What's the one cooking thing you've never been able to
Posted By: master? on 2007-03-26
In Reply to:
I cannot make a pizza dough I'm happy with, and I can't tell you how many recipes I've tried. Regular rise; made in the bread machine; all-purpose flour; bread flour; it doesn't matter. I've tried and tried but I've never been able to get that elasticy dough you need for a good crust.
Do you have one thing that just defeats you, every time?
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I've been going through the same thing,
and I think I've found relief today. I talked to a career counselor at a private school and he was very encouraging. I knew I needed to go back to school and get a better job, but what? I have done a lot of research, and coding makes the most "sense" in some ways because I could go to Andrews for about $4000 and get out and get a job that pays very well. The only problem is that I'd still have a job where I sit in a chair in the basement of a hospital and deal with paper (or computer work). I'm 44, and I must be going through menopause or something, but just like you I am sick of sitting still and being bored. I want to move and interact and feel important and make a good wage and be in demand. After talking to this counselor he encouraged me that I could do it - be a surgical tech. He's been through the course himself, and had the same doubts, but his huge clumsy hands did learn it. He says he needs a career that is more in the field of counseling and he's now going for his PhD, but he convinced me not to take a course that is going to go against what my brain wants to do. I'm still looking into the details to make sure I don't have to take a bunch of prerequisites (sp?)like a community college would make me do, but I suddenly feel alive again.
I've researched many of the medical careers, so if you have questions, I may be able to answer. There is financial aid available. We can do this.
Also one thing I've found
 is to always eat something crunchy with your meals - mine is often raw carrots or a few nuts. I have only about 10 pounds to go and it was hard, but I find I really like my 3 mile walk every night to unwind! Good luck to you!
The only thing I've read about
are problems with microwaving with plastic dishes. Sounded like glass was okay.
That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard.
A cat is a natural predator to those small mammals and birds and I don't see any of them going extinct because of cats.
I do agree that house cats should be kept inside, but only for their own protection and that's only my opinion. My cats stay inside exclusively.
I've done it so many times -- most exciting thing
Wow, where do I start? I left MI when I was 23, having heard San Diego was nice. I loaded up the Chevy and headed West. One of many, many adventures I've had. I've driven back and forth relocating across this country too many times to count, taking my job with me where ever I go. Atlanta, Chicago, LA, San Diego. I've done it with cats, a baby, and a 30-year-old car -- everytime all by myself. I have a CB radio to keep in touch with the truckers and they would always help me when I would break down, overheat, or need any sort of help. There is nothing like seeing this great country of ours one slow mile at a time. Colorado and Utah are by far the most beautiful, but treacherous because of the Rocky Mountains.
As far as moving to a city you don't know a whole lot about, you have to contact the Chamber of Commerce for any particular city for all sorts of information about their town --- also part of the adventure. I always loved being a stranger in a strange land.
And fear, oh yes, but more bravery than anything. I've always told people that pretend bravery is the same as the real thing, just fake it and you'll do fine. If you're young and courageous, I say totally go for it!!
OMG - that's the funniest thing I've ever read!
Isn't that a shame? But it's not just a recent thing. I've heard of it
//
I've read the same thing about bathing dogs. sm
I have a Sheltie, and the Sheltie book recommends bathing when s/he gets very dirty or before a show. They don't need routine bathing. They need frequent brushing which removes dirt. Some dog breeds don't have oily coats, so don't smell. Sheltie is one of them, a collie is probably the same.
I recommend taking Maggie to the groomer for a good brushing every other week or so. It would be good for Maggie's coat and skin. The groomer can advise you when she needs a bath.
What is the MOST outrageous thing you've seen/heard while working in the medical field?
While working in an oncology office I had a heartbreaking conversation with a newly-widowed young mother of 2. Apparently healthy husband suddenly turned up with a brain tumor, which killed him pretty quickly. The life insurance company did their due diligence and investigated the case, since the policy was issued only weeks before the diagnosis; but the patient had NO indications of illness at the time, and the medical records basically proved the negative; he hadn't been to a doctor because he wasn't sick.
In the course of discussing the point with the claims examiner, the widow told him it wasn't about the money (although she was going to need it to raise her 2 kids by herself). She'd FAR rather have her husband back. The claims examiner said he'd far rather have the woman's husband back too...
... wait for it ...
... because if he were still alive, he'd still be paying premiums to the insurance company!
Yes, it really happened.
I suggested the widow contact the state insurance commissioner's office and report the guy. Even if what he said/did was not precisely illegal, it was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.
My DH does all the cooking too! - sm
though we are not the most economical in the food buying, but he can do pretty amazing things with a chicken and is handy around the house besides. Great with electronics (works on electron microscopes for a living), any handyman-type chores, --granted can be a little lazy sometimes but so can I. We both do various home projects and have compliment each other in our abilities. I just hope the kids are as mechanically inclined as we are.
Cooking
My husband is going bear hunting next weekend - how the heck do you cook bear??? (do you even cook bear or do you just make a rug or something)?? 
Cooking HELP!!
We went to a fundraiser dinner over the weekend that served dressing with cranberries in it. My husband couldn't stop talking about it the rest of the weekend. Does anyone have a recipe for this???
I want to know what she is cooking
too. Now I am so hungry. Shallots are yummy, especially. Shallots, mushrooms, butter and olive oil, some black pepper! I need a fork!
Me and my cooking
I have a candy thermometer that has both celsius and fahrenheit. I was making divinity and the recipie said to bring the syrup up to 260 dgrees fahhrenheit. I was looking at the wrong side of the thermometer, and went to 260 degrees Celsius!! Needless to say, the pan was ruined. I compounded the problem by setting the pan out in the hallway on the carpet because it was smoking, and it burned a hole right through the carpet!
No cooking!
Use whatever fruit you would like. Strawberries, cantelope, pineapple, grapes all work well. I have seen them done with gouda cheese as well. Just cut them up and stack them on skewers. Kids seem to like them, just have to watch if anyone gets the idea for a sword or poker. I would trim the pointy ends of the kabobs if kids will be around. Stand them upright in a tall vase or lay them flat on a platter. Can get or make a cream cheese or yogurt dip for them too which is nice. Also seen them with marshmellows for a sweet addition but I prefer them plain.
cooking
Homemade vegetable soup and cornbread
I did not ask him to do the cooking-
he knows that I don’t and he likes his health anyway. Works for us. I work and pay my share of bills so I think tit for TAT here.
Cooking chicken
I wound be reluctant to cook chicken on an indoor grill. Pounding the chicken will help, but you really need to be careful about cross contamination. Until you get a feel for it, I would cook it on the grill to mark it, but finish it in the oven. I also would marinate your chicken. I love Soy Vey teriyaki marinade. There are some excellent crock pot recipies that incorporate chicken breast. I got a panni sandwich maker and those are excellent and easy. Start off slowly, look at recipies and do what tastes good. Eating out is definately not a habit you want to get your kids into. Just really be careful with raw chicken. When I pound chicken I use a plastic grocery bag. I put the chicken in there and then pound it. It saves on cleanup of splattered chicken and is more sanitary. All Recipies is a great site, as well as BHG.com. Good luck and have fun. 
Well I'm sure she'd do the cooking if she felt up to it.
We can't decide for others when they are going to throw a party, though she seems to be thrusting one on you!
cooking/recipes
Is there a cooking or recipes board available - just curious.
I don't know either but the southern cooking
is the only thing I could think of ...like Louisiana....the bayou....that kind of south??? Have NO IDEA!
I have a cooking question sm
I just made a big pot of soup and I had to add carrots. When I got my carrots out of the fridge they were a bit frozen. I keep them in the vegetable bin and every now and then some of the things in my fridge will freeze. Doesn't matter what the freezer or fridge settings are on. It is a side by side. Anyway, I went ahead and used the carrots and now that the soup is done the carrots are still tough. All the other veggies cooked just fine. I have made this soup before and this hasn't happened in the past. Should I just toss the rest of the carrots. I had planned on using them in with a pot roast tomorrow but don't want to waste my time peeling and slicing if they aren't going to be any good. Anyone suggestions on this one? Thanks!
Cooking question
Any cooks out there: How much rigatoni, red potatoes and green beans would you need to make for 250 people?
Thanks
cooking question
Are these side dishes or in a salad? just a guess but on the potatoes and pasta, which are BOTH starch, cut back and go more with the green beans -- If this is a "potluck thing" take into consideration the other things that will be made etc.
Here again with the beans, fresh, canned or what too many variables -- if it is upcoming I would suggest calling your local school since they have to "feed mass quantities" just a thought
look up Sam the Cooking Guy on your TV listings (sm)
He does recipies just like what you are looking for, no muss, no fuss, regular grocery store ingredients.
and you will laugh alot. (We call him the Blueman Group of Cooking.)
check him out, he also has show/recipe segments on his web site.
Anyone cooking today?
It's cool out today and I thought I might put some ham and beans on to cook. I'll make some corn bread later to go with this too.
Depends on how you are cooking it SM
I mostly do my in the crock pot and averaging on size, about 4-5 sometimes 6 hours. When it starts to gently fall apart (not stab and fork and it won't come out apart), but firm enough to leave the fork in, it is ready.
what r u cooking for suppers?
i'm making bacon and cheese pie (aka quiche), maybe some kind of frozen veges too.
Cute response but he does all the cooking!- sm
See above, I know I am not alone in the man having no clue/too lazy department. I love some of the responses up top though. I'll keep them in mind.
