The Cookbook and Food Magazine Cooking Club
Filed under: I've Got An Idea by lucyzoe @ 1:06 pmI love cooking. And while I love feeding people, my greatest joy is in “the process:” Chopping stuff, marinating, finding a balance of flavor, and preparing the menu. For many of my friends, the idea of cutting carrots into little cubes or carefully buttering layers of phyllo (φύλλο) dough causes much distress. My second favorite joy is altering a recipe and having it taste delicious. Cooking is far more forgiving of alterations than baking. While there are basic scientific issues in cooking that need respect, it’s unlikely that you’ll ruin the meal if you make a few changes.
I’ve come across many folks who find no joy in cooking, but get slightly excited at the thought of making something - with a little help from someone else. I must say that more than a few of my willing victims have walked away from a cooking lesson with a desire to explore food ideas and try something outside of their comfort zone.
So here’s my idea. Rather than starting a cooking school or regular book club, I’m going to start a cookbook/food magazine cooking club, with the thought that it would be welcoming to rookies and advanced cooks. I’ll pick a cookbook or issue of a food magazine, we’ll try the recipes in the book or magazine for about 4-6 weeks, and we’ll hang out at theCafe and exchange ideas, thoughts, and whatever else happens.
It’s still in the planning stages. I’ve contacted a few of my favorite food magazines to see if I can get issues in to Canon Press at a discount. And, Canon Press will continue to offer cookbooks at a discount. Obviously suggestions would be welcomed.
If you have any thoughts on this…leave me some feedback or email me if you’re shy.
Here’s a tangential question: I know you live alone, as do I. Do you do a lot of cooking just for yourself, or do you usually find others upon whom to bestow the fruits (and veggies and meats and starches and desserts and…) of you labors?
Comment by Valerie (Kyriosity) — February 11, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
Hey Val, I cook for myself about two or three times a week in small portions with no leftovers. If I’m experimenting I pass on the results to the Jones Family. I’m not a fan of leftovers.
Comment by lucyzoe — February 11, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
I’m one of the scaredy-cats. But I’d magazine-cook with you, Luce.
Comment by Laura — February 12, 2008 @ 4:24 pm
Count me in! This sounds like a moveable party. I’ll be checking in, maybe bring along a few friends…
Comment by Carol in Oregon — February 26, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
Several years ago I signed up for Cook’s Illustrated. After I found them on the internet I dropped the magazine and just pay monthly for use of their cyber magazine. This has simplified my cookbook storage dilemma. I’ve used their recipes, videos, and equipment reviews as “continuing education”. I know their recipes can be long and detailed but the flavor is the ends that justifies the means for me.
Comment by Barbara in Tennessee — February 27, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
Lucy In the recent past, one of my favorite things was to look at cookbooks and recipes in magazines and try out new recipes. I’ve enjoyed discovering ways and means from other cooks and noting what tools that work best to make it easier to do prepare food in the kitchen. I use the public library magazines.
My own recipes are in disarray and I don’t have a lot of equipment. Or room for that matter. But I am interested. JLK
Comment by Janice L Kohl — June 26, 2008 @ 11:04 am