Thread: Favorite Cooking Shows/Books

I was never much of a cook. I hated it growing up and was very resistant to learning how to properly cook. But... I'm an adult now and no longer have my dad and mom to cook for me (unfortunately).

So I started with a couple small recipes and am moving up to more complicated things. Besides the internet, cooking shows have really taught me a lot. Seeing the foods prepared taught me a lot. Leaning how to properly sauté, fry, grill, etc. is sooo much easier when you see someone do it rather than read how to do it.

So what are your favorite cooking shows? I've become really interested in Lifetime's "Cook Yourself Thin". I really like how they show you healthy substitutions for things like butter in recipes. I made one of their healthy cupcakes (zucchini in place of butter!) and it was delicious!

What shows do you watch? Do you have a favorite recipe inspired by a cooking show?

And what are your favorite cookbooks? I just downloaded The Cook's Illustrated How-to-Cook Library for my Kindle. It's a great book (I haven't looked for an actual copy of the book, but I'm sure book stores carry it) that explains how to cook and has a lot of great recipes. I've flipped through a few other cook books but I'm not sure which to buy. Are there any cookbooks you consider a must-have?

I've seen a couple episodes of "30 Minute Meals with Rachel Ray" and liked it a lot. I've been meaning to watch it more regularly, but I keep on forgetting. I should set the DVR to record it when it comes on.

I have never heard of "Everyday Italian with Giada"- is that on the Food Network too?

Food Network makes me hungry, so I don't really watch cooking shows. I like the holiday shows, when they make elaborate cakes.

I could give you some food ideas, if you tell me what you like and don't like, just your preferences.

I eat extremely healthy, mostly raw, organic, unprocessed food but I love to experiment.

Thanks warhols_muse! The only thing I really don't like is mushrooms... almost everything else I can tolerate but not mushrooms!

What is a typical meal for you?

I LOVE watching the Food Network. I was never into cooking until I started watching it a few months ago.

My fave shows are:

• Barefoot Contessa (There's just something about her I love, lol. Plus, she makes all types of food!)
• Ace of Cakes (the cast is hilarious...and I LOVE cake!)
• Giada At Home (I LOVE italian!)
• Unwrapped (it's just a cool show to watch)

What is "Unwrapped" about? I've never heard of it before. Is it on the Food Network?

I've seen commercials for "Ace of Cakes" and have never gotten around to watching it. It looks like a great show.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

Originally Posted by Sammy

Thanks warhols_muse! The only thing I really don't like is mushrooms... almost everything else I can tolerate but not mushrooms!

What is a typical meal for you?

A typical meal for me? Chicken or fish with a lot vegetables over whole grain penne or brown rice with sea salt and cracked pepper and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

What are your tastes? Spicy? Mild? Etc.? What is your diet like? Vegan? Vegetarian? Raw? I can help you.