Cook Yourself Thin Book

There is nothing more comforting than the smell of Christmas cookies fresh out of the oven. As a little girl, I remember eagerly watching my mom, as she would carefully remove the hot cookie sheets from the oven. I couldn’t wait to help decorate with the homemade frosting, the cinnamon candies and the multi-colored sprinkles that would make each cookie design come to life. Those were different times then. Mom didn’t work outside the home and family lives weren’t as hectic as they are today. Today, it seems like there is a mad rush from Halloween to Christmas Day and little time to simply enjoy the moments shared. You can enjoy the fun times of homemade holiday baking by planning ahead of time. Christmas cookies make delicious, thoughtful gifts and are a great way to involve children in the festivities. First, let’s look at the calendar and start planning with enough time. The first thing is to decide if you are going to bake holiday cookies for home, for entertaining or if you are going to be giving them as gifts and how many. Allow yourself plenty of time to start getting things together. Late October isn’t too early. Next, let’s decide how many varieties of cookies to bake. A variety is nice, but too many can be overwhelming. I like to bake three to four different types of cookies. This way, I can make larger dough batches ahead of time, and still have a nice display. Once you’ve decided how many different kinds you are going to bake, the next thing to do is pick your recipes. Whether you use your own Christmas cookie book or find recipes on the web, make a copy of each so that you can keep them all together. This makes it simpler than flipping around from the various cookbooks and will also help to make sure your cookbooks don’t get soiled, either. Now it’s time to gather your ingredient list. Determine how many cookies you want to make of each recipe and then adjust your ingredients accordingly. Make one list of all ingredients, so that shopping can be done in one trip without forgetting important items. Let’s review the recipes to see if there is any dough that can be made and frozen ahead of time. This will be a huge time-saver as later on, you will simply be able to defrost the dough, bake and decorate. Since you have all already shopped for the ingredients, set aside an hour or so to mix the dough recipes. Let’s get out that calendar again and pick a time to set aside for the actual baking. Since we’ve already prepared the dough, all we need to do is organize our decorations. It’s best to just do one type of cookie at a time, this way you won’t have to go back and forth between cookies. Whether it’s during the week or on the weekend, clear off everything else from that day except for your baking. This way, you’re not rushed and can simply enjoy the day. If you will be involving children, this is a great time to just enjoy very special moments together. These special times come once a year and sometimes once in a lifetime. Christmas baking is a memorable tradition that you can start with your family. There is nothing more comforting than the smell of Christmas cookies fresh out of the oven. As a little girl, I remember eagerly watching my mom, as she would carefully remove the hot cookie sheets from the oven. I couldn’t wait to help decorate with the homemade frosting, the cinnamon candies and the multi-colored sprinkles that would make each cookie design come to life. Those were different times then. Mom didn’t work outside the home and family lives weren’t as hectic as they are today. Today, it seems like there is a mad rush from Halloween to Christmas Day and little time to simply enjoy the moments shared. You can enjoy the fun times of homemade holiday baking by planning ahead of time. Christmas cookies make delicious, thoughtful gifts and are a great way to involve children in the festivities. First, let’s look at the calendar and start planning with enough time. The first thing is to decide if you are going to bake holiday cookies for home, for entertaining or if you are going to be giving them as gifts and how many. Allow yourself plenty of time to start getting things together. Late October isn’t too early. Next, let’s decide how many varieties of cookies to bake. A variety is nice, but too many can be overwhelming. I like to bake three to four different types of cookies. This way, I can make larger dough batches ahead of time, and still have a nice display. Once you’ve decided how many different kinds you are going to bake, the next thing to do is pick your recipes. Whether you use your own Christmas cookie book or find recipes on the web, make a copy of each so that you can keep them all together. This makes it simpler than flipping around from the various cookbooks and will also help to make sure your cookbooks don’t get soiled, either. Now it’s time to gather your ingredient list. Determine how many cookies you want to make of each recipe and then adjust your ingredients accordingly. Make one list of all ingredients, so that shopping can be done in one trip without forgetting important items. Let’s review the recipes to see if there is any dough that can be made and frozen ahead of time. This will be a huge time-saver as later on, you will simply be able to defrost the dough, bake and decorate. Since you have all already shopped for the ingredients, set aside an hour or so to mix the dough recipes. Let’s get out that calendar again and pick a time to set aside for the actual baking. Since we’ve already prepared the dough, all we need to do is organize our decorations. It’s best to just do one type of cookie at a time, this way you won’t have to go back and forth between cookies. Whether it’s during the week or on the weekend, clear off everything else from that day except for your baking. This way, you’re not rushed and can simply enjoy the day. If you will be involving children, this is a great time to just enjoy very special moments together. These special times come once a year and sometimes once in a lifetime. Christmas baking is a memorable tradition that you can start with your family.

In order for any kitchen to be considered well-stocked in the way of kitchen tools and gadgets, there are a few “must have” items that every cook (or aspiring cook) needs. These cooking accessories are truly the staples of any kitchen and no cook should be without these items when preparing delicacies of any kind. Cooking accessories and kitchen tools are the basics for any recipe and a great way to build up a truly amazing kitchen. You will be able to achieve all the classic recipes that Mom taught you and even more!

The Cast Iron Skillet

While for some this may be an obvious essential cooking accessory, many people do not have a cast iron skillet in their kitchen! A cast iron skillet is one of the most basic cooking accessories available. Around for decades, cast iron skillets are so versatile (yet incredibly heavy) they can be taken from the stovetop to the oven to the grill to the campfire. You can cook anything, anytime, anywhere with a cast iron skillet. In a cast iron skillet you can make traditional cornbread, scrambled eggs, or even a restaurant style steak! Also, if you have a small cast iron skillet, you can use it as a Panini or bacon press without spending the extra money!

The Dutch Oven

No kitchen should be without a Dutch oven. In fact, one or two ovens in different sizes are an ideal addition to any kitchen. The possibilities of what a Dutch oven can be used to make are absolutely limitless. A good Dutch oven is bottom-heavy and is typically used to make baked beans, sauces, soups, chili, stews, and even chicken and biscuits. To get the most out of your Dutch oven, be sure to get one that can go from the stovetop to the oven to the table. Some of the best Dutch ovens, especially those made of cast iron covered in porcelain, cost a pretty penny but will last you the rest of your life!

The Food Processor

The food processor is one of those essential cooking accessories that every cook, especially a busy cook, should have. A food processor can be an incredible time saver. A good quality, heavy duty food processor should last a long time. Food processors with plenty of power can be huge advantages when preparing food, especially if you are pressed for time. A food processor can help chop nuts in an instant, make salad dressings, dips, and so much more. In fact, most recipes these days assume that the kitchen is stocked with a food processor and include such instructions in their details.

The Roasting Pan

Another item no cook or kitchen should be without a basic roasting pan. This cooking accessory is a classic and a must-have in any kitchen. A good roasting pan will be made with durable materials and have sturdy handles for those heavy roasts and turkeys. You will be able to prepare the best turkey, hams, and roast beefs with your roasting pan, there is no need to buy more than one. They are versatile and a good quality roasting pan can last you for years. Furthermore, you can use them on the stovetop to sear meats before roasting or to make gravy. Stay on the lookout for a roasting pan that comes equipped with a rack.

The Knives

Go ahead and splurge on a set of good quality knives, you will be thankful in the coming years. No matter what recipe you choose to make, chances are there will be a fair amount of slicing, dicing, and chopping. The best kitchen knives are made of forged metals – usually steel. Forged knives simply have the blade go all the way to the bottom of the handle so no ugly mishaps with falling blades occur. To go with your knife set, be sure to get a good quality knife sharpener to keep them razor sharp everyday!

The Butcher Block and Kitchen Cart

If your kitchen has the space, invest in a butcher block and kitchen cart. Most nice kitchen carts come with a butcher block right on top. The benefits of this combination are two-fold. You have the ultimate cutting surface right on the top (with a lot of extra work and prep space) as well as additional storage for your kitchen. Even the most basic kitchens can benefit from such a set up.

