Do you cook without a cookbook? How do you do it?

1. 94

   DeborahNeyensposted 12 years ago

   Do you cook without a cookbook?  How do you do it?

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2. 94

   Robie Benveposted 12 years ago

   Oh it's easy: "a little bit of this, a little bit of that, I think this would taste good in it too... "
   It takes some instinct on what ingredients work together, and of course some trial and error.
   I must be blessed because it's usually a success.  But don't ask me to cook the same thing again, or you may be disappointed.

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3. 59

   MojoDawgposted 12 years ago

   You learn the ingredients you are using and how to combine ingredients to produce certain flavors.
   Cookbooks generally only guide people with exactly how much of an ingredient to use. The people behind the cookbook decided which ingredients would combine in a way that creates a unique dish.
   
   "Thy your wings out"; I have created more good recipes than I ever use from cookbooks. I would say that is true about many people who love to cook.
   Blessings:

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4. 0

   Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years ago

   I cook without a cookbook most of the time because the recipes have already been made by me over and over again.  I used to collect cookbooks, but you end up just using one or two recipes if you're lucky.  Cookbooks take up space.  You don't have to follow a printed recipe to the "T".  If you create the same recipe several time, you'll want to make it yours by tweaking it.

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5. 61

   Leroyworldposted 12 years ago

   The most important thing is to accept the fact that you will throw out a few attempts.  It's not a failure, you have learned not to do that again.  After awhile, you start developing a feel for what works. 
   
   If you are the type of person that needs to know why everything works, try reading Hubpage's, watching YouTube, or If you must enroll in a culinary school program. 
   
   That will explain why things work; but, you still have to make a lot of attempts on your own.

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6. 73

   rtburroughs2posted 12 years ago

   If you know a few basic cooking techniques, then it is easier to cook without a net. Some foods respond better to different methods. By exerimenting with different herbs and vegetables you will learn which combinations taste best. Practice knife skills as well, uniform cuts will coook at the same rate. Also learn about food safety, cross contamination can be dangerous.

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7. 60

   MickSposted 12 years ago

   By using my memory and creativity.

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8. 0

   jenuboukaposted 12 years ago

   hi Deb!!
   Yes I do for the most part, however I will grab a favorite cookbook and read through to gather an idea and run with it.  The only time I do not is when it comes to baking, a bit of science to that.  After I use a recipe, I end up memorizing the thing. It's my rain man super power.

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9. 92

   vespawoolfposted 12 years ago

   As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect". It's all about cooking regularly, experimenting and expecting both failure and success. Any worthwhile skill has a learning curve. I taste frequently as I cook so I can adjust the seasonings. I learn a lot from cookbooks, internet sites, and cooking with friends. Even a good recipe needs to be tweaked to your tastes.You could also take a cooking class or watch instructional videos. There are a lot of cooking shows, too, that are entertaining and informative.

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10. 60

    Glosheiposted 12 years ago

    After 'years' of parctise you finally get it right. Who am I kidding, sometimes I use a cook book and sometimes I don't. I will read a recipe and make my own adjustments and they 9 out of 10 turn out alright.
    Interesting question Deborah thanks.

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11. 69

    onegoodwomanposted 12 years ago

    Yes, I do...........
    
    I just instinctively know how to cook...............thank you, Grandmothers.
    
    
    A cookbook is to a cook, as a sewing pattern is to a seamstress............
    
    
    PS...........I AM a professional cook.............
    
    a guide.
    
    
    learn new ideas........trust your own, build onward, reach out, listen to advice........and then go onward.
    
    
    Trust your instincts............they are invaluable and irreplaceable.

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