Community > Ask a Chef

taffymarie Tuesday, December 15, 2009	young girl still learning the ropes Hello, my name if taffy , well its what the children i work with call me and i sort of stuck lol.Im 19 years old and im new to the world of cooking. i mean i cooked for my family for 9 years but its pretty much hamburger help and meals from a box. im goin to my boyfriends for new years and i want to make something that will really wow them. They are all chefs and bakers and his brother doesn't think i can manage anything. does anyone know a simple but impressive recipe for me? [edited December-15-2009]
little_fieldmouse Wednesday, December 16, 2009	Re: young girl still learning the ropes I recommend a cold desert that can be made well beforehand away from pressure. It can be done again if needed then too. A lemon meringue pie maybe? served with a simple pistachio home made ice cream and cream for choice. Kath
rlrm Wednesday, December 16, 2009	Re: young girl still learning the ropes
LunchBox4659 Wednesday, December 16, 2009	Re: young girl still learning the ropes R U making the whole meal or just a dish to pass or a snack. If there all chefs you probably wont out cook them. I would make a comfort food. In your 9+ yrs of cooking is there something you cook that you cant get enuf of that doesn't come from a box. Just dress it up and keep it simple and concentrate on presentation. If you chose something new I would make it a couple times first or till your satisfied with it. Repost how it turns out Good luck
idealchef Wednesday, December 16, 2009	Re: young girl still learning the ropes Make a good tasting simple pasta dish. Just serve great bread and a unique salad with it. Go to Idealchef.com and scroll through the chefs and click on Chef John Harkness there is a easy recipe for penne with vodka sauce. Click on that and watch the video there is nothing easier. There is also a recipe and method attached. Let me know how it goes Scott
promfh Wednesday, December 16, 2009	Re: young girl still learning the ropes Taffy; I sense that there's more to this than finding a recipe you can handle. Is this the classic, "Meet the Family, I want to prove myself worthy" scenario? I have gone through this recently (from the other perspective) when meeting our daughter's new boyfriend. The kids were trying so hard to show he was a great cook that things got a bit strained during meals. He is pretty good but that's not the sum total of his virtues. You don't want to try and get into a competitive position with his family if they are all great cooks. It's OK to be less skilled in in some areas. Try and find out what others are making and ask if there's something simple that you can to to complement one of their "special" dishes. You can freely admit that you're inexperienced but assure them that you want to learn and let them enjoy coaching and teaching you. Most of us older guys are impressed with someone who wants to hear and learn about our vast store of knowledge, even if the "kitchen legend" is only in our own mind. Any young lady that lives with the name kids have given you has got to be an OK person. Just be glad they didn't call you "Poophead". Relax and be yourself. Let them accept you for what you are and what you can bring to the family and/or relationship. Of course bringing along a spectacular 7-layer salad won't hurt either. Grandpa
promfh Wednesday, December 16, 2009	Re: young girl still learning the ropes Here's a classic that my 5-year-old granddaughter has done (with a bit of slicing help from Grandpa) No cooking, just gather good quality ingredients, slice, build and serve. http://www.bigoven.com/recipe157784
stevemur Wednesday, December 16, 2009	Re: young girl still learning the ropes Medal to promfh for dispensing such wisdom. :-)
blondie27 Wednesday, December 16, 2009	Re: young girl still learning the ropes Oh Sweetie, I agree to keep it simple. If they are all great cooks, then how about making some herb infused vinegars for them to use in the future? Buy some bottles from World Market or recycle some clearish wine bottles and buy new corks. Go online for some vinegar infused ideas and then tie some raffia and note on them with 'Rosemary Vinegar' or whatever it is. Also, do offer to bring a side dish to compliment what they are serving. Whatever that suggestion is, then go online and find an approachable recipe and make it right away! Practice, practice makes perfect, and sometimes you need to add or delete something to your taste. If you have an area of expertise (like cookies, or salads) when you ask to bring something mention that you have a great recipe for "----------" that could help if you are familiar with an old favorite. A pretty plate is essential! Garnish with something holiday - greenery or fresh cranberries, holly from the yard a bow, a holiday ornament....endless ideas will come to mind; but practice it first! Good luck and have Fun!
1gardengirl Saturday, December 19, 2009	Re: young girl still learning the ropes I make this spinach wrap that no matter if it's for a wedding to BBQ everyone just loves it. Another suggestion is a Pre-turkey which is on Big Oven. I will give you the directions if you like or just keep checking and they will be posted soon. Waiting for Pics which I forgot to take last time I made them.