Cooking 101

It’s important to know how to cook. It’s cheaper and healthier than going to a restaurant or constantly eating fast food. Here are some simple recipes to settle your appetite and get you cooking in the kitchen.

This was part of a series of features about How to be an adult.

scrambled eggs for paper
Photo by Brandon Lemus

SCRAMBLED EGGS-
Ingredients:
Eggs
Milk or cream cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper
Directions:
1. Crack two eggs into a bowl and whisk until they are fully mixed (i.e. all you see is yellow).
2. Add a little milk or cream cheese for a creamier taste. Whisk to mix evenly.
3. Turn a stove top burner on medium heat and pour the eggs into a pan.
4. Using a spatula, continually stir the eggs so it doesn’t stick to the pan.
5. Add salt and pepper
6. Stir the eggs until they are no longer runny. This could take one to three minutes.
7. Use your spatula to place the eggs on a plate. Don’t forget to turn off the heat.

Spaghtti for paper
Photo by Kel Lemons

 

SPAGHETTI-
Ingredients:
Spaghetti noodles
Tomato or pasta sauce
Directions:
1. Fill a pot halfway with water and turn the stove top burner on high to bring the water to a boil.
2. Break noodles in half and add to the pot.
3. The pasta should take 7-11 minutes to boil (double check on the pasta box). Keep an eye on the pot to make sure it doesn’t boil over. (You may need to lower the temperature). Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick.
4. The pasta is done when it’s soft and easy to break. Use a colander to hold the pasta and drain the excess water in the sink.
5. Lower the temperature on the stove and place the pasta back in the pot.
6. Add tomato or pasta sauce to the pasta and cook on medium heat or if you prefer, use a separate pan to heat the sauce.

Salad for paper
Photo by Kel Lemons

 

SALAD-
Ingredients:
Spinach or lettuce
Tomatoes, carrots, avocados, bell peppers, green onions, etc.
Dressing (your pick)
Directions:
1. Put spinach or lettuce into a bowl. Break into smaller pieces if you prefer.
2. Using a cutting board and a knife, cut tomatoes and other vegetables into small pieces. Make sure your fingers are ½ or an inch away from the blade.
3. Add the chopped vegetables to the lettuce or spinach.
4. Add the dressing of your choice.
5. If you keep the dressing separate, you can make extra and place in a plastic container to eat throughout the week.

-compiled by Ilana Williams