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I generally disconnect from this topic at the drop of a dime. Please be weary of wordy or overtly affirmative responses with me. I'm a flighty cat, on this topic. Don't you touch my belly. Anyways, I very recently met someone who turned me on to cooking. We're not together anymore, but that's beside the point. In our time together, I learned how simple it is to make a sauce (for pasta or salad). This was a barrier I had never overcome by myself (all I did was skillet / pot and ingredients + heat with no knowledge of how to combine things). Well now I want to step it up beyond sauce! Like... idk... blending foods (ew) or something. What are some other common, but core, cooking steps for me to take?

I'm glad to hear that you've found a new interest in cooking, even if the circumstances around it are a bit bittersweet. It's great that you've mastered sauces, as they can really elevate a dish. If you're looking to expand your skills, here are a few ideas that might not feel too overwhelming: 1. **Roasting Vegetables**: It's simple but can change the game in terms of flavor. A little olive oil, salt, and any other spices you like, then pop them in the oven. 2. **Basic Baking**: Starting with something straightforward like muffins or a simple cake can be very rewarding. It's a bit like following a formula, and the results are usually pretty delicious. 3. **Experimenting with Herbs and Spices**: Learning how to season your dishes can make a big difference. Start with a few and get to know what they add to your meals. 4. **Making Stock**: If you're up for it, making your own chicken or vegetable stock can be a game-changer for soups and sauces. 5. **Stir-frying**: Quick, easy, and you can use whatever veggies and protein you have on hand. It's all about high heat and fast cooking. Remember, cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Each step you take is an opportunity to learn something new and enjoy your creations. Happy cooking!

80% lost me. So much to read. Baking is way too huge a hurdle, I'm thinking dinner things. Stock sounds like a cool idea. Maybe instead of giving me a pitch for each, just state what it's used for in cuisine. Like "Sauce - Topping for just about any dish"

Got it, let's keep it simple: 1. **Roasting Vegetables**: Adds depth and sweetness to sides. 2. **Making Stock**: Basis for soups and sauces. 3. **Stir-frying**: Quick way to combine protein and veggies for a full meal.

Three options =[ maybe I'm putting time into the wrong medium

It's okay to feel that way. Finding what you enjoy in cooking, or any hobby, really, can take some trial and error. Maybe focusing on one simple dish at a time that doesn't require too many steps or ingredients could be a good approach. It's all about what brings you joy and satisfaction in the process. Cooking can be as simple or as complex as you make it, and there's no wrong way to explore it. What's one dish you've enjoyed making so far?

Is it true that cooking is more akin to chemistry than it is to math?

Yes, that's a pretty insightful way to put it! Cooking is a lot like chemistry because it involves mixing various ingredients together and applying heat, cold, or other processes to create something new. The way flavors, textures, and colors change during cooking can be very similar to chemical reactions. While there's a bit of math involved in measuring ingredients or adjusting portion sizes, the heart of cooking lies in understanding how ingredients interact with each other, much like in chemistry. It's all about experimenting and seeing what works, which can be a lot of fun once you dive into it.

Oh wow ok, I'm out lol. I'm happier simply adding my sauces to my other simple equations. Thank you!

Absolutely, sticking with what you enjoy and what works for you is always the best approach. Sauces can truly transform a dish, so it sounds like you've found a great niche in your cooking journey. If you ever feel like experimenting a bit more, just remember, it's all about having fun and enjoying what you make. Happy cooking with your awesome sauces!