I've Sooo Enjoyed Cooking Decent Food For Once!
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
July 2, 2011 2:31pm CST
This has been a very good day. John was "up" for us turning a corner as regards ditching processed food and I'm pleased to say the only food we bought in a box were fish fingers!
John came armed with his calculator on his phone so he didn't overspend in Morrison's (bless 'im). I came armed with my shopping list, based on recipes I'd printed off from the internet.
We did cheat a bit as we got garlic granules, parsley bits, etc in jars BUT, believe me, they're as good as the real thing..and I should know because..
I put them to good use today in some Garlic Chicken I concocted. I've wanted to use garlic for such a long time and today I got my wish. The smell was amazing. The finished article reminded me of Chicken Korma but it was NOT a curry, it was chicken pieces in an amazing sauce that we both wolfed down like we were in a posh restaurant or something. We had the usual boiled potatoes and peas (steamed) but it was such a change not having boring gravy lol.
Needless to say, I'm now hooked on this cooking lark..and this is just the start. Obviously, I can't type out the recipe on here as we're not allowed but the website is called www.garlic-central.com and it's amazing.
I've printed out a few more recipes from the BBC website so I'm looking forward to trying them out. I have a brilliant recipe book upstairs that I've had for years and, no doubt, I will re-visit a few culinary delights at some point from that.
I guess you're dying to know if the shopping trip cost us more money than usual? Well, there were a couple of things missing that Morrison's didn't have but it's roundabout the same price as we would normally fork out for crap, so we've done well!
Never again shall we eat processed foods and if we DO decide to eat a pie of some sort I will make it myself. No excuse now as I've got the ingredients to make pastry, in the cupboard, plus some shop-bought shortcrust pastry that I can roll out..oh, sh*t, I haven't got a rolling-pin..
"JOOOHHHHNNNN, WE NEED A ROLLING-PIN!"
Haha!
You should've seen his beaming smile after eating my food today.
So cute.
John came armed with his calculator on his phone so he didn't overspend in Morrison's (bless 'im). I came armed with my shopping list, based on recipes I'd printed off from the internet.
We did cheat a bit as we got garlic granules, parsley bits, etc in jars BUT, believe me, they're as good as the real thing..and I should know because..
I put them to good use today in some Garlic Chicken I concocted. I've wanted to use garlic for such a long time and today I got my wish. The smell was amazing. The finished article reminded me of Chicken Korma but it was NOT a curry, it was chicken pieces in an amazing sauce that we both wolfed down like we were in a posh restaurant or something. We had the usual boiled potatoes and peas (steamed) but it was such a change not having boring gravy lol.
Needless to say, I'm now hooked on this cooking lark..and this is just the start. Obviously, I can't type out the recipe on here as we're not allowed but the website is called www.garlic-central.com and it's amazing.
I've printed out a few more recipes from the BBC website so I'm looking forward to trying them out. I have a brilliant recipe book upstairs that I've had for years and, no doubt, I will re-visit a few culinary delights at some point from that.
I guess you're dying to know if the shopping trip cost us more money than usual? Well, there were a couple of things missing that Morrison's didn't have but it's roundabout the same price as we would normally fork out for crap, so we've done well!
Never again shall we eat processed foods and if we DO decide to eat a pie of some sort I will make it myself. No excuse now as I've got the ingredients to make pastry, in the cupboard, plus some shop-bought shortcrust pastry that I can roll out..oh, sh*t, I haven't got a rolling-pin..
"JOOOHHHHNNNN, WE NEED A ROLLING-PIN!"
Haha!
You should've seen his beaming smile after eating my food today.
So cute.2 people like this
18 responses
@ElicBxn (63642)
• United States
2 Jul 11
I came home last night and the roomie had chicken, onions and potatoes in the crock pot and had put Italian dressing over it. Toward the end, I added a can of stems and pieces mushrooms. I ate only about a cup and I was stuffed! And very tasty!
Her mom apparently made something like it that got her thinking to do the same thing.
What a treat to come home from work and find food cooking and almost done!
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160909)
• United States
3 Jul 11
@Elic I am re doing spare room/craft room, so that maybe I can craft. 
I am sorting through boxes as well.
I am sorting through boxes as well.1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Jul 11
Yes, John has his food cooked for him (by me) when he's home from work but the routine was getting me down. I wanted to try something new and (bless his heart) he went along with my desires in cutting out the processed food to change our shopping/eating habits. No doubt the recycling will be cut down now as there won't be any cardboard boxes going into the bag.
