Ways to Becoming an Excellent Cook

If you love good food and love eating then chances are you can turn into a great cook if you have the interest to learn. I personally started to learn cooking as a child only to give mom a break in the kitchen, this developed into an interest that I have pursued ever since. Cooking to me should be quick, not very laborious and taste very good. In order to become a fairly good cook I followed these steps below and hope it is of help to you too.
1) Always be willing to learn new techniques, tips and ideas that will help improve the taste of your dishes. Do not be shy or proud to ask another person about their recipe or techniques used.
2) Dedicate a spiral notebook to writing favorite recipes from immediate family members, extended family, friends or even strangers who you may meet at a party. If there is a dish I like, I make it a point to at least ask for the recipe and if I get it, I write it down in my recipe book as soon as possible.
3) Try cooking the dish before you begin to forget the details
4) As you practice cooking you will start noticing what you need to do to perfect the dish. You can make variations to the dish based on your taste or people's suggestions
5) You can follow a recipe book and try new recipes however I have not tried this method of learning. I prefer to get recipes from people of dishes I like best and work on learning and modifying those dishes.
6) If someone you know invites you home to watch how they make the dish go and watch them by all means. This is the best way to learn.
7) I once observed how a Philly cheese steak was made in a cafeteria, on my way home I picked up all the ingredients and tried the recipe. That was by far the best cheese steak I have had. So being observant can help you pick up recipes and recipe ideas easily.
8) There are days when the refrigerator is almost empty and I haven't had the time to shop for groceries. Necessity becomes the mother of invention and I concoct dishes that have tasted absolutely fabulous.
9) I always remember that a balanced diet is important so I sneak pureed carrots or other veggies into the gravy even though the recipe may not call for it.
If you get recipes of food you absolutely love and cook them, then over time you will enjoy your cooking and people will be impressed by all the good recipes you know. Always remember to share your recipes just as someone else was willing to share their special recipe with you!