Poor Carm. He needs our help.

[BattleNymph]

He can't cook. But now he has to learn by... TONIGHT!

So, ideas and how to's for simple and mild to eat dinners would be very nice.

Anyone?

[silverwhisper]

all right, how much knowledge/skill are we starting with here? and does he need to feed the little one, too?

[BattleNymph]

He needs to feed his family, yes. No chicken and nothing too spicy.

Italian or down home cooking would be the best.

[carmachu]

I dont need by tonight. Thats a slight exaggeration.....

But soon. I can cook simple breakfast food without a problem. But havent cooked anything more dinner type.

And chicken is out. And no we dont have to feed the picky pete. She wouldnt eat half the stuff anyway.

[Stephane]

Go with a pasta primavera. Always a favorite and easy to make. Use as many colors as you can for effect. So peppers (yellow,red,green) and zucchini (yellow, green) are nice. I sometimes use chinese eggplant for the purple.

Accompany with Parmigiano cheese.

Something like 20 mins and you're done. Healthy and light (depending on how heavy you go with the oil).

[Stephane]

Do you need details? Is this a special occasion?

[carmachu]

Go with a pasta primavera. Always a favorite and easy to make. Use as many colors as you can for effect. So peppers (yellow,red,green) and zucchini (yellow, green) are nice. I sometimes use chinese eggplant for the purple.

Accompany with Parmigiano cheese.

Something like 20 mins and you're done. Healthy and light (depending on how heavy you go with the oil).


Ok, os how does it work? You gotta break it down a bit for the slow people here...nothing special. Just thinking of cooking for her once and a while...

[silverwhisper]

classic meat sauce and pasta ain't doing it for you?

when i make a classic meat sauce, i use 1 lb ground beef, 1 16.5 oz of crushed or other tomato, 2 cloves of garlic, an onion, olive oil and various spices.

1. get biggest pot, fill 2/3 w/ water. cover it and put the heat on high. this is for your pasta. boiling this much water takes around 1/2 hr or so. do this first.

2. get a large pot. put it on medium-high. don't wait for the pot to get hot. mince/slice up your garlic and chop up the onion. add some olive oil in the bottom--just enough to coat the bottom of the pot. throw in the garlic & onion. have a wooden spoon handy to stir 'em to stop 'em from burning.

3. once the onion's gotten kinda translucent, add the ground beef. at this point, add salt, pepper & oregano to taste. maybe a teaspoon of salt, a few shakes of pepper and a shake of oregano.

4. mush the ground beef to break it up rather than staying in a single lump. this ensures that all of it cooks properly and evenly. it will start browning at this point. after a few minutes, it should be pretty good.

5. add tomato stuff and reduce heat to medium or medium-low. stir every few minutes to make sure nothing's burning.

that sorta thing too simple?

[carmachu]

That sounds good ed.

Chimera: Whats a dutch oven?

[Cranky Dog]

That sounds good ed.

Chimera: Whats a dutch oven?
A big cast iron cooking pot. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_oven)

We own several, don't know about your family though.

Edit: Curses, beaten by Chimeara! And yes, most are orange for some reason, though other colors also exist. Like the big white ones we usually use.

Cranky Dog
"I have a heavy pot cooking opinion, international!"

[BattleNymph]

It's one of those big, oval, orange (usually) cast-iron pots. It's a kitchen essential, IMHO. the second picture here. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_oven)

MIne was blue. And I had a cast iron one too. Left them for my daughter. I miss them.

[TinSoldier]

Yeah, I've got two Dutch ovens.

I have a blue and white enameled one that I use occasionally and I have an unenameled cast iron one that I haven't used yet.

I need one designed for camping, though, the kind where you can put hot coals on the lid.

Sorry for the OT.

[BattleNymph]

Yeah, I've got two Dutch ovens.

I have a blue and white enameled one that I use occasionally and I have an unenameled cast iron one that I haven't used yet.

