The Conservative Cave

Interests => All Things Edible (and how to prepare them) => Topic started by: Mr Mannn on October 26, 2013, 09:38:12 AM

Title: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Mr Mannn on October 26, 2013, 09:38:12 AM
Just waiting for Merry Maids to show up and clean my place, then I'm off.

Target: Buy a skillet.
HyVee buy a pound of hamburger.

The mission, brown a pound of hamburger, and make hamburger helper.
Further I will brown several pounds and freeze them individually for use in my other recipes.

Now I did do this once before...20 years ago. So I know what I'm doing.

You'll laugh at me when I tell you I was first going to MaidRