Let me say, I have an irrational fear of cooking. I know, I know. Who would be afraid of cooking, right?

Me. I can’t even do any of the basics.

If you would like to know, how to get someone to do something they definitely need to do, especially if they’re afraid…

Then, you HAVE to read this straight-talking, witty, caring post – with a special touch of Mother’s Love.

My dear friend, Jan Littlehales, cooking extraordinaire from Dinner In Ten Minutes is announcing to the world (no pressure), that I am Learning How To Cook.

Having Jan tell you to start Learning How To Cook, is like having your own mother tell you to get off the couch, get a haircut and get a job. Very good and necessary, even though it is slightly embarrassing.

Mother of two teenage sons, Jan is part of a select group invited to the upcoming Australian Food & Drink Bloggers Conference.

She knows, I’m going to show up at her house one day, unannounced to raid her kitchen.

Learning How To Cook: A Lesson With Mother’s Love

(Note from Lina: How AWESOME is this pic???)

According to The Oxford Dictionary, Fear is …a painful emotion caused by impending danger or evil …and Resistance (not much better) is …to withstand action, repel and abstain from.

Lovely Lina, we are talking about cooking here and I think the first thing we need to do is turn the heading into something more positive:-

“Lina’s learned how to cook and will be appearing on Masterchef in 2012”

Okay, that’s maybe a bit too ambitious.  How about:-

“Lina’s learning how to cook and she’s loving every minute”

Yes, that’s much better .

I’m absolutely convinced that anybody can learn to cook – and I’ll tell you why.

When I was growing up I only ever saw my Dad make himself a cup of coffee.  My Mum did all the cooking – and was very good at it.

When my Mum suddenly passed away (far too soon), my Dad, 52 at the time, had two choices.  Learn to cook or starve.

You’ll be pleased to know he didn’t choose the latter.  He now bores the pants off anybody who’ll listen about what he cooks himself for dinner.  My Dad!  My Dad, who couldn’t even boil an egg.

Last year I bought him a cook book for Christmas, for G_d’s sake!

So, Lina, if my Dad can do it, so can you.

Now, you know that little fella of yours?  Well, he’s not going to be a little fella for very long.  He’ll grow and he’ll grow and he’ll grow …and before you know it he’ll be eating you out of house and home …and so will his mates!

Here’s what I know:-

• A good home cooked meal will satisfy a growing boy much more than any take-away or pre-packaged meal

 

• A home cooked meal is likely to be more nutritious and healthy

 

• Establishing good eating habits in childhood is important – after that it might be too late

 

I’m not trying to scare you Lina, but let’s be honest, there are some nasty food choices out there and you don’t want your pride and joy to be eating them.

…and also know this:-

You can’t keep relying on that hubby of yours to do all the cooking. In a few year’s time he’ll be off playing soccer, rugby and cricket with his son and volunteering to be coach for the under 5’s.

They’ll come home starving – and you wont want them nipping down to ‘you know where’ for some fast food. Not to mention the fact that hubby could possibly be overseas photographing some massive Rock Concert (if it’s Muse, can I come please?).

Repeat after me, Lina, “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me”

Where to start:-

I suggest you start with quick, easy recipes.

Don’t get too hung up about measurements. Close enough will usually do.

If you’re missing an ingredient, maybe you can substitute something else, or just leave it out. I do it all the time.

Avoid recipes that have an ingredient list as long as your arm. Don’t go there.

Also avoid recipes that have more than one ingredient you’ve never heard of. You’re learning to cook, not studying for a degree in food types.

Invest in a slow cooker.

They’re as easy as. Just throw everything in and press ‘go’.

Be prepared for a few disasters. All cooks have them. Don’t worry. Move on.

…and, here’s another thing:-

Home baking is wonderful and you’re good at it.  Tell yourself this every day Lina, until you believe it.

Home baking is a dying art, and it needn’t be.

Making a dozen muffins or a tray full of biscuits can be quick and easy, not to mention delicious …and you know exactly what ingredients have gone into making them.

What about the smell of baking? The smell alone will convince family and friends you’re an excellent cook.  If they believe it, it wont be long before you do too.

Did you know you can buy frozen ready made pastry?

It’s wonderful stuff.

Ready for you to roll out and bake – without all the mess and bother.

You can do this Lina. I’m convinced you can.

A few suggestions to get you started:

Spaghetti Bolognese – The first meal I learned to cook when I was sharing a house with some fine Aussies in Melbourne in the early 80’s. “But how do you know when the spag’s cooked?” I innocently asked.  With that, PC (you know who you are) threw some spaghetti at the wall and said “there, it sticks, so it’s cooked”. From that day, I knew cooking was easy – and fun too .

 

Chocolate Muffins – Mix everything together in a big bowl, spoon mixture into a muffin baking tray and bake. I’ve whipped these up mid BBQ when my friend forgot to bring dessert. They were a big hit and everybody was so impressed – it’s the smell that get’s ‘em!

 

Risotto – yes, risotto – but I’m not talking about that stand-at-the-stove-and-stir-for-half-an-hour kind. You’ll never manage that while you’re changing baby’s nappy, checking social media and having a glass of wine. I’m talking about the cook-in-the-oven kind. Oh yes, it works all right. I make it often.

Apple Crumble – Couldn’t miss the humble crumble. It’s everybody’s favourite and if you use tinned apple the job’s done in – well, less than ten minutes

All together now:-

“Lina’s Learning How To Cook and she’s loving every minute”

Yeah !!!!!!

Jan’s blog  focuses entirely on cooking and baking ridiculously simple meals (that even a cooking fool like me, can make!).

In fact, all her recipes can be made in under 10 minutes! For quick and easy meal ideas, make sure you check out: Dinner In Ten Minutes

Written by Lina Nguyen

Mother’s Love Letters © 2011