I need one designed for camping, though, the kind where you can put hot coals on the lid.

Sorry for the OT.

I rock totally at campout cooking. Especially with a Dutch oven.

[carmachu]

It's one of those big, oval, orange (usually) cast-iron pots. It's a kitchen essential, IMHO. the second picture here. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_oven)

Nope, dont own one of those.

[BattleNymph]

Nope, dont own one of those.

You can get a similar effect with a cake pan covered in tin foil. Not quite as good but will do in a pinch.

[carmachu]

You can get a similar effect with a cake pan covered in tin foil. Not quite as good but will do in a pinch.


What's a cake pan?

[Hitcher]

Why not go for something relatively simple and classic family dinner? Spaghetti.

Brown 1 lb. ground beef with some garlic and onions, maybe some fresh sliced mushrooms. Meanwhile, get a large pot and fill it about half way with water and set it on a burner on high to get it boiling.

Drain your ground beef, then add two tins of spaghetti sauce and let it simmer on low, stiring occassionally. Cover the pan so it doesn't splatter all over.

When your pot of water starts boiling, add the spaghetti. Some like to break the spaghetti in half first, that's up to you. Remember to stir the pot so the spaghetti noodles don't stick to the bottom. They don't take long to cook. You want them just slightly al-dente. When they're ready, drain in a strainer but don't rinse!

Add some garlic bread you toast in the oven or bread sticks and a nice salad and you've got a nice, basic family dinner without too much cooking.

[Hitcher]

What's a cake pan?
About 8-9 inches. Straight sides. If they're sloped, that's a pie pan.

[carmachu]

Why not go for something relatively simple and classic family dinner? Spaghetti.

Brown 1 lb. ground beef with some garlic and onions, maybe some fresh sliced mushrooms. Meanwhile, get a large pot and fill it about half way with water and set it on a burner on high to get it boiling.

Drain your ground beef, then add two tins of spaghetti sauce and let it simmer on low, stiring occassionally. Cover the pan so it doesn't splatter all over.

When your pot of water starts boiling, add the spaghetti. Some like to break the spaghetti in half first, that's up to you. Remember to stir the pot so the spaghetti noodles don't stick to the bottom. They don't take long to cook. You want them just slightly al-dente. When they're ready, drain in a strainer but don't rinse!

Add some garlic bread you toast in the oven or bread sticks and a nice salad and you've got a nice, basic family dinner without too much cooking.

Spaghetti is nice, But I might want something a set up, if you will.

[BattleNymph]

What's a cake pan?

Ask Sarah.. I'm sure she could tell you. :D

[Hitcher]

Apricot-Glazed Pork Chops

2 sheets aluminum foil, 12 x 18 inches
2 boneless pork chops - about 4 oz. each
Seasoned salt and pepper
2/3 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 - 16 oz. package frozen stir fry vegetables

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Spritz cooking spray lightly to middle of foil, then center a pork chop there. Sprinkle with seasoned salt and pepper. Combine apricot preserves, soy sauce and garlic powder. Spoon 1 tablespoon mixture over each pork chop. Arrange vegetables beside pork chops; drizzle with remaining sauce.

Bring up foil sides. Double fold top and ends to seal packet, leaving room for heat circulation inside. Repeat to make two packets.

Bake 18 to 20 minutes on a cookie sheet in oven. Make sure your pork chops are not pink in center.

Goes great with rice.

[carmachu]

I think I might try this one.

[BattleNymph]

I think I might try this one.

Did you ask Sarah about the cake pan? *nudge*

[Starhawk]

re: the apricot glazed pork chops

We do something similar here and use grape jelly instead. It still comes out absolutely kick-ass. Just FYI.

[TinSoldier]

I'll have to try the pork chops myself. I always just broil them and that's getting kinda old.

[Stephane]

Ok, os how does it work? You gotta break it down a bit for the slow people here...nothing special. Just thinking of cooking for her once and a while...

