When I was growing up I assumed everyone could cook. It was just something that happened when you became an adult. You could vote, you could drink, and you could cook.
It wasn't until I talked about making my very first Thanksgiving dinner that I realized a whole bunch of people have no clue how to cook. They can mix Stove Top, and Betty Crocker potatoe flakes, heat Heinz gravy, do the Campbell's soup green beans, but to really cook, from scratch, nuh-uh.
This is surprising considering how many cooking shows there are on cable, but at least half-a-dozen of my friends use at least one "short-cut" even on Thanksgiving! On a weeknight before a soccer match, I understand (and wholeheartedly support) whipping up a box of mac-n-cheese, but the holiday that's all about the food? I don't think so.
I needed a lot of tips and instructions that first year on stuff that I had half-understood watching my mom over the years, but I turned out a pretty tasty turkey with all the homemade fixin's.
This weekend, Punkinhead and I cooked. She learned to make a roux and a custard. She assembled a delicious lasagna from scratch (simmered tomatoes and all). Next weekend we're planning on marinating a couple of steaks. And maybe some homemade sweet potato fries.
I learned to cook watching. She's learning to cook by doing. I like my methods. Now if I could just get her to do the dishes.
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