If you’re like a lot of people, you probably enjoy settling down to watch Delia, Nigella, Gordon or Jamie on the TV. You might even own a few of their cookbooks, but do you ever cook from them? If a recent survey by Merchant Gourmet is to be believed, the answer is no. They found that 90% of families have the same 9 meals over and over again.
The survey didn’t explore why that should be, but at Just Cook we believe it is down to confidence. Despite all the cookery shows, celebrity chefs & cookbooks out there, we still like to stick to what we know, maybe because all those books and shows don’t really give us the information we need to try new things or even create our own recipes. And that’s a shame because we all need to eat, but learning how to cook properly can turn a mundane, everyday chore into a pleasure.
If you understand a few simple things, like knife skills, how and when to season, how to balance flavours and the differences between the main cooking techniques, we believe that your kitchen confidence will soar, you’ll gain a reputation as a great cook and everyone will want an invite to your dinner parties.
Put a gift voucher to one of our totally hands on classes on your Christmas or Birthday list and we’ll start you on the road to becoming a better cook. And remember, the longer the journey, the more you’ll benefit from a guide.
Oh, and the nine meals? Here’s the list:
- Spaghetti Bolognese
- Roast Dinner
- Shepherds or Cottage Pie
- Pasta (with sauce from a jar)
- Meat and two Veg
- Pizza (ready made)
- Casserole or Stew
- Sausage and Chips
- Curry
Talking of lists, here’s a couple more:
The Four Reasons (why we don’t cook at home)
I don’t know how (Lack of knowledge)
It’s true, there is a whole generation that has grown up not knowing how to cook, and who are unable to pass those skills onto their children. It’s also true that there are loads of schools (like this one) teaching those skills. There’s no excuse, Just Cook!
I’m not sure what to do (Lack of Confidence)
It’s been said before, but confidence comes from understanding, which comes from doing. The wheel of confidence turns like this: The more you cook, the more you will know. The more you know, the more confident you will be. The more confident you are, the more you will cook. And once you are on that wheel, it doesn’t stop turning. Start learning today, Just Cook!
It Takes Too Long. (Lack of Time)
It takes too long compared to what? Cooking takes as much, or as little, time as you want. An omelette or scrambled eggs with pan fried mushrooms on toast takes just minutes. A one pot lunch not much longer, while a day spent baking with your children or grandchildren is probably not long enough. Stop wasting time, Just Cook!
It’s Too Expensive.
No! No! No! Wrong! How can making your own sweet & sour pork from a couple of quid’s worth of ingredients and a bit of time be more expensive than a ready meal at £6 or a take away at a tenner? It can’t. Come on a course and I’ll prove it to you. Or your money back. Don’t waste your money, Just Cook!
and The Seven Reasons (why we should)
- It’s cheaper than takeaways or eating out.
- It’s healthier – you are in charge of how much fat, salt, and sugar you use. And no nasty additives, either.
- It’s tastier – fruit and vegetables used at their seasonal best or watery, year round alternatives? Free range, slow reared, properly hung meat or livestock reared intensively for a quick profit? You don’t even have to taste the difference to know which one is finest.
- It’s fast. With a little forethought and preparation you can put great meals on the table in 30 minutes or less. Sometimes a lot less.
- The family that eats together stays together. Cook at home, eat family meals (not in front of the TV, please) and your kids will be brighter, healthier and nicer. It’s true. Click on the link for more details. http://parenting.families.com/blog/why-families-should-eat-dinner-together
- It’s sexy. Being able to cook is an attractive ability. It shows off your thoughtful, creative side. There’s no need to ask if they would like to come back for a coffee, you’re already at home. The way to the bedroom is definitely through the kitchen.
- Eating in is the new going out. Dinner parties at home are a great way to entertain. It’s only stressful if you think that the food is more important than the company. It isn’t.