Friday, January 30, 2009

Hell's (to the naw) Kitchen

I like to consider myself to be a man of many talents. Some I utilize daily, while others just every once and a while. And of course like every one there are some things I am not too good at. So with that said, there is something I have something to admit. This may shock some of you, but I'll explain in further detail as you keep reading. So here's it is [cue dramatic music]...






I don't Cook!



Yes I know a shocker right? LoL. So you're probably thinking 1 of 2 things. Do I not cook because I don't know how to or because I am just lazy? Well I would say it is a little combination of the 2. Whenever asked whether I can cook I always reply "just the basics." So that means your basic chicken, fried or baked and any ready made meals involving browning ground beef. Also, Breakfast items: pancakes, french toast, eggs, etc. So you get it just the basics. As basic as those meals are I honestly won't even cook them.

As for my admitted laziness, I feel I have a right to be. I get up every morning and slave for the man. When I get off work I want to do 2 things, and neither involves slaving over a hot stove. First, I want to relax and second I want a nice cold beer to sip on. I know it's pretty sad (don't judge me. Lol). Even though I may not look like it, what's even sadder is that I love to eat. LoL. However, if I have to get up and cook it, 9 times out of 10 it's just not going to happen. Thank God for fast food. For further clarification here's my schedule. During the week I'm a single bachelor and as long as there is a nearby restaurant I will definitely eat. Now on the weekends I have my son. But not to worry he's not subjected to scarfing down the fast food that I normally eat. On the weekends my mom pays a visit and my son and I both get some good ol' home cookin'. Trust me he should be grateful for grandmothers, I've also tasted his mom's cooking. LoL. So as you can see there's a good balance for the most part. Lol.

Now if you want to know how often I cook let me share this funny story. About a year ago my brother was in town. Me him and my mom were at my place. Prior to getting off of work and they called me asking me to pick up some buns for some Sloppy Joe's they were making. So, as I come in from work I grab my brew and chill for a few minutes and watch TV with my mom and bro. They were pretty into whatever they were watching. Normally I would wait for one of them to cook, but for some reason that day I was hungrier than average and was ready to eat.


Determined not to starve, I got up and went to the kitchen. The ground beef was already out. So I threw it in the pan and started to brown the meat. Well about 5 minutes later the meat starts to sizzle. That's when I hear my brother from the living room "What are you doing Man!?!" I yelled back "I'm making these Sloppy Joe's man." The next thing I know my mom starts busting up laughing. So I step out of the kitchen and ask them "what's so funny?" My mom has a big smile on her face and my brother is sort of shaking his head in defeat. My mom says "we'll tell you once you finish cooking."

So I finished browning the meat, added the Sloppy Joe mix, a little seasoning, and it was done. I grabbed some buns and made me a couple Sloppy Joe sandwiches. After I finished eating they began to explain the laughter. Apparently they had made a bet. (Keep in mind competition and betting is somehow embedded in us). The bet was that I wouldn't cook at least 3 meals by my next birthday. My mom was betting for me while my brother bet against me. The bet had been going on I believe since like September of that year 2007. Well prior to this Sloppy Joe meal my mom had gained a significant advantage. Thanksgiving 2007 we all cooked separate dishes. I tried to get out of it, but my mom persuaded me to make the dressing (see pic to left). Then when Christmas came around the following month I made the macaroni & cheese and the dressing again. Therefore, when I began making the Sloppy Joe's I clenched the win for my mom. Moms was able to double up on a previous $20 bet with my brother winning her $40 because of that meal. LoL.

Well fast forward to 2009. I'm not really a New Year's resolution type person, so I don't write down what I want to do throughout the new year. However, I make small mental notes of things I want to accomplish and or do in the new year. I find it easier for me especially in case I don't them done. That way I don't have that list staring at me daily come the end of the year. So I made a mental note to perhaps, maybe, possibly start cooking more. LoL. Then a couple weeks ago I watched one of Darius' Every Day Cookin' videos. Wow!! All I can say is he make it all look so easy and beyond appetizing. I was dead set on trying it out. But unfortunately, it didn't happen. But I figured maybe one of these days. LoL.

Well that day came much sooner than expected. After I recently told a friend about an upcoming date, she suggested that I cook for my date. It took some convincing and encouraging, but she got me to do it. She even coached me through the process via phone. The result? Well despite my apprehension at first, you can see for yourself below the meal turned out fine. No burns or mishaps. Also, it tasted good. My date concurred that the meal was good as well. She also suggested that I could cook for her again. LoL. So overall I say it was a success!! So, with my first meal of the year in the books hopefully # 2 will be even better. I'll keep you guys updated.

Menu: Bow Tie Chicken Pasta, Steamed Broccoli & Garlic Toast.

White Merlot Wine.



Special Thanks to my chef mentor! LoL.

--C-Recks-- aka The Ghetto Chef Cor R D. LoL

24 comments:

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

dang folk all men should cook. my mom taught me not to let a woman in my kitchen if she could not cook better than me. But no biggy if u wanted to u could. Im just old scholl and been cooking since 5th grad. BTW , last night broiled red snapper, w cappers and black olives, asperagus and red wine sauce and of course starch (wild rice). when u a single parent kids wont have it no other way... be safe folk...me off to teach statistics

when the head of my manhood is lodged past her Adenoids

Kingsmomma said...

Uh oh Checf C recks in the building...

If you put your mind to cooking everyday it wouldn't seem like slaving. But Good job with teh dinner. I hope to see many more hell's kicthen posts from you


OOOOOh,
apparently fried chicken is not the basics. A friend of mine once cooked it for her man and it was still very red. wingettes no less.