Sorry man. I'll run it down for you tomorrow or maybe late tonight. It's basically an oil/vegetable accompaniment to your pasta (as opposed to creamy or tomato based sauces).

[marmalade]

Some like to break the spaghetti in half first, that's up to you.You are absolutely not allowed to do this.

Your ancestors will roll in their graves, and then some scary men will come and take away your membership card and all relevant genetic material.

[TinSoldier]

You are absolutely not allowed to do this.

Your ancestors will roll in their graves, and then some scary men will come and take away your membership card and all relevant genetic material.Sorry, when you have kids it's a good thing to do. If you're not Italian (which I am not).

[COTSBOE]

It's never a good thing to do. If they can't be bothered to twirl the spaghetti, they do not deserve to eat the spaghetti.

I find that "short" pastas (farfalle, penne, etc) are better for kids, anyhow. Less mess, and no crimes against cuisine.

[TinSoldier]

Pasta fascist :D !

[Zayda]

Marinated Flank Steak

Serves: 4


INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup salsa
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lime
1 flank steak (about 1.5 lbs.)

DIRECTIONS
1. Put the salsa, garlic, olive oil, and the juice of the lime in a zip top plastic bag. Shake around to mix ingredients.

2. Add the flank steak to the bag. Seal the bag while pressing out as much air as possible. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

3. When ready to cook, remove the steak from the bag, discarding marinade.

4. Grill or broil the flank steak to medium or medium rare. Don't overcook - flank steak can get very tough and unappetizing if overcooked.

5. Let it rest for 10 minutes, and slice the meat against the grain into thin slices.


This is actually pretty easy.

[TinSoldier]

That sounds good. What do you serve it with?

(I've never bought flank steak, but I know it is supposed to be the best kind for fajitas.)

[Zayda]

Honestly, it really depends.

In the summers, grilled corn on the cob and a nice big fresh salad

In the cooler months, cheddar mashed potatoes and, again, salad.

It goes quite well with many side dishes, to be honest.

[mugu the barbarian]

1/2 lb. Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage
1 green pepper
1 box Kraft Deluxe macaroni

Sautee sausage, set aside
Dice green pepper
Boil macaroni noodles, and then drain

Put cheese, sausage, and green peppers together in pan with macaroni noodles.

Serve.

[silverwhisper]

i'm a big fan of flank steak, myself. :> that sounds delicious, super z!

[Zayda]

it is delicious!

[Zayda]

This is really good and easy too.


London Teryiyaki Broil

1 to 1 ¼ lb. boneless top round, about 1-inch thick
1 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup cold water
¼ cup thinly sliced scallions

1. Preheat broiler to high.

2. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic; stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Remove ½ cup of sauce for basting.

4. Place the steak on a rack of the broiler pan; brush generously with basting sauce.

5. Broil 4 inches from heat for 10 minutes.

6. Turn and brush with the remaining reserved sauce.

7. Broil an additional 5 to 6 minutes or until desired doneness.

8. Mix the cornstarch with water and add to the sauce mixture in the saucepan.

9. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

10. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.

11. Let the steak stand for 2 minutes.

12. Slice diagonally across the grain.

13. Stir the scallions into the sauce and serve with the steak.

[BattleNymph]

SEe, I knew he could count on you all!


:D

[Hitcher]

My easy peasy spaghetti directions got hit with a negative feedback, I think because I said to throw in two tins of store-bought spaghetti sauce instead of spelling out how to make your own. (Or maybe it was something else, "Blasphemy!" covers a lot.)

I want to point out we were asked to help someone who needed to learn how to cook right away - I was just trying to make it as easy as possible. I'm sure your spaghetti sauce you stewed for hours from tomatoes and other veggies you picked fresh that day from your garden comes out wonderful and you've worked that pasta maker to the limit making your own fresh spaghetti noodles. No tins, boxes or empty squeeze tubes of tomato paste suggesting shortcuts in your kitchen rubbish bin, right?

