oil / vinegar type)

[Goth]

You can't go wrong with pasta...and it's so versatile! You can chuck anything in it, and eat it hot or cold ;D

There's usually a recipe on the back of the packet.

[kiowa]

Here's what I do: I buy something that appeals, as the main item for a meal. (Last time I did this it was Sea Bass I think). Then do a google search under recipes, you'll get loads of ideas, mix and match. If you like spicy add a word like chilli or curry or something. You get the idea. Find something simple to start with that appeals and adapt it to suit you. If you do get money for cookbooks or need to give someone a birthday present idea, find a chef on line whose recipes you like and - stick his/her book on your wish list.

As with everything else though, trust yourself - if it sounds oogie (my 3 year old's favourite word) to you it probably is!!

[magikhappens]

mmm - I LOOOOOVE my pasta,
here is a very simple one.
Put some pasta in a saucepan, add a touch of salt and bring to the boil (simmering when boiled)
Chop some bacon and mushroom (hand full of each) and lightly fry in a fry pan. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of crushed garlic and cook a bit more. (Add any kind of herb you wish at this stage). Add a tub (250ml or so) of fresh thickened cream and a handful of grated cheese) I use motzarella but tasty is fine) I also add about 2 tablespoons of white wine but you can leave this out. Simmer all this in the fry pan until the pasta is cooked.
Drain pasta, pour cream sauce over pasta and add either grated parmasan or grated cheese on top - and then chow out !
Takes about 15 minutes or so all up - and really easy.