ÒTHE BLACK ART OF COOKINGÓ
I laughed out loud the other day
when I came across a how to web site designed for singles wanting to remount
the slippery slope of cooking for one. It contained the usual, books and
recipes for sale, tips on everything from shopping to the use of spice. One
senior gentlemanÕs testimony said the book had helped him conquer the Òblack
art of cookingÓ and was finding cooking enjoyable.
Funny as it was since I so enjoy
cooking, I can remember a time not so long ago that if IÕd had the words I
might have expressed my feelings in the same manner. Growing up in the fifties
and the sixties, as in most households I quickly learned that cooking was
considered womanÕs work, something to be endured rather than enjoyed. Too,
women entering the manÕs world of work wanted to be free of all household
chores including cooking which added to the demise of the freshly prepared
meal.
Today, many women despise even the
mundane chore of warming things in the microwave. Which actually I think is part
of the problem, opening boxes and microwaving, is not cooking itÕs a bore. Lost
is the creation of beautiful yet simply prepared dishes of food that are
colorful and a delight to serve.
So how can we revive this lost art
form? Several things come to mind. If someone told you they had a magic plan
that would help you loose weight, be healthier, save money, teach your children
some valuable lessons about life, manners and health do you think youÕd be
interested? And by the way, IÕm not necessarily zeroing in on women, nor am I
talking about just BBQ on the grill.
After the cook in the family is
knighted he, or she should arm themselves with the right tools: sharp knives (a
must), at least two cutting boards, a food processor, a decent collection of
skillets and pans, a garlic press (another must), strainers, graters and a
steamer. Of course there are lots of other tools that you will want to acquire
over time.
The next stop is the bookstore for
a modest collection of cookbooks. Start with two or three that appeal to your
taste. Go for books with lots of pictures and step by step instructions. Stay
away from recipes and books that require lots of time that are complicated or
include lots of ingredients. Save those recipes for holidays or special celebrations.
Now itÕs on to the health food
store for a supply of spices. Small amounts of fresh spice can be purchased in
bulk for pennies. Start with cumin, fresh nutmeg, paprika, cayenne, peppers,
lemon pepper, ginger, turmeric and celery salt.
This time of year is a wonderful
time to revive the black art of cooking in your household with all the fresh
herbs and vegetables. When shopping for vegetables pick up a variety, consider
colors, shapes, sizes and what appeals. Look for fresh basil, rosemary, sage, thyme,
oregano, mint and dill.
Finally, donÕt be too hard on
yourself if your first attempts are not what you had hoped as far as taste or
presentation. Enlist help, cooking can be a family time of sharing. Besides who
knows what family crisis or worldwide problems might come to resolution over a
large pot of homemade soup. Till next time, Rebecca