The Cookbooks

Whether you consider yourself a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, a set of good cookbooks is an essential kitchen accessory. Not everyone knows how to make everything. Every kitchen should be the home to a cookbook that shows how to make basic sauces and dishes – along with pictures so that you know what it’s supposed to look like! A good cookbook can be a lifesaver, even to the experienced cook when he or she runs out of ideas for the week.

Like many folks on Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends, you might be making plans to go camping, or planning a BBQ, or even going somewhere for a picnic. 

Whatever the event, if you are the one in charge of the meal planning and cooking, if time allows, please try some of my make-ahead food ideas before, so that you can have more time to relax and to enjoy yourself and your family on the actual day of the event!

Just because you are the one in charge of the planning and cooking, it doesn’t mean you have to be busy doing EVERYTHING food-related that day. Consider these make-ahead food ideas:

Make-Ahead Marinated Chicken and Steak 

Adding steak and chicken to the hamburger and hotdog menu is easy. The prep. time for any of my marinated steak, teriyaki chicken and Thai Chicken recipes is 15 minutes at the most.  For days or weeks before, combine the marinade and meat in a freezer bag and freeze according to the recipe’s directions. Remove from the freezer the day before the event and place in the refrigerator to thaw. For a day ahead, marinate and refrigerate for 24 hours.  When your grill is pre-heated, you will be ready.

Make-Ahead Stuffed Beef Tenderloin

For a special, out-of the-ordinary indulgence, how does a beef tenderloin stuffed with spinach, Swiss cheese, garlic and mushrooms and slow cooked on the rotisserie grill sound?  Although beef tenderloin is very expensive per pound (check out your local wholesale club for the best price) it is definitely worth a once-a-year Memorial Day event! Estimate ½ lb. per person, and a five pound tenderloin will easily feed about 10 people. My stuffed beef tenderloin recipe includes make-ahead instructions for the stuffing, allowing you to make the stuffing a day ahead.

The day you are ready for the grill, rinse the beef under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.  Cut a lengthwise pocket into the side of the beef and fill with the stuffing.  Tie the beef tightly with 5 or 6 separate strings to keep the pocket closed.  Cut off the excess strings if they’re hanging.  Rub the outside of the beef with the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.  Insert a cooking thermometer in the center in the thickest part of the beef (not the stuffing.)  Grill on a rotisserie (or bake in the oven at 375°F) until the thermometer registers rare in the center.  Do not overcook.  The ends will be more done.  Let the beef rest for 15 minutes before you cut it.  Remove the strings.  Cut into ½ inch slices. Your guests will think you labored over extravagant cooking recipes, while you too are sitting and enjoying this delicacy.

Make-Ahead Cole Slaw and Pasta Salads

My cookbook contains some easy make-ahead cole slaw and broccoli slaw recipes. Whether its broccoli salad, Hawaiian cole slaw, or healthy broccoli slaw, it is simple to make these a day ahead. Make the dressing a day ahead and refrigerate.  Assemble the other ingredients and refrigerate. To avoid a soggy cole slaw, add the dressing and toss your cole slaw right before your BBQ.

My Italian sub and macaroni pasta salad recipes can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, and these will taste delicious the day of the event.

Make-Ahead Desserts

Dessert breads are a great finger-food for a picnic or an after BBQ treat. Many of my easy dessert bread recipes like banana bread, cinnamon bread, blueberry bread or strawberry bread, allow for making ahead and freezing.

After baking two loaves of bread (many of my bread recipes will yield two loaves) wait until they are completely cooled. Next, wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in a vacuum bag to freeze. Take them out of the vacuum sealed bags to thaw, this way the breads are already wrapped and ready for you to serve in about 4 hours.

Kids always go for the cookies, even big (adult-sized) kids! Homemade cookies are simple, make-ahead desserts that are a great finish to any picnic or BBQ.  Making Ahead is easy when you flash freeze your cookie dough. Use the flash freezing method for my cookie recipes and you will have fantastic results.  These cookie recipes include: big ginger cookies; brownie cookies; macadamia nut cookies; oatmeal cookies; peanut butter chocolate chip crackles; peanut butter kiss cookies; snickerdoodles; and everyone’s favorite, chocolate chip cookies. You can find these cookie recipes, as well as, all of the above mentioned recipes and make ahead directions in my Make-ahead Meals for Busy Moms Cookbook.  

The more prep. work you do in advance, the more fun you will have at your BBQ. You want to be in the fresh air and sunshine NOT in your kitchen!

My cookbook contains some easy make-ahead cole slaw and broccoli slaw recipes. Whether its broccoli salad, Hawaiian cole slaw, or healthy broccoli slaw, it is simple to make these a day ahead. Make the dressing a day ahead and refrigerate.  Assemble the other ingredients and refrigerate. To avoid a soggy cole slaw, add the dressing and toss your cole slaw right before your BBQ.

My Italian sub and macaroni pasta salad recipes can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, and these will taste delicious the day of the event.

Make-Ahead Desserts

Dessert breads are a great finger-food for a picnic or an after BBQ treat. Many of my easy dessert bread recipes like banana bread, cinnamon bread, blueberry bread or strawberry bread, allow for making ahead and freezing.

After baking two loaves of bread (many of my bread recipes will yield two loaves) wait until they are completely cooled. Next, wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in a vacuum bag to freeze. Take them out of the vacuum sealed bags to thaw, this way the breads are already wrapped and ready for you to serve in about 4 hours.

Kids always go for the cookies, even big (adult-sized) kids! Homemade cookies are simple, make-ahead desserts that are a great finish to any picnic or BBQ.  Making Ahead is easy when you flash freeze your cookie dough. Use the flash freezing method for my cookie recipes and you will have fantastic results.  These cookie recipes include: big ginger cookies; brownie cookies; macadamia nut cookies; oatmeal cookies; peanut butter chocolate chip crackles; peanut butter kiss cookies; snickerdoodles; and everyone’s favorite, chocolate chip cookies. You can find these cookie recipes, as well as, all of the above mentioned recipes and make ahead directions in my Make-ahead Meals for Busy Moms Cookbook.  

The more prep. work you do in advance, the more fun you will have at your BBQ. You want to be in the fresh air and sunshine NOT in your kitchen!

When you’re building an online business, you will most likely be advised to find a hungry niche: a target market consisting of prospects who are able and willing buy what you offer. Most marketers soon realize that customers buy what they want, not what they need. They will often find a way to buy if their desire is strong enough.
I identify two types of a hungry market: the cookbook and the tire store. One market always wants “just one more” and the other wants “just one – right now.”
By way of contrast, it’s harder to sell “nice to have” novelty products, such as the lavender salad dressing I bought last year.
Cookbook business: Remember the potato chip commercials that teased us about eating just one — and stopping? This business model targets customers who will always want “just one more.”
People who are into cooking rarely own just one cookbook. They have dozens and they’re always buying more. They also buy cooking accessories. Their friends give them cooking gadgets for birthdays.
You know you have a cookbook business when your market keeps buying more and more products in the same category. Cookbook businesses include quilting, knitting, teddy bears, dogs (ever meet a dog with just 1 toy? Either zero or too many – and I have 4 dog beds for 1 dog), golf, and yes, Internet marketers.
Tire Store: When was the last time you visited a tire store? I bet you weren’t “just looking.”
Customers buy tires to replace flat or worn out tires. They rarely browse around a tire store on a lazy Sunday afternoon. They rarely comparison shop. They buy because they’re, well, desperate.
Tire store businesses target customers who think their business is failing, seek solutions to embarrassing personal problems, can’t seem to lose weight, want to save a failing relationship and/or just received a diagnosis of cancer or diabetes.
Lavender salad dressing: Does anybody search for this product? No. Do food shoppers buy it? You bet.
Every year my favorite upscale food store, Metropolitan Market, holds a lavender special. Last year, waiting at the checkout counter, I bought a jar of lavender salad dressing. I rarely even buy salad dressing: give me olive oil and balsamic vinegar any day. It was delicious.
The problem is, this type of product often doesn’t do well on the Internet. It’s a “nice to have,” not a solution to a problem. If you fit this category, you need to get in front of readers while they’re looking for something else.
To take just one example, I have an ebook about intuition for career and business challenges. Not a hot topic on the Internet. But I promote it on web pages related to careers and to business. I offer it as a bonus with other purchases. So readers see my ebook when they’re looking for something else.

