Cookbook / Recipe archives

[HolyG]

Hey,

I am looking to start cooking my own meals within a couple weeks (graduated college). I don't want to temp myself by eating junk food like Wendys, etc.

I lift weights quite often, so protein filled meals are a plus.

Mainly though, I'm looking for moderately low calorie meals so I can keep fat down to the bare minimum - I'm looking to stay lean. I'm already heavy enough, so would anyone be able to recommend some good recipes / cookbooks for eating healthy (and tasty!) food?

 

[Alle_Gory]

Before you cook anything, what is your kitchen setup like?

Cooking space, pots, pans, knives, and something to broil grill or bake... etc.

 

[HolyG]

Small apt. , room for one person in the kitchenette

I plan on buying all necessary utensils after I get back from vacation.

Microwave and oven are the tools. If I can find an inexpensive grill or whatever to chicken, I'll get that too

 

[zekko]

If you have something like a George Foreman grill or a panini maker, this is a very simple way to make chicken:

Take some chicken breasts and cover liberally on both sides with some Creole Seasoning and cook them on the grill.
As an alternative to the Creole Seasoning, I also like to use some Asian spices, or some type of chicken rub. You can really use whatever kind of spices or seasoning that you like.

The chicken on the grill comes out kind of crunchy on the outside and tender and moist on the inside. Like I said, it's very simple, but it adds a little zip to your chicken, and it's healthy.

 

[Alle_Gory]

Microwaves are nice, but they have limited uses when it comes to cooking.
Ever try to make a roast in a microwave? Doesn't sound very appetizing.

Because of your size constraints, I suggest you look into multi-appliances.

Like a toaster oven you can use as a grill/rotissery. These things: http://www.nextag.com/toaster-oven-rotisserie/products-html

You can use it as a toaster, small oven for heating meals in place of a microwave, and a rotissery. Because the food is suspended the fat drips off like the george foreman.

Other than that, I recommend some kind of blender/food processor hybrid. If you ever need to make a sauce, or some kind of paste you wish you had a food processor. This thing: http://www.blenderandfoodprocessor.com/smartpower-duet-blender-food-processor.html

Other brands exist, this is just a quick search.


Also, knives. Do you have any and what kind? Cutting boards? Some kind of strainer and large pot(s)? Smaller pots? Skillets?

I suggest you stay away from cheapo cooking utensils. The cheap ones are made of thin metal that will warp over time because of the heat. If you want to save money, you can look into cast iron cookware. Low priced but they last forever if you take care to oil them once in awhile.

 

[Huffman]

I like this topic! I'm looking for more food options too.

Anyone share some more QUICK meals? What I eat at home is usually one of the following:

• Bread (wholegrain/rye) with lean ham or stuff. If I feel I REALLY need calories then I'll have some spreads (like jam or peanut butter), but not too much. Also cans of flavoured Tuna go well with bread.
• Sandwich toaster: Bread/toast/whatever, and combine with whatever. I like tuna, a little cheese, a little ketchup.
• Stir-fry or curry: Fry some diced meat, anything really, add some pre-cooked sauce. There's some really nice tasting Thai/Malay/Indian ones. Indian can be fat though (creamy butter chicken etc), so pay attention. Rice with that; if you feel really healthy you can use wholegrain rice.
• Spaghetti: Brown mincemeat, then drain the fat with a strainer. Add onion and brown some more. Add pre-cooked bolognese sauce. (you can make your own but need lotsa ingredients). Season with Salt,Pepper,Oregano,Rosemary,whatever you have. Let cook for as long as you like, which is not long for me because I'm hungry! Cook some spaghetti with that. You can have alot of sauce (because it's not fat) but not so many spaghetti, so you don't overeat on carbs. Also, I only eat one plate of food, never two. Have the second 2 hours later.
• Sometimes I have a big steak and eat some bread with it.
• Random fruit, slice up and snack on it.
• Porridge, or cold Muesli. I mix alot of stuff and add milk. Always with oats, not too much sweet/processed stuff. Add some Apple/Banana for flavour.
• It's summer down here, so I have a lot of smoothies. Take some sweet fruit (Pineapple, Banana, whatever), and add some neutral vegetables (carrots or cucumber). Lotsa fiber, not too sweet, refreshing!

Yeah, whenever you cook big, eat only one plate of it, save the rest for later.
Give me some ideas, I'm hungry already