30.10.10 – I’ve been having to rely on my own cooking skills lately which are a bit rusty, possibly nonexistent. Spending most of my adult life on the West coast of the US, it’s always been easier and most times cheaper to eat out then cook at home. When I saw my sister Kim, who is an exceptional ninja in the kitchen, I asked her for advice. She recommended Mark Bittman‘s blog, How to Cook Everything. The blog is awesome so I downloaded his iPhone app, first the free Essentials and then the paid version.
I love his stuff because it’s simple, easy and understandable. I found myself spending time on the tram reading Kitchen Basics which a short and sweet, yet comprehensive, quick start guide to the kitchen. What are the essential items and techniques, what are the nice to have and then go the distance and get something awesome. Nothing seems to be driven by price either, he’s not trying to sell you anything. He’s also pretty reassuring.
I made my first recipe last night, Meat Sauce, Bolognese Style, and I have to say, I was really happy with the outcome. It took a bit longer then expected but I’m sure it was because it was my first time. Max was over and because my timing was a bit off, we didn’t eat until after 1900. We both wolfed down everything and Max can be a tricky customer.
I can’t wait to try another recipe. I’ll keep you posted and let you know how it turns out.
Related Articles
- Q&A: NYT columnist and cookbook author Mark Bittman (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- Mark Bittman’s Easy Pad Thai Recipe Reviews (thekitchn.com)
- Video: Mark Bittman Recreates Recipes from Noma, the Best Restaurant in the World Winner (shoppingblog.com)
- Food Matters: learning to cook sanely with Bittman (enviromom.com)
[...] Bittman’s Bolognese (tbeidler.wordpress.com) [...]
[...] Bittman’s Bolognese (tbeidler.wordpress.com) [...]
Cooking is a great (and delicious, at times) creative outlet. I hope it doesn’t infringe on the blog…That’s a work of creativity I really like from you. But I just don’t know if I’ll ever get the chance to taste your cooking : ) Good luck Max, and have faith in your father.
Hi Tom, glad to hear that you found Mark Bittman easy to use. I recommend that you try his no knead bread recipe. You will find that it is very easy just takes planning because of the time involved in letting the dough rise. Just goggle no knead bread. We are having a great time on the cruise.
Thanks for the extra info Laura. You were right. Bittman rocks. Kim’s been posting some pictures of the trip on Facebook for me. Hopefully I’ll get to see some of yours too. I’ll get to the bread soon. Sounds great.