I'm cooking a roast in the crock sm
that I took an envelope of dry onion soup mix, and two cans (hated to spare 'em) of Coke over the top. It has been in the crock all day for me to whiff, hmmmm.... Needless to say, I can't wait to see what it tastes like. I hope hubby and the kids like it! I do not usually use my crock, but I got this great crock pot recipe cookbook last week from the library, well, I think I'll renew the book.... There are actually recipes for cakes in there, too! Could you imagine a chocolate cake with pudding in the middle that you've cooked in your crock pot all day? The book is called Fix It and Forget It! I love to cook, but when there's lots of typing to do, the quick stuff comes in handy-dandy! lol That steak and "stuff" you guys are talking about sounds great!
what ever the Japanese restaurant is cooking up
smell of giblets cooking
My husband got a tip from Food Network this week. Don't cook the liver with the rest of the giblets. The liver is what gives off the nasty odor and makes the broth bitter. Happy Thanksgiving!
...trying to learn like cooking or guitar, etc.?? nm
s
Uh, what? Cooking makes up for meanness?
I don't think so! My husband cooks practically every day and I wouldn't take that crap from him merely based on gratitude for his cooking. I wouldn't go mess up a tool in his workshop any more than I would expect him to mess up a tool in the kitchen.
OTOH, you make some good points about communication. Often it "takes two" to make or break a relationship.
Dutch Oven Cooking
Hi - Glad to see you here again. I still missed your piggy "baby" - likes to hide, I guess. Cold here too. It is really easy to cook in the fireplace or on an iron stand in your back yard or a hole in the ground. I will email you some recipes and look at all the fun you will have! Nothing tastes as good as dutch oven food! Get ready for a new dress size! Your husband will be your slave if you feed him this food, I swear. Have to know, how much is wood a cord out there where you are? It is 492.00 here, and that is horrendous. We used to cut our own and it was basically free with sweat labor.
Applebee's LOL. No cooking just baking.
:)
Its a semi-cooking night for me
First I have to say I love ham and beans. One of my favorite winter food.
Tonight DH said he would like to snack - hooray! so its chili dip for us. Sooo easy -
I can of chile (any kind you like - we always use no beans) and one 8 ounce package of cream cheese. Heat together til cream cheese is melted.
mmmmmmmmmmm - I can eat the whole thing alone.
And you haven't even mentioned cooking!! sm
I notice many of my younger coworkers and children of coworkers cannot make anything that does not come out of a can or a box. I know that's a generalization too, but it sure seems to be true.
What's cooking for dinner tonight?
 I'm thinking tacos with corn bread for me and my fam.
My DH always talked about his mother's cooking
Spaghetti sauce cooked 3 days and nights, then enough spaghetti for a week. Chili for a week, soup for a week. She cooked like it was still the depression era, yet it was the ླྀs. She would grumble about hamburger being $.50 a pound. But then, you have to realize, she was in her 60s when DH was in his teens. He was "an accident".
He was really happy when I made him steak. I still feed him anything he wants, and he likes my spaghetti sauce and chili better than his mom's. Of course, that could be because I don't give it to him every night of the week. Just when he gets a craving for it.
Jenny Craig worked for me - no cooking.
Can be expensive, around 70 a week a few years ago, but I lost around 15 lbs in a few months.
I have a big canner of veggie soup cooking
and it smells yummy. Tonight is a parade in town and dinner at my parent's. Not sure about tomorrow. Church and then who knows. I have 2 movies to watch from Netflix and a newsletter to get ready to mail.
Been cooking hams for a long time
Never took the rind off prior to it being almost cooked, then say for the last 35 minutes or so would take the rind off with a knife and fork, never tried removing prior to baking. I scored the ham (cut in zig-zag effect), stuck whole cloves in and put brown sugar on top of that (oh, remove the cloves prior to eating- my son told me years later he ate the cloves, thought he was supposed to.)
Cooking question using pressure cooker
I want to cook some blacked peas for tomorrow and the peas I have are just loose ones. What I need to know is for a pressure cooker- how many peas and how much water do I use? Sorry but just forgot. Thanks!
Don't let him choose. If you do the cooking, you plan the menu!
At my house, my kitchen is not a restaurant. You eat what I make or you fend for yourself. Now of course I know my family's likes and dislikes and I do take requests, but if you're going to turn you nose up at everything I suggest without offering anything up, you get what you get!
Just started Healthy Performance..cooking involved though.
It has been just a little over 24 hours. I CAN do this. Sometimes it just takes a kick in the butt to get me moving in the right direction and I think this is gonna do it. Good luck to you!
Yeah, she lets pans sit overnight from cooking
sandwiches or eggs and then uses them the next morning to cook the same or she will just wipe them out with a paper towel and call them clean...no way! When she lived with us, I would have to get to them before she had a chance to use them the next morning on the kids before I got up!
good info on aluminum and other modes of cooking
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/hgic3864.htm
"What's that - clam chowder you're cooking?" (nm)
.
I'm cooking a round roast in onions and V8 juice.sm
It smells so good I want to eat it now! Yum.
Remember that it's just home cooking, not gourmet stuff, that you'd be waiting for. nm
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