A lot of times, people ask me where I learned how to cook. I often tell them nowhere and they look at me in shock expecting that my answer would have included recounting me going to a culinary school or something. The truth is apart from the Home Economics classes I took in my secondary school days, and watching my mom and grandma cook, I have never taken any formal cooking classes. I am not a trained chef. But I learned a lot of my cooking informally. So how did I learn this? That's why we are having this post today. I strongly believe one of the greatest skills a person can have is learning how to make their own meals. And this goes for both men and women. How do you become a good cook on your own? Here are 5 ways!
1. Observe - A Lot!
From a very tender age, I observed anyone cooking by me. I would look specifically at what they were doing and register it in my brain. That way, when I try to cook the same thing, I naturally emulate their procedure. Till today, I still observe a lot. I love watching people cook whether physically or on TV. It's one of my favourite things to do and it helps. So observe others when they cook by you and watch lots of cooking shows.
2. Ask Several Questions
Never be ashamed to ask food-related questions. If you do not know how to cook something and someone knows it, ask them how to do it and take notes. When I go somewhere and eat something I really like, I always find an opportunity to question the cook if I can., That way, I gather more ideas. Always ask questions about how good food was made. It really helps tons.
3. Practice!
My third point is practice then practice some more. A week hardly goes by without me trying to make something new in my kitchen. I am always trying out new ideas and trying to widen my understanding of cooking. Note that with more practice comes more failures but that only helps you become a better cook.
4. Read Recipes
I love going through food blogs or cook books. There is always something new to learn. Maybe it is the way the food is plated or a new way to cut a carrot. There is always something to make your cooking better.
5. Research
With the internet these days you can find out almost everything you need to know on Mr. Google. Simply type in your question in the search bar and lots of answers will come your way. If you are not sure how to cook something, go to Google or YouTube for answers.
I hope these points inspired you to become a better cook. Now tell me: how did you learn how to cook? Do you have any kitchen tips or tricks we could learn from? Please share below.
Abimbola says
I just love you this woman I'm cook also and baker though learning baking professionally. I mist tell u d truth dis are the dive methods I used in learning how to cook also. I lived with soany people in my life, I come from d western part of my country and there is hardly any southernal and easternal foods and soups I can't cook and all these are from just looking at them when they are cooking
And thank God for Google. That is my research based
Love you, love ur idea and I love u most because u love Jesus.
Precious says
Abimbola, I love you too!
I stayed in different places too while growing up so that really helped. With Google these days, we can keep learning and growing.
Thanks for dropping a comment, dear!
Florine says
Thanks a lot
Precious says
You're welcome, Florine.
Cristel says
Ma Pre, your ideas are great.I grew up learning how to cook by using ur abv mention tips but will also use a pen and a paper when necessary. I lack the spirit to practice new things,i just hope and pray God gives me that spirit of yours that makes you practice at all times.More Grace..
Precious says
Thanks Cristel! Like they say, practice makes perfect. Let me borrow the words of a a great cook who said, "be fearless in the kitchen." Hope you begin to practice more often.
Ethel says
I admire u much ma. Seriously, I wish to be like u one day. The little i know about cooking i learnt from and friends. I have never been googling on cooking but hope to do. Pray God blesses me with the finance so that i be able to put good food on my table for my little family. My God almighty replenish ur sources.
Precious says
Awww I feel so flattered, Ethel! May God grant the desires of your heart. He can and He will. Thanks for dropping a comment, dear.
itunu says
Wow 🙂 Thanks for sharing your cooking skills secret with us Precious 🙂
P.S: Thanks for checking up on me Precious. God bless you. Xx
Precious says
Glad to hear from you, Itunu. God bless.
Bola says
I'm a good but an upcoming baker. That baking just refuse to agree with me.
I learnt how to cook from my mum, daddy feels he's a good cook too. Lol
Then I learnt a lot from my friends especially ones from different tribes.
The internet has been very helpful too, I met this wonderful blog and the personality behind it via the Internet.
Learning doesn't stop though, it's a continuous process, therefore, im still a learner.
Precious says
Yes learning doesn't stop, dear. I heard somewhere that you start dying the day you stop learning.
That baking must agree with you oo. Ha.
Bola says
*a good cook.
Ijeoma says
True points. I really learnt and is still learning from observation and research. The part of asking people is tricky because not everyone likes to share. There is this "it's my little secret" response some people usually give. Thanks for sharing Precious.
http://www.ijefinelivin.com
Precious says
I know right. Some people hide recipes like treasures but there's love in sharing.
Vivian says
Hello Ma Pee. I strongly believe in d points u wrote n I won't say am a good cook but I practice with a lot with wat I get from ur blog n other sites. My hubby calls any food I get from d net 'gwara gwara' don't know what its means cos all he sees is a phone or a book in d kitchen.
Keep up d good work Ma.
Precious says
Lol at gwara gwara. I'm sure he made up the name. Thanks dear. I hope to keep inspiring you.
Dominika Goodness says
Precious so good to be here again,how have missed this blog. I'm so surprised that you are a-self-taught cook, I always thought that you were some culinary school chef because your recipes are simply the best. I definitely agree with you on learning how to cook by observing other people cook but in my own it's the reverse, others observe me cook because I do most of the cooking at home so I resorted to reading awesome food blogs like yours,yes uncle google is a life saver as well and then I will always practice practice practice until I arrive at a belly satisfying meal. nice post ma'am.
Precious says
I missed you hun! Welcome back.
Uncle Google has been saving lives for many years.
Glad to know that you've learned from the blog ?
Annie says
I got inspired to take cooking serious when recently. And I must say your blog contributed to it. I'll take the steps seriously as I really love cooking now.
I hope to become a good chef. Keep inspiring us ma
Precious says
So happy to hear that, Annie! Cooking is truly fun.