If you love watching television cooking shows, then you probably are obsessed with food and cooking. Chances are you probably gravitate toward every cooking show in the television. Every dessert makes your mouth water. You may not be a huge fan of seafood but you appreciate the art of preparing delicious seafood dishes.

The Attraction of Cooking Shows

Television cooking shows, however, do not just offer entertainment. There are several benefits to watching cooking shows. Although, cookbooks are great, nothing beats watching a real live person teaching you how to cook a particular dish. It is more exciting to see the actual process of preparing a recipe starting from preparing the ingredients to actually serving the dish on a platter.

Since it is highly unlikely for regular folks to get celebrity chefs to teach them in person how to cook, the best they can do is to turn on the television. You probably share the same sentiment. You probably have to make do with watching professional chefs in your TV.

People generally watch television cooking shows to learn new dishes that they can eat on a regular basis. Nowadays, people prefer to watch these shows than to open their cookbooks. In fact, many cookbooks are probably gathering dusts on people’s shelves.

Good television cooking shows have the ability of making you feel like you are actually in a real kitchen where you can actually smell the simmering stew and taste the delicious dessert. Even if people never have the opportunity to pursue a culinary education, they will certainly learn a lot from watching these cooking shows.

In truth, people can actually become accomplished cooks from merely watching these shows regularly. It is easier to learn when you can actually see the cooking process. Reading cookbooks and following the procedures can be a bit complicated. It is far easier to follow a procedure when you can actually see someone doing it.

Learning from Television Cooking Shows

Many people enjoy cooking while watching the show’s host preparing and cooking the same dish. This is why many prefer to watch shows that offer home cook meal recipes. Gourmet cooking shows are harder to follow because people don’t often have half the ingredients that they would need for a particular dish. People need to relate to cooking shows. It would be hard for them to do this if they haven’t even heard of the ingredients.

Regular viewers of television cooking shows discover that by watching their favorite culinary programs and by practicing what they learn from these shows, they effectively improve their cooking skills. Basically, they develop basic knowledge and appreciation of all kinds of food ingredients. They learn what spices complement a particular dish. They develop the knack of turning regular dishes into amazingly delicious meals.

The best thing about this is that people get this knowledge for free! They can even share what they have learned with friends and relatives. It is always fun to call friends over to check out your latest food creations or experiments.

What You Learn from Television Cooking Shows

You will certainly learn a lot of things from TV cooking shows. If you love to grill foods, you will learn the secrets to grilling your meat and vegetables properly. You will likely learn more from these shows than from your cookbook. For instance, you would likely learn that it is always advisable to boil your ribs and chicken before you actually grill them. By boiling the meat, you are assured that the meat is thoroughly cooked. You will also probably learn the difference between gas-grilled and charcoal-grilled foods.

Another secret that you would learn is the art of grilling vegetables without burning them! Sunday dinners with your family will be more appealing if you are serving delicious foods.

There are television cooking shows that offer the opportunity to learn how to cook foreign dishes or gourmet meals. Unless you want to pursue a culinary career, you don’t have to enroll in formal culinary school just to learn how to create gourmet meals. You can pick up a few recipes and tricks just by watching the television. You can definitely learn a few Italian, Chinese, Japanese and French dishes just by watching different television cooking shows.

You can make wonderful dishes. All you need to do is to check out some of the best culinary programs in your television.