2 people like this
@yoyo1198 (3641)
• United States
2 Jul 11
Congratulations!!! Here's sending well wishes that you can stick with your resolution. I have several cookbooks but rarely use them anymore. When I need a recipe I go to www.allrecipes.com. You might want to take a look there to give you some good menu ideas.
I usually use fresh garlic or the minced stored in olive oil. The fresh tends to be much more aromatic.
I'll check out your link. Maybe I'll find something new for myself.
Keep up the good cooking. You'll wonder why you didn't start it a long time ago.
1 person likes this
@yoyo1198 (3641)
• United States
2 Jul 11
In a pinch, you can use a large jar (like mayonnaise comes in:1 qt.) to use to roll out dough. You can also buy the premade pie doughs and they're already ready to be put into the pie pan. I do cheat with these occasionally. They're in the case close to the premade biscuits in the grocery.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Jul 11
Despite only using the Garlic Granules they had the same result..like a paste. They've come a long way as I have had Onion Granules from the same range (I don't like using whole onions as I tend to pick them out if I actually see them in my food). The reason I cheated with the garlic is due to the fact I haven't got all the tools, such as a garlic crusher but we have added a whisk and a sharper knife..so that's a start lol. Also, the "real" garlic in the shop looked minging.
Yes, I've seen the recipes on the site you describe. The internet is an amazing resource and is proving to be invaluable to me as I tend to search recipes relating to food we like.
Tomorrow I shall be doing something different with my whole chicken so that will be fun.
@yoyo1198 (3641)
• United States
3 Jul 11
Within all of my 40 years of cooking, I have never owned a garlic press and have done just fine without it. Don't waste your money. You can do all you need to do to garlic with a knife. And crushing for the juice is an exercise in futility as there's not that much juice in a head of garlic. I have purchased garlic juice in a little bottle from time to time but it doesn't keep its flavor and/or aroma all that long.
I don't think I could eat without starting my menu with garlic and onions. I usually manage to find some way to work in some mushrooms too. Your garlic chicken would have been great with added mushrooms.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
4 Jul 11
Good job! I love cooking at home too. Though right now I'm terrified of going into my kitchen because a mouse has taken up residency and refuses the poison that I've set out for him. I hope he hurries and devours it so I can take back over my kitchen again!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
5 Jul 11
I thought I did too but I felt sorry for the one Mum's cat was playing with and I couldn't leave it to die..sad person that I am lol.
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
5 Jul 11
Good for you girl!!!
I know you'll never go back to processed foods now. You need to stay away from boiled potatoes and peas for a while. Try to wrap your potatoes in foil and bake them in the oven. Try to get carrots or broccoli. Its easy to cook. Try new veggies that you've never tried before. Try adding garlic and onions to your peas with a bit of olive oil and basil. Be creative. Look for new ways on the internet to cook the foods.
Of course, sometimes it wont work out.....its normal. But write down what you did wrong so you dont do it again and get right back up for the fight.
You should feel better soon, physically and emotionally !!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
5 Jul 11
Trust me, I don't like much veg but at least I'm experimenting a bit more and I loved that garlic sauce I did the other day. It looks like I'm getting spicier in my tastes lol.
1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
5 Jul 11
You can have spicy veggies too you know? Sorry Im trying to have you eat your veggies now HA!!
Sorry Im trying to have you eat your veggies now HA!!
@Memnon (2170)
•
4 Jul 11
I prefer to make from scratch whenever possible. Sometimes the restrictions of work interfere; so I'll often make up what I can on a Sunday for our weekday work lunches. If you haven't tried it the BBC also have a virtual binder that you can save recipes to - though you need to be online to view it. I've saved a fair bit to a folder on my desk top.
If you are thinking of using an electric oven more often you might like to think about investing in a halogen oven. It will cook most of what your oven/grill, and microwave can, but using a lot less electric. Even more importantly, it's a lot less hassle to clean- just a little water and washing up liquid.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
4 Jul 11
We do have an infra-red grill that is built into the oven (if that makes sense) and it's amazing because the heat is instant. Our oven is electric but we haven't had it that long so won't be replacing it anytime soon lol. Our hob on the top is gas. Mum has what looks like a halogen hob (it's part of the cooker, not seperate) and her electric oven is self-cleaning. Wish mine was lol. However, I tend to keep on top of it so the oven doesn't get too messed up. I have this dedicated oven cleaner from Cif that is odourless and does the trick extremely well.
Yes, I do know about the folder on the BBC website and I've saved a few recipes in there. I printed the ones off that I wanted but there are still a few "bits" I need to get from the shop.