Anonymous said...

Good for you....

It does look good...

The food network has some great cooking shows...

Personally, I love "down Home With the neely's, Paula Dean, Big Daddy's House, and i can't think of the other one, but the host is name (sunny??)..

anyway, good Job!!!

Sexxy Luv said...

lmao @ The Ghetto Chef Cor R D.

now that the kitchen is your friend i'm sure you can try your hands at one of Darius' meals. :)

happy friday!

ps-cant find my blog...have you seen it?

Humbly Beautiful said...

Congrats!!! Hope #2 goes well. You have to find what you are good at cooking. Master a few dishes and they will go along way. Watching cooking shows can give you inspiration...you don't have to get all fancy to make a meal taste good...trial and error is the best way to learn.

Jillian said...

well keep puttin in that work in the kitchen! think it's great when a man can cook...growing up culture wise, all the men in the family did a lot of cooking...so i have some high standards lol..my dad and step-father can so throw down in the kitchen! which explains why I love to cook..

single and cooking affords for lots of leftovers lol my friends appreciate it though hahaha

allrecipes.com is a great site to get some good ideas...

urbanknitrix said...

Wow. Your mom and brother are too damn funny.

At least you can cook if you want to. I love to cook for the family and like trying new recipes. Its a rhythm, I cook almost every day except 2 days a week for school, then my husband cook or they fend for themselves. When I get off I come into the house do whatever and then hop to it. If I chilax to long then they will be eating sandwiches.

I have not tried Darius food, but I am loving his blog. One day...

JKisz said...

Oh wow! I was laughing throughout this whole post! I think all mothers should teach all of their kids to cook. Their sons especially. But I'm glad you're starting to get in the kitchen more! Get a little more familiar with the kitchen and everything in it lol. But what you made did look good!

Ishea said...

Umm...I'm glad I wasn't your date because I'd need more than that tiny portion of broccoli and veggies! Where's the steak? pork chops? You need to learn to cook some masculine food stat! Or, have her cook dinner and just throw down for breakfast! It's always fun to turn a regular date into an overnight!

ToshaRenelle said...

Awww! The meal looked nice and you were brave to make such a fancy meal (fancy for your skill level) for a date! KUDOS!

Buttercup said...

so u really r a man of all talents after all!

Miss.Stefanie said...

Mmmm..foood....now if a man didnt cook but tried...he'd earn 100000 brownie points with me. Technically now you are a man of many talents....your cooking looks good so therefore add that to your talent list!

Kitty said...

Okay then! Good for you. And just think of all the money you'll save by cooking instead of ordering out all the time. Keep up and you're gonna be all G. Garvin in the kitchen. :)

Stephie J said...

I looooove cooking!! Its one of my favourite things to do!

You should check out Michael Smith. Hes an amazing chef with really simple recipes. Stuff that you will usually always have around the house.

You can find him here www.foodtv.ca

Anonymous said...

if your date liked it, then am thinking you should be doing it often. men who cook always score that extra point with the ladies, hahahaha.

♥ CG ♥ said...

Too funny. Amazing what a friendly wager will encourage ya to do. That
Darius is a beast in the kitchen, he needs to be on t.v. Glad you've started cooking occasionally, not only is it healthier but it's high on ladies perfect guy list :-).

Anonymous said...

I love cooking...So am I a girl?!?!?

Katrina said...

The food you made looks delicious! I think everyone should know how to cook! I sort of had to teach myself. You go boy!!

Anonymous said...

you better step that up...we love men that can cook..

whats your excuse!

Anonymous said...

you better step that up...we love men that can cook..

whats your excuse!

clnmike said...

Lol, I cant cook myself but damn if I cant follow instructions.

Brothers Blog said...

@ Torrance - I see you man. I'll get there one day. lol

@ JustJasmine - cooking everyday? Yeah I'm so far from there. Once a month for now will suffice. lol. But I'll post when I do 4 sho.

@ JennaMarie - thanks. And I've seen the neely's I like their show. And they seem like a great couple.

@ Sexxy-Luv - Thanks a million. And Idk about Darius' meals yet. We'll see...

@ Humbly Beautiful - Thanks I'll keep those things in mind. And update on #2.

@ Jillian - thanks for the site link.

@ Urbanknitrix - Yes they are both too funny. But yeah I'll build my self up to Darius' recipes.

@ JKisz - Yeah I guess I need my mom to teach my son then. lol. But I will try to do it more often.

@ Southloop - She's not a veggie person. And I'm building my way up to the steaks and stuff. I'll get there. lol.

@ ToshaRanelle - Thanks. That was definitely out of my comfort zone there.

@ Buttercup - Hey I'm trying to be multifascited. lol

@ Miss.Stefanie - she definitely knew I didn't and was pleasantly surprised.

@ Kitty - Idk about the saving thing, it was about equivilant. But we'll see.

@ Stephie J - I'll surely check those sites out. good look.

@ Neema - Yeah she did like it. So I will certainly try another meal for her soon.

@ Curvygirl - Yes all the ladies seem to agree with you. They like when a guy can cook.

@ Reg - Naw lots of men love to cook. Just not me. lol

@ Princess Katrina - Thanks for the love.

@ Oyin - No excuse just laziness. But I'm trying to step it up.

@ ClnMike - See I'm right there with you fam. lol

Amarie said...

Not only does it look delicious, the presentation is very impressive!

A said...

I'm like you, I can 'cook' enough that I don't starve but I'm def not a chef. I think it's hilarious that your mom bet on you though lol