Go to any BBQ, and you’ll generally see a few guys standing over a hot grill, preparing a meal and spinning a few snags for their tribe. Sadly, for many men, that’s the limit of their culinary skills. Yet there’s so much to gain from being a better cook. The more often you eat at home, the more control you will have over your kilojoule and nutrient intake.
Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore. Improving your ability to cook and prepare healthy meals can add a whole new area of interest, not to mention the benefits to your wellbeing, both now and in the future. You might even be able to impress that special someone in your life. If you don’t know the difference between a sauté and a sieve, here are some general tips on how to improve your cooking skills.
- A well-equipped kitchen can make it easier for you to cook healthy foods, so load up with the tools of the trade. Make sure you have a good non-stick cooking pan, a good quality knife, a grill, and a food processor. Storage containers are also good for fresh foods and frozen leftovers.
- Start a scrap book of recipes, menus and ideas so you’ve always inspiration close at hand. You can also visit your local library, or search the internet for recipes and details on the types of foods and ingredients you want to cook with.
- Watch how friends cook, or watch some cooking shows on television. Most of the best known celebrity chefs are men, such as Jamie Oliver, Curtis Stone and Gordon Ramsay. It’s a good way to learn the basics, and pick up a few techniques and tips that you can use yourself.
- As your confidence grows, experiment with different spices and herbs, and us them in different ways. Develop your own unique style.
- Sign up for a cooking class. Keep an eye out for what’s on in your local area. Classes can range from beginner to advanced, and can focus on everything from Thai to Indian to cooking the perfect roast.
Do you like to cook? What’s your favourite healthy recipe? Are many of your mate’s good cooks? Do you think it’s un-manly to enjoy cooking?