@theknute (183)
•
3 Jul 11
Good for you on ditching the processed food! I think you'll find that you save a good deal of money! I can't say I've ever tried garlic granules, but we use the minced garlic packed in water and I love cooking with it. Garlic accompanies nearly every meal we have. The other day I decided to make my own marinade and it's very easy. Something like a cup of oil, half cup of italian seasoning, HEAP of garlic(4 Tbsp. or so), some salt, little pepper. And I used a liberal amount of parmesan cheese. Put our chicken bre-asts in it for less than an hour in the fridge, and put it over angel hair with broccoli on the side, WOW! Sooo good!
I think it was hilarious that so many people commented on rolling pin alternatives, even though you have your heart set on buying one. ROTFLMAO! If you need one cheap, you can usually find one at a yard sale if you like shopping that way.
(I still laugh at how MyLot considers chicken bre-asts mature content... LOL!!!)
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
4 Jul 11
Haha!
I made the mistake of going on the Denby website earlier and they have a red rolling-pin made of silicone would you believe. Sounds expensive, right?
WRONG!
It was £4.99 as they've got a MASSIVE sale on. I don't think I will buy one though. I'm on the hunt tomorrow in Town and I shan't return until I find one.
The alternative doesn't bear thinking about!@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
4 Jul 11
I haven't been to Town today because I've realised that I need to make a list but I will definitely go tomorrow as my ready-to-roll pastry is now thawing the fridge so it would be a pity to waste it i.e. not to roll it out lol.@theknute (183)
•
4 Jul 11
Instead of buying a rolling pin, if you have any short lengths of pvc pipe laying around, that would work just fine. Or you could fill a one liter bottle with pebbles if you don't have any pipe. Or you could take a thawed pound of ground beef, roll it up nice, cover it in plastic wrap and freeze it, and that works great!
Let me know how your rolling pin adventures go. :) Have fun!
@GardenGerty (160909)
• United States
2 Jul 11
Oh we tell ourselves all the time that we cook better than the restaurants. I buy very little convenience food. It is so much more interesting to use herbs and spices. We are watching a marathon of barbecue reipes right now. I am sure you will have many more lovely meals that are exciting and healthy as well.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Jul 11
Well, if the Garlic Chicken I made today is anything to go by, I'm on a roll..provided I can get hold of a rolling-pin!
I've seen a recipe online for making my own chicken burgers and people commenting reckon they are miles better than the shop-bought versions..so I can't wait to try that one out!
I've seen a recipe online for making my own chicken burgers and people commenting reckon they are miles better than the shop-bought versions..so I can't wait to try that one out!
@jwfarrimond (4473)
•
2 Jul 11
Welcome to the real world of cooking! I don't think that I have ever bought a processed "ready meal" in my life. All my food is prepared from scratch, if I want a pie, I'll make it myself, I bake my own bread - with a machine to be sure, but still my own and far better than the preservative loaded cotton wool that passes for bread these days.
I will confess to making stew using mostly tinned ingredients, but that's just so that I can buy in bulk and store the makings without risking them going off. I do like to experiment and I'll rarely leave a recipie alone without changing it in some way to either accomodate my own tastes or because of having to adapt it to use what I have available.
If I have potatos and veg, I'll always steam them rather than boil them. I usually cut up potatos into similar sized chunks (so that they all cook at the same speed) and I leave the skins on. This saves peeling and the skins are easily removed when the potatos are fully cooked.
On the subject of shopping, I rarely find that one place, even the big supermarkets, have all the things that I want so what I usually do is a big online supermarket shop about every 4 weeks, and then small shopping trips in the local shops to get stuff like milk and cheese and dry cat food. (The supermarket does not carry the variety of Purina that I get, so I go to Pets at Home) I could order that online as well, but it's actually easier to nip down to P@H when I'm running low.
I, (or rather the cats) go thorough a 3 kg bag of Purina in about 10 days and also 12, 400 gram tins of wet food every week so you can see why I'm keen on doing the main part of my shopping online! I've got seven cats in case you're wondering
I don't think that I have ever bought a processed "ready meal" in my life. All my food is prepared from scratch, if I want a pie, I'll make it myself, I bake my own bread - with a machine to be sure, but still my own and far better than the preservative loaded cotton wool that passes for bread these days.
I will confess to making stew using mostly tinned ingredients, but that's just so that I can buy in bulk and store the makings without risking them going off. I do like to experiment and I'll rarely leave a recipie alone without changing it in some way to either accomodate my own tastes or because of having to adapt it to use what I have available.
If I have potatos and veg, I'll always steam them rather than boil them. I usually cut up potatos into similar sized chunks (so that they all cook at the same speed) and I leave the skins on. This saves peeling and the skins are easily removed when the potatos are fully cooked.
