Quote Originally Posted by Irving View Post
Cooking as a skill is something on the to-do list. I can follow a recipe. I don't have the natural skill/talent/intuition/whatever to make something out of nothing (my little brother does though). My wife can do that and is a good cook. She has never been successful at baking (according to her) until more recently. I can make a good omelette though.

I am confident that I can become a decent cook with practice. It is just a matter of taking the time to do so. I figure I will start when I start canning, as you have to make whatever first. At some point, I'd like to pick up The Flavor Bible (http://www.amazon.com/The-Flavor-Bib...e+flavor+bible) or The Flavor Thesaurus (http://www.amazon.com/The-Flavor-The...e+flavor+bible), as I do not know what flavors go with what.

Also, I've been watching the Fresh Princess Channel (Wranglerstar's Sister!) and would like to try some of her recipes. I've made cheese from scratch about 4-5 times, and bread once.

Fresh P: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG5i_eutkYLe3pysegadfMg
Spices that are always on the shelf.

Garlic (jar of minced and powdered)
Peppercorns
Cayenne powder
Oregano
Rosemary
Sage
Salts (sea and kosher)
Bay leaves
Cumin
Spanish paprika

Sauces always on the shelf.

Soy
Worcestershire
Liquid smoke
Fish

Secondary spices

Thyme
Dill
Tarragon
Celery seed

I can do just about anything with these. Experiment with them and figure out what works.

Looked at the two books. Not sure there is a point other than to get $20.

Another Alton Brown fan. Highly recommend the Good Eats series. The Food Network website is also helpful.