[Hitcher]

You are absolutely not allowed to do this.

Your ancestors will roll in their graves, and then some scary men will come and take away your membership card and all relevant genetic material.

This may offend some people but breaking spaghetti in half doesn't stop you from twirling it on your fork - yes, even you guys with the professional spaghetti fork (http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1152) with the crank (https://midwestmagic.net/shop/item.asp?itemid=2494).

[COTSBOE]

My easy peasy spaghetti directions got hit with a negative feedback, I think because I said to throw in two tins of store-bought spaghetti sauce instead of spelling out how to make your own. (Or maybe it was something else, "Blasphemy!" covers a lot.)

I want to point out we were asked to help someone who needed to learn how to cook right away - I was just trying to make it as easy as possible. I'm sure your spaghetti sauce you stewed for hours from tomatoes and other veggies you picked fresh that day from your garden comes out wonderful and you've worked that pasta maker to the limit making your own fresh spaghetti noodles. No tins, boxes or empty squeeze tubes of tomato paste suggesting shortcuts in your kitchen rubbish bin, right?


Apparently I don't take the whole Karma deal as seriously as some people...

Hitcher, I left you red because you suggested breaking the pasta. It was meant in jest (although the practice does border on blasphemy...). If you're really that worked up about it I'll be happy to donate a positive karma to cancel it out.

[BattleNymph]

Apparently I don't take the whole Karma deal as seriously as some people...

Hitcher, I left you red because you suggested breaking the pasta. It was meant in jest (although the practice does border on blasphemy...). If you're really that worked up about it I'll be happy to donate a positive karma to cancel it out.

I already did. See, I have overcome your karma.. nyah.

[happykat]

Carm, all you need to do is learn how to make a few things and make them well.

Lasagna, Chilli, stew, Fried chicken, etc... If I've said it once, I'll say it again......stir fry is very easy to make and it's also quick.

Don't worry about being a five star chef at first. Start with edible and work your way up.

[Hitcher]

Apparently I don't take the whole Karma deal as seriously as some people...

Hitcher, I left you red because you suggested breaking the pasta. It was meant in jest (although the practice does border on blasphemy...). If you're really that worked up about it I'll be happy to donate a positive karma to cancel it out.

Leave it. Just tell me next time which blasphemy I've done, you're confusing my list.

[marmalade]

Sorry, when you have kids it's a good thing to do. If you're not Italian (which I am not).I asked my mom today if she fed me broken pasta when I was little. She said she did until I was about 4 years old because I was particularly uncoordinated, and ate everything with a spoon. :D

I want to point out we were asked to help someone who needed to learn how to cook right away - I was just trying to make it as easy as possible.I think you've posted several great recipes here. I'm not very experienced with speedy/uncomplicated cooking, so I've appreciated everyone's tips.

But I just couldn't resist commenting on the broken pasta.

My husband made a good point today that it's probably scary old ladies that come to get the spaghetti breakers.

[TinSoldier]

My husband made a good point today that it's probably scary old ladies that come to get the spaghetti breakers.And Italians :sagrin: !

[carmachu]

Carm, all you need to do is learn how to make a few things and make them well.

Lasagna, Chilli, stew, Fried chicken, etc... If I've said it once, I'll say it again......stir fry is very easy to make and it's also quick.

Don't worry about being a five star chef at first. Start with edible and work your way up.

Will do. I think I'm going to run with pork chops first and see how it goes, tuesday....

[silverwhisper]

carm, what's driving the need to do the cooking?

[carmachu]

carm, what's driving the need to do the cooking?

A bit of life change. She's working many nights for one. She's said it be nice if I learned to cook.....so to help things along and perhaps to make her feel special, I'm going to cook....

[happykat]

Do you have a recipe for the pork chops?

I find that children's taste buds are far more sensitive than adults'. You may need to start with something that you would consider bland.

[carmachu]

Do you have a recipe for the pork chops?

