Quick Introduction to Cooking

Many Americans these days don't cook that much. I have noticed that a large majority of friends and colleagues depend on pre-made or frozen foods, as they are not versed in the art of cooking. There isn't a mystery to cooking, nor does one need to be a genius to produce excellent meals in any cuisine. If one enjoys eating food that tastes great, is healthy for you, and will please others who may accompany you in a meal, then cooking is something to be seriously considered (or reconsidered, for those who have failed in the past). Cooking requires a bit of imagination and extemporaneous attitude - unlike baking, it is not a precise science, nor will dishes get botched if ingredients are changed in type or quantity. Baking is a precise science, while cooking is a subjective art where altering the ingredients can make subtle or drastic differences. Cooking is more merciful than baking (which is also very enjoyable) because of this.

What Cuisine?

If you are not good at detecting the ingredients of dishes you like, starting with a cookbook may be a good idea. If you enjoy Italian food, for example, you might check out an Italian cookbook from your local library, or you might decide to research some recipes of dishes you like online. Maybe there was some dish you really liked at a restaurant, and want to replicate it at home. Perhaps you could live off eating Ethiopian food, and want to learn how to make injera. Whatever suits your fancy, learn about how to make it. I am into Chinese, Italian, Indian and Thai cuisines, for example.

Cooking Basics

You'll need some basics at home, specifically, in your kitchen.

Cutting Board - A most essential item to own. Wood board are more aesthetic, but warp eventually. Plastic ones are more hygienic, and last longer time.

Knife(s) - You'll need various kinds of knifes to accomplish various tasks such as chopping, peeling, paring, and dicing. Some knives are more general than others.

Pans - Frying pan and a sautee pan are essentials for starters

Pots - A large pot to make soups and boil water for pasta and cook rice in. You'll need a smaller pot for sauces and other dishes.