What is the art of cooking?

The art of cooking, well perhaps this is one reason that too many people do not cook, beyond tossing something prepackaged into a microwave, they think cooking requires great skill. Well basic meal preparation does not. It is very simple and once you have got the basics down and understand them you can expand your skill and try more complicated dishes.

 

Cooking can be art, though, do not get me wrong. Even the simplest meal involves transforming a substance from one form to another; art is not essentially difficult but more about communication and dialogue and what better way to strike up a conversation than during the preparation, consumption and cleaning up of a meal.

 

I have been cooking meals for many years and had two grandmothers who each contributed to my enjoyment of this essential skill. There is no question, cooking is indeed a skill but that is actually a matter of degrees. There is a major difference between a chef and a short order cook, in both training and the types of meals they prepare but do sell the short order cook, short. They can whip up a great cheeseburger and a side of firs that you will deeply enjoy.

 

A clubhouse sandwich, eggs and bacon, chili, stews and soups all rest within the domain of the short order cook and are all part of our every day foods.

 

If you are interested in vegetarian fare, stir fries and rice are very quick and easy to produce and you can enhance the meal by using vegetables that are in season.

 

I have often considered that attitude played a large role in our ability to cook but then again I think that attitude has a great deal to do with all that we do.

 

Art is about process and technique, yes, it is more than that but without process and technique not much happens. Cooking is also about process and technique. If you want to be an artist you can go to school; you can also go to school and study cooking.

 

Or, you can acquire the needed materials, get a good book, or read a few hubs and develop yoru own talents.

 

To cook food you need utensils, at least one pot, one fry pan or wok, a stiring spoon, ladle and a stove or hot plate. You need plates, bowls, knives, forks and spoons to consume the meal, naturally.

 

Get the best equipment you can afford. If you are not a cook but want to learn, follow a recipe. You can buy cookbooks but when you are beginning I suggest using the Internet to find the recipes for foods you know you like and follow them. Hubpages is a great place for recipes. Print them out and keep the one you are using close by as you prepare the meal.

 

First read the recipe. Do you have the proper tools (pot, pan etc)? Do you have the ingredients? Can you readily get them?  Don’t forget a measuring cup.

 

Once you have what you need assembled and handy, follow the recipe step by step do not deviate. You can experiment after you are able to make the dish without reading the recipe.

 

You will gradually find new recipes and alternative ways to prepare older ones. If you do the work and get yoru hands dirty, so to speak, you too can cook.