I find that children's taste buds are far more sensitive than adults'. You may need to start with something that you would consider bland.


I have two, but I would take more.

I'm not so sure about the aproicot ones. But I have one with honey.

DO you have another one? I'm not worried about sarah, she's on her own. Or I'll make her something else.

Just a meal for us really.

[Zayda]

Southwest Turkey Burger Topped with Fresh Salsa

Salsa
2 large tomatoes chopped (2 cups)
¼ cup finely chopped red onions
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon salt

Burger
1 (20 oz.) package ground turkey
½ cup plain bread crumbs
1/3 cup finely chopped red pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
1/8 to ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper

1. Heat grill.

2. In a small bowl, stir together all salsa ingredients; set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the burger ingredients; mix well.

4. Form turkey mixture into six ( ½ inch thick) patties.

5. When ready to grill, place burgers on the grill over medium heat or medium coals.

6. Cook 10 to 12 minutes, turning burgers once, until no longer pink in the center.

7. To serve, place the burger on toast or a toasted bun; top with 1/3 cup salsa.

**The recipe calls for these to be grilled but you can cook them indoors using a griddle pan**

[silverwhisper]

gorram it but that sounds tasty!

[Zayda]

gorram it but that sounds tasty!

It is; it is. :D

Like Salmon burgers, Ed?

[silverwhisper]

honestly, i'm not particularly crazy about salmon--i find it a bit too oily to be enjoyable.

[Zayda]

Generally, salmon burgers aren't oily if you grill them. But I know what you mean about salmon being a bit oily.


I have a fabulous recipe for Char Shu Pork Chops but they might be a bit complex for you, Carm.

I'll look through my other pork recipes and see what I can find. :D

[carmachu]

That does sound good. Have to see about finding turkey ground up, would it also work with ground beef?

[Stephane]

Pork Chops..

I don't tend to get fancy for a weekday supper time. So I tend to cook my pork chop "as is" (i.e. with light seasoning.. salt pepper rosemary or sage). What I do sometimes do is lightly cover them with dijon mustard (very lightly) and cook them like that.

I'll cover a chicken or veal scallopini wth dijon for before breading.

Most of the sharpeness of the dijon goes away with the cooking.

[carmachu]

She cant eat chicken currently

[Stephane]

No prob. I was just saying that I use it with the chicken as well as the veal and the pork.

You can bread the pork too, but I'm not a fan of that, personally.

[Zayda]

That does sound good. Have to see about finding turkey ground up, would it also work with ground beef?

Ground turkey is easy to find in any major grocery store, such as Kroger. Most large super markets carry Jenni-O brand turkey--ground, cutlets, breasts.

It would probably work just as well with ground beef; I haven't tired it with ground beef though.

[Zayda]

Smokin’ Succulent Grilled Pork Chops

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
8 pork chops


Blend the first 5 ingredients; reserve ½ cup.

Grill or broil the pork, brushing with ½ cup of the mayonnaise mixture, until done.

Serve with the reserved ½ cup of grilling sauce.


This is a pretty good grilled pork chop recipe. It's not very spicy because it's got minimal chili powder in it. You can cut down the garlic some too if you don't want much garlic.

[BattleNymph]

It is; it is. :D

Like Salmon burgers, Ed?

*raises hand*

I like a salmon burger.

[TinSoldier]

You can cut down the garlic some too if you don't want much garlic.No such thing...

But I look forward to trying this out. I usually have most of these ingredients on hand.

[Zayda]

*raises hand*

I like a salmon burger.


For you then:


Salmon Burgers

2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 cup frozen diced or chopped onion
1 cup frozen chopped green bell pepper
½ pound salmon fillets, skin removed
2/3 cup plain bread crumbs
1 egg white
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Olive oil spray
2 whole wheat hamburger rolls
1 small tomato, sliced

1. Preheat the broiler or toaster oven.

2. Mix the mayonnaise with the pickle relish and set aside.

3. Defrost the onion and the green pepper in the microwave for 30 seconds.

4. Remove the rat from the salmon and cut into 2-inch cubes.

5. Pulse the salmon cubes in a food processor with the onion, bell pepper, bread crumbs, egg white, and salt and pepper to taste until chopped.

