How to Make a Delicious Home Cooked Meal

In these days of fast food, take out, and families that eat out every night, it is a rare thing to have a home cooked meal unless it is a special occasion. But it doesn't have to be so uncommon. If you want to make an easy, delicious, and beautiful home cooked meal, just follow these simple steps.

1. Have the Right Tools
You should have a basic collection of kitchen tools.

This includes:
a small sauce/saute pan
a medium sized pot
a glass pan that is oven safe with a lid
a spatula
a ladle
a slotted spoon
tongs
a utility knife (about a 5" blade)
a potato peeler
a garlic press (not necessary but definitely recommended)
a can opener
a cutting board
a cookie sheet or a flat stoneware pan
potholders

2. Make a Plan
You are not going to get very far past the snack and frozen foods at the supermarket unless you make a specific list of what and how much you will need and follow it. This is also a very good idea if you are on a budget.

A sample list for a dinner with a beef roast with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus is shown here:
5 lb roast
olive oil
3 garlic cloves
salt
pepper
1 small onion
2 bundles of asparagus
5 lb bag of russet potatoes
2 sticks of butter
16 oz container of sour cream

3. Go Shopping
Simply stick to your list and pick up anything else you see that is within your budget that might go well with your meal.

Examples are:
a bottle of wine
a snack or appetizer
some dessert
pretty paper napkins
a candle or bouquet of flowers to put in the center of the table

4. Plan Your Schedule
This is something that a novice cook might not think to do. It is important because you do not want your asparagus or your mashed potatoes to be finished 20 minutes before your roast. By then your sides will be cold. But good planning can prevent this situation.

If you are cooking a roast or some other type of meat, read the recipe and figure out exactly how long it is going to take. Then you can coordinate when you will begin the other parts of your meal so they are all done within 5 or 10 minutes of each other. Don't forget about things like if you are making mashed potatoes you need to incorporate time into your schedule for things like peeling and boiling. Prep work like this is always necessary and sometimes forgotten when planning.

5. Do Not Get Distracted
While you are cooking your meal do not sit down to read a book or check your email when things are in the oven or on the stove without setting a timer. It is very easy even for the most experienced cook to forget about their meal when something else comes up.

6. Take Pride in Your Meal
When serving the plates remember that you put all this effort into it. Don't simply plop the potatoes on the plate and toss the asparagus and the meat next to it. Place everything nicely and neatly. You would be surprised how even a delicious meal can look less appetizing if it is presented poorly.

While setting the table, pay attention to the silverware placement. If you are serving something that needs to be cut, don't forget to set a knife. Think about things like putting salt and pepper and napkins at the table. Make the overall appearance of your table one of order and neatness.

7. Relax and Eat
Finally, just sit down, relax, and enjoy your hard work. Make sure you savor your bites to remind yourself that cooking is very much worth it when you make the effort.