Category Archives: Saving Strategies

I always played at cooking. I liked to read cookbooks. It never really translated into me actually making something that was really good though. lol

My cooking skills took off at 2 very distinct points in my life, and I really think those are integral to being a cook and saving money. They might sound a bit crazy, but I promise, these things turned me into a confident cook.

The Strange Christmas Present
I got a knife for Christmas one year. A knife?

I had knives. I had a whole bunch of them that I’d bought in a box at Walmart. I had a couple of super sharp knives that I’d got after watching a demo at a flea market. I had plenty of knives HA! I had only thought I had a knife.

How strange. The first time I used a really good knife, it was like magic. Maybe it was magic. It was transforming. A good knife can be sharpened and has this balance that makes it become almost an extension of your hand. If I had to have ONE piece of cookware, period, it would be my Forschner Victorinox chef’s knife.

Now, since I got that knife, I’ve found SEVERAL good knives at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores, including Forschner Victorinox, and more expensive brands. They are really OUT there to be had for a few bucks- you could also ask on Freecycle. BUT, you won’t ever know them if you don’t get familiar with them. Go ahead – go to the expensive gourmet cooking stores and LOOK at them – or browse the expensive knives online so you know the brands.

Ok, once I had my knife, and felt it’s magic, I discovered I liked to slice stuff. Cutting stuff is fun, but I didn’t know how. My mom had always made it look easy, but when I tried her way, it just didn’t work for me. To this day I don’t know where or how she learned to cut stuff like she did. I now recognize it as being rather dangerous.

I wanted a slapchop for my onions. One day, I was browsing around Comcast’s ON DEMAND and found some really short videos on cutting techniques. It took all of a few hours and some cheap veggies to practice on but I figured out how to cut a vegetable quickly and consistently.

You can also use YOUTUBE. Here’s a great bit:

In time, and with practice, you’ll get fast too. I watched a few different folks cutting. IN the video above, I like how he keeps his fingertips pulled in. He’s got great technique that allows for safety and speed. So learn to use a knife, and then you’ll see those pre-cut tubs of veggies in the store for 3.49 and you will wonder why other people don’t invest a few hours in learning a skill that pays off forever.

Which brings me to my second breakthrough….

I FOUND A GURU
There are tons of TV Chef’s out there. I like FOOD NETWORK. Spend some time watching some food shows. Public TV often has some food shows. Food Network has shows available online through their HULU.

For me, it was finding Alton Browne’s show GOOD EATS that resonated with me. Yes, I was hardheaded – all those recipes didn’t work for me because I did not UNDERSTAND what was going on – scientifically – with food while I was cooking it. For instance, I had a bread machine. I’d follow the recipes exactly and still end up with a hard squashed lump of yuck. After watching a Good Eats show that discussed yeast and gluten, I finally figured out that what I was doing wrong. Most libraries also carry these sorts of shoes on video or DVD for checkout.

I know another lady that really likes Paula Deen and says that is who taught her to cook. There’s all sorts of personalities out there teaching cooking techniques that go beyond making recipes. The important thing is that you find one you like and that you can learn from, and you spend some time learning from them.

My mother learned to cook from my grandmother. I’m teaching my son. It’s really great when you have some relative or a friend that can help. I have some very special friends online that have helped me tremendously. As always, know your resources and use them!

By the way, I donated my bread oven. Bread is easy if you understand it.