6. Form into two 3-inch patties.

7. Heat a nonstick skillet on medium-high heat and spray with olive oil.

8. Brown the burgers on one side, about 1 minute.

9. Lower heat to medium and cook 4 minutes.

10. Turn over and cook another 3 minutes.

11. Split the hamburger rolls in half and toast under the broiler or in a toaster oven until golden.

12. Spread mayonnaise mixture on top half of the rolls, and place the burgers on the bottom half.

13. Top with tomato slices and close rolls.

[silverwhisper]

hey carmachu, how are you managing?

[Mouser]

4. Remove the rat from the salmon and cut into 2-inch cubes.


I think that should be step one.

[carmachu]

hey carmachu, how are you managing?

I start tonight. Wish me luck!

[silverwhisper]

if you get in a pickle, just remember that you've got lifelines. :>

[carmachu]

if you get in a pickle, just remember that you've got lifelines. :>

Oh and I plan to use them, dont worry...!

[carmachu]

FYI:

Big success on cooking. She walked in the door asking what smelled good. Big smiles and a full belly for her....

Thanks folks!

[BattleNymph]

FYI:

Big success on cooking. She walked in the door asking what smelled good. Big smiles and a full belly for her....

Thanks folks!

WE'VE CREATED A NEW FOODIE!!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[COTSBOE]

FYI:

Big success on cooking. She walked in the door asking what smelled good. Big smiles and a full belly for her....

Thanks folks!


Nice. What did you end up preparing?

[carmachu]

Nice. What did you end up preparing?

pork chops with a honey/vinegar mix glaze, mash potatos, peas and apple sauce. She had two helpings and a full belly....and a smile.

[Stephane]

Woohoo! Someone's getting laid!:clap: :thumbup:

[marmalade]

Good for you! Was it fun?

[TinSoldier]

Good for you! Was it fun?That's the real question. Did you enjoy making the meal?

[Zayda]

I think that should be step one.

Oh dear. lol. :o :o

[silverwhisper]

carm: woo-hoo! way to go, chief!

[carmachu]

That's the real question. Did you enjoy making the meal?

Yes actually. Its easier than it seems once you've done it. I plan on doing it again saturday.....

[silverwhisper]

cool! got a menu picked out yet?

[carmachu]

cool! got a menu picked out yet?

LG sent me an interesting concotion, or a cornish hen/turkey one with the recipe BN gave me with cranberries.

[silverwhisper]

i think you should run a poll and let us pick which you do. :D

[carmachu]

i think you should run a poll and let us pick which you do. :D

You would.

[silverwhisper]

when the hells do i not?!

[BattleNymph]

And today is Carms Second Attempt! Will it be as successful as his first attempt? Will he claim victory yet again?

Enquiring minds want to know!!!

[carmachu]

And today is Carms Second Attempt! Will it be as successful as his first attempt? Will he claim victory yet again?

Enquiring minds want to know!!!

I picked up the cornish hens and stuff I need today. So you'll know sooner or later...

[carmachu]

Success again. The cranberry/orange concotion with cornish hens....

[BattleNymph]

Success again. The cranberry/orange concotion with cornish hens....

And soon you will be an archmage if you keep it up like this! :D

[carmachu]

thanks dear!

[silverwhisper]

congrats, that's great!

[happykat]

Yay!

Next you'll be cooking a crown roast!

[carmachu]

Yay!

Next you'll be cooking a crown roast!


Sure, what is it?

[Haze]

Glad your culinary explorations have been going well. ;-)

[Paulypalooza]

and you said you couldn't cook. silly boy

[carmachu]

Well apparantly I can if I have good directions....