Although I haven’t felt like cooking, I have stayed true to my post from last week and I have tried out two new recipes so far this week. Sunday night we enjoyed lemon garlic shrimp fettucine, and last night I followed a recipe for salmon cakes that I paired with grits and eggs. Yes, these are fairly simple dishes to whip up, but with my failure to properly follow cooking directions I figured I should probably start off easy if I wanted to stay the course of this challenge. As simple as these dishes are please believe I found a way to screw them up in some way or another.
Sunday: The prep time listed was 10 minutes, it took me 30. The major lesson I learned…READING IS FUNDAMENTAL. I added too much cornstarch (confused tsp with tbs) and the sauce was way too thick so I had to start over. Second time around I realized that I bought the big carton of chicken stock when it only asked for a can. Well how am I supposed to know how much 14.5 oz is…genius, I’ll measure it with the baby’s bottle..gotta be quick on your feet! So I dodge that mishap and the dish actually comes out okay, just a little bland I give it a B-.
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| Dr. Brown’s Measuring Cup |
Monday: I actually managed to complete this one in record time. I have prepared salmon cakes before, so I had an idea of how to do it, however this recipe called for chopped bell pepper, onion and potato. Outside of the time it took to do the chopping the execution went well. I had to add a little water to the grits, I either cooked them too fast or didn’t have enough water in them, but I fixed that, and dinner turned out an A+. The Mr. gave props on this one.
Tomorrow, I am going to attempt a banana pudding from scratch,..separated egg whites,etc.. I’ll be sure to take photos, this one should be good!!
Do you have a recipe mishap you care to share!!
5 Comments
Laila
August 30, 2010 at 10:38 pmYAY on completing 2 recipes!
I have a bad habit of rushing and mis-reading instructions. And I have also learned that I need to season to my taste. Sometimes I will simply do what the recipe calls for without tasting it to make sure it works for me.
Have you ever tried McCormick's Recipe Inspirations?
Mimi
August 30, 2010 at 10:49 pmExactly!! I think I needed to add my own seasoning to the fettucine. Last night I threw in a dash of seasoned salt after realizing the only seasoning the recipe called for was S&P, I think it wouldn't have turned out so good if I didn't. No, I haven't seen the recipe inspirations, I have to look into those…I need all the help and inspiration I can get!
Erika at BluLabel Bungalow
August 31, 2010 at 4:01 amYes, reading is fundamental, lol! I give you kudos on challenging yourself especially since I know how much you hate cooking. I admit, I was cracking over here when you measured the stock using the baby's bottle, hahaha…classic. Whatever gets the job done, right!
Loving the salmon cake dish. Anything with grits is always a hit at my house.
Niya
September 1, 2010 at 9:52 amGreat progress in just one week! I say you're ready for something more challenging….beef wellington for Friday?? Do it, do it!
Mrs. King
September 1, 2010 at 10:10 amlol, love the Dr. Brown's measuring cup. I've kind of been on a hot and cold run with my cooking. Some things turning out great and others, not so much. I really like this site:
http://www.pioneerwomancooks.com
Her posts are interesting and I've tried several of her recipes with success.