On the subject of shopping, I rarely find that one place, even the big supermarkets, have all the things that I want so what I usually do is a big online supermarket shop about every 4 weeks, and then small shopping trips in the local shops to get stuff like milk and cheese and dry cat food. (The supermarket does not carry the variety of Purina that I get, so I go to Pets at Home) I could order that online as well, but it's actually easier to nip down to P@H when I'm running low.
I, (or rather the cats) go thorough a 3 kg bag of Purina in about 10 days and also 12, 400 gram tins of wet food every week so you can see why I'm keen on doing the main part of my shopping online! I've got seven cats in case you're wondering@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Jul 11
Our Pets At Home is down the road as well. We only have one cat though!
My Mum uses tinned meat for her Shepherd's Pie. M&S changed the recipe a while back (the sauce) and it tasted awful. Thankfully, they've reverted back to the original recipe so it's fine now. I use the lean mince so I've got one over Mum in that department lol.
I tend to put the potatoes in water at the bottom of the steamer (seasoned), then I will put my frozen garden peas on the next layer, plus carrots if I'm feeling adventurous. Haha!
We do have a local shop for the basics, plus a Netto over the road. Their pork chops are better value than Morrison's, for example.
I can't wait to visit our local butchers next week though as it has a very good reputation. Mum bought some lamb from there and cooked it when I stayed at her house and..honestly, it was the best lamb I've ever had..melt in the mouth stuff!
@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
3 Jul 11
Good for you. It is more healthy and it is even less expensive after you get the initial basic purchases out of the way. That chicken sounds delish! Glad it turned out good!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
4 Jul 11
It was delish but next time I will use a bit more chicken as I went off a supper recipe, so the amounts were smaller. Still awesome though!
I'm marinaded some more chicken in the fridge with this ace shop-bought Sweet Chilli with Garlic Sauce that was in a glass bottle (therefore I don't have to do it) lol. It's got natural ingredients in it and the red colour is amazing, which is the main reason I picked it up! I love glass too..much more tactile. I won't even pick up tomato ketchup if it isn't in a glass bottle. Fortunately, they have it in the shop round the corner from us.
I'm marinaded some more chicken in the fridge with this ace shop-bought Sweet Chilli with Garlic Sauce that was in a glass bottle (therefore I don't have to do it) lol. It's got natural ingredients in it and the red colour is amazing, which is the main reason I picked it up! I love glass too..much more tactile. I won't even pick up tomato ketchup if it isn't in a glass bottle. Fortunately, they have it in the shop round the corner from us. @anklesmash (1412)
•
3 Jul 11
When my mum goes shopping she tries to base the shopping list on meals that she is going to cook she says it helps her to stay on her diet as she is less likely to buy naughty treats,she dosen't forget anything and she dosent buy thing that goes to waste that we dont need.We use garlic granules as well and yes they are just as good and last longer and we have got some frozen garlic but we havent tried any of that yet.And i am going to look at the garlic central site for some nice recipes.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
4 Jul 11
I hope you find something good on garlic central site and thanks for taking the trouble to look..it's certainly helped a novice like me.
I've been told by my Mum that Garlic Paste is really good and lasts a long time but the granules are great too, so it's wonderful we have these "cheats" if you like, as I wouldn't fancy crushing garlic every day.
That WOULD be tiresome lol.
I've been told by my Mum that Garlic Paste is really good and lasts a long time but the granules are great too, so it's wonderful we have these "cheats" if you like, as I wouldn't fancy crushing garlic every day.
That WOULD be tiresome lol.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
3 Jul 11
Isn't it wonderful and a great feeling of accomplishment!
Here at home we rarely ever eat anything processed. We do a lot of the cooking from scratch, especially use up a great deal of left overs to create new types of dishes. I do enjoy making a lot of dishes from recipes too as I get a feeling that I made something completely new.
It certainly is a lot healthier to eat from scratch cooking and recipes as we simply do not know what those odd ingredients are in processed foods. I find it is okay once in a while to do so if one is in a hurry but when we have time to plan and create it certainly does make for a much more heartier meal.
Here at home we rarely ever eat anything processed. We do a lot of the cooking from scratch, especially use up a great deal of left overs to create new types of dishes. I do enjoy making a lot of dishes from recipes too as I get a feeling that I made something completely new.
It certainly is a lot healthier to eat from scratch cooking and recipes as we simply do not know what those odd ingredients are in processed foods. I find it is okay once in a while to do so if one is in a hurry but when we have time to plan and create it certainly does make for a much more heartier meal. @Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Jul 11
It is wonderful, you're right! I've never seen my cupboards so full lol.
