While I am a fairly decent cook and can follow most recipes, there are a few things I just stink at. I know the list is actually longer than this, but these were the dishes I could easily think of. I think many of my problems are a result of being a vegetarian for 10 years. I am quite new (ok, so I've been cooking with meat for 5 years now) to meats, especially red meats. Considering I wouldn't even touch ground beef with my hands when Matt and I got married, I think it's a good accomplishment that I will try to make these things! (Oh, and Matt always makes our hamburgers. I think I can season them decently, but he always cooks them.) I'm just glad that Matt doesn't require red meat every night (or even every week!). When I was in high school my mom once asked me what I'd do if my future husband wanted a steak. I said, "Well, he'd better make it himself!" It's honestly not that far from the truth. hehe.
Meatballs. If I were to eat meatballs, I honestly would rather buy the pre-mades at Costco since they taste better (and are easier) anyway. But don't get the pre-made meatballs from Target (archer farm brand). Those are much worse than my not so great meatballs.
Meatloaf. This was one of my most despised meals growing up. Not like I ate it since I was a vegetarian. But the thought of it made me sick. I have attempted to make it a number of times (with different recipes) since Matt likes it, but it always ends up resulting in a loaf of edible but not great tasting or great textured meat.
Steak. We really don't eat this often at all, but when we (and I use that term loosely since Matt usually ends up with a steak and I have a portabella mushroom or something) do make it, Matt has to do it so I don't over cook it.
Beef and Broccoli. This is partially because I can't slice the beef as thinly as I want it. I should try getting the butcher to slice some very thinly for me.
Soups in the crockpot. I blame this on bad recipes. The veggies and/or beans always end up overcooked and it's a soggy, disgusting mess. I especially dislike any soups that call for a ham bone. They end up totally greasy and unpalatable.
Coconut cream pie. I've only tried making this 3 times (with 3 different recipes), but none have turned out well. I am going to chalk this up to bad recipes for now. I got a recipe from a lady in our ward who (I hear) makes a killer coconut cream pie. If I fail on that attempt I will then blame it on my poor custard skills and beg her for a coconut cream pie baking class for enrichment! I hope it turns out well (I'm thinking of making it for Easter dessert), though, because it's one of Matt's favorites.
-----------------------------------------------
Since I don't want this to be a totally self-depreciating post, one thing I totally made well this past week was a perfect loaf of (3 hour) french bread. The pictures and tips on that post helped out a lot. It was super delicious. We used it for garlic bread one night and toasted club sandwiches the next. Yuuuuuuummmmy. The only thing I did differently than the recipe states is add 2 tsp. of sugar. I just can't fathom using yeast without sugar since that's what it feeds on. I baked both of my loaves at the same time on my 12 in. pizza stone for 20 min. and it was at the very hottest the bread *should* be at by the end. The crust was darker (though not burned) than the one pictured on the recipe, so I would probably do it only 17-18 min. next time for my oven.
13 comments:
Celia, Matt is dang lucky to have a cook like you, I say! You have a great repertoire. I made the coconut basil chicken recipe from your cookbook the other night it was SO good! Seeing the things you cook gives me more ambition.
Also, I'm kind of non-purposefully turning vegetarian lately. I like to eat meat alright, but cooking it is not so fun. I made pancakes this morning with some freshly ground soy flour and brown rice flour. They were so delicious!
Do you just grind soy beans and brown rice in a wheat grinder? Very interesting. Sounds good!
OH, and just to make it clear, Matt's never complained about any of these items. It's all self criticisms.
If there's three things that I can make well, it's steak, meatloaf, and meatballs!!
what's your email and I'll email you some recipes that my carnivorous hubby loves!
dcashby @ gmail . com
without the spaces
I don't know about everyone else but I would love to hear the story of why you became vegetarian and why you aren't anymore.
Anyway, I think you are a fantastic cook and are probably too hard on yourself! :)
Yep, its an electric wheat grinder.
This has nothing to do with food. I don't know if $8 sounds like a good price for you for a hooter hider but at http://www.uddercovers.com/shop1.php
you can put in the code: onefree to just pay for shipping.
have you tried freezing your beef (for broccoli and beef) and then very slightly thawing it before slicing it? I got that suggestion from a cookbook for another recipe, but it works great for getting thin slices of beef!
Thanks Leeth.
Ashby, I'll email you later today hopefully.
Erin, I'll do a post about just that soon.
Randa, that's a good find. I do already have one, and I probably could make another for under $8 if I wanted a second. Though knowing me, I'd probably get some cute fabric that's not on sale and it would end up being more expensive!
sposita, i've never tried it, but that sounds like a good tip.
I think there is always one food no one can make right. Mine is fried chicken. I could burn the dadgum chicken but it would still be raw on the inside.
True deep fried chicken (and even oven fried chicken) has always turned out a total bust for me too!
This past week I made some baked chicken fingers that turned out well. I let them marinate a couple hours in fat free plain yogurt that was diluted with milk to a thick cream consistency. Then I seasoned some panko bread crumbs (mixed with a few ritz since it wasn't quite enough) with garlic salt, basil and oregano. I just sprayed the cookie sheet and the top of the breaded chicken with olive oil and it was by far the best it's turned out. I think I baked them at 375 for 15-20 min. or something turning them over at about 8 or 9 min. Matt even ate the leftovers cold the next day.
google Thai chicken Crockpot soup for a delicious, easy recipe. you will thank me for this one trust me. i'm typing with one hand while nursing, but i still have to say, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!" you are so talented and nice, and i love you.
Post a Comment