In a glass bottle from the supermarket I have this wondrous-coloured (red) Sweet Chilli Marinade so I've gone and marinaded some chicken...and I've only used a bit so I can use it again some other time. I can't wait to dig the marinaded chicken out the fridge tomorrow to cook it. The smell is amazing. Notice the word "sweet" which appealed to me. I'm one of those that doesn't do the sour or too savoury that well.
I will let you know how it all turns out after tea tomorrow. Can you wait that long lol.
In a glass bottle from the supermarket I have this wondrous-coloured (red) Sweet Chilli Marinade so I've gone and marinaded some chicken...and I've only used a bit so I can use it again some other time. I can't wait to dig the marinaded chicken out the fridge tomorrow to cook it. The smell is amazing. Notice the word "sweet" which appealed to me. I'm one of those that doesn't do the sour or too savoury that well.
I will let you know how it all turns out after tea tomorrow. Can you wait that long lol.
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
4 Jul 11
I am glad that you got to cook the food the way you wanted. I have no choice because I am diabetic and I can not have all that other food. I need to stay away from all carbs and sugar. But i do eat lots of vegetables. I try to keep things simple as it makes it easier. And it's also hard today because of the price of food.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
4 Jul 11
Tell me about it! Such staples of cooking as the humble lemon and lime are a fortune. Next time we go in the supermarket (or maybe even tomorrow when I'm off out again) I shall pick up some Jiff lemon juice..and I think they might do a lime version as well. Fruit in general is mega-expensive but at least the things we've stocked up on in the cupboard we won't need to buy for a while..like chilli powder, that kind of thing.
Aren't diabetics supposed to have a bit of sugar in their diet, otherwise they feel a bit faint? Sorry I'm naive about the subject, I'd just like to know.
Such staples of cooking as the humble lemon and lime are a fortune. Next time we go in the supermarket (or maybe even tomorrow when I'm off out again) I shall pick up some Jiff lemon juice..and I think they might do a lime version as well. Fruit in general is mega-expensive but at least the things we've stocked up on in the cupboard we won't need to buy for a while..like chilli powder, that kind of thing.
Aren't diabetics supposed to have a bit of sugar in their diet, otherwise they feel a bit faint? Sorry I'm naive about the subject, I'd just like to know.
@changjiangzhibin89 (16785)
• China
3 Jul 11
It seems that I have smelled out the Garlic Chicken .The garlic can't be dispensed with when I cook chicken.It can sterilize besides chicken have a distinctive flavour,in addition,I like to add a bit of sugar and star anise to it.I have a few recipe books too.Sometimes,I copy mechanically,It is almost up to the mark.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
4 Jul 11
Mum told me on the telephone earlier that she has Garlic Paste that she uses in curries. She says it's really good and lasts a long time. Once our granules run out I shall be on the look-out for the paste instead.
If it's good enough for Mum, it's good enough for me lol.
1 person likes this
@dmiangrcia (29)
• Spain
2 Jul 11
Thanks for sharing the website, I also enjoy cooking since I grew up with good quality food in my house.
When I have the problem is in quantities... I tried many recipes and most of them worked really well but when I try to do it for someone else apart from me and my wife, I get a bit lost and it doesn't taste as good, also I guess I'm not good on calculations but, is there anyway to be sure that at least is not going to be a mess?
Still looking for it.
Thanks for sharing
=)
D
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Jul 11
I do know what you mean. I tend to look for recipes for two, as it can get a bit out of hand with all the ingredients.
I wouldn't like to cook for loads of people. Mum cooks for around 250 children at school Monday to Friday. I wouldn't know where to start!
@BarBaraPrz (47634)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
2 Jul 11
You could use a bottle in lieu of a rolling pin to roll out the crust.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Jul 11
I could (and thanks for the suggestion) but I've been after a rolling-pin for ages. Sad, I know but true!
1 person likes this
@LadyDulce (830)
• United States
2 Jul 11
Congratulations!!!!! You'll feel so much better and healthier for cutting out most processed foods. Garlic is good in just about anything, from eggs to steak to fresh veggies. I do have to say that I don't believe a home cook needs an actual rolling pin. I love to make pastries, which often need to be rolled cold, so I just use an old jar with a screw top lid. Fill with ice and proceed to roll. If you don't need to roll cold, you can leave the lid off and use the opening to stabilize the jar (just slip four fingers in the opening to keep a firm hold on it.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Jul 11
Thanks for your suggestion but I will see how cheap/expensive the rolling-pins are before making a decision on that.
@ebuscat (5935)
• Philippines
3 Jul 11
For me yes it is so that your cooked known is not vain until such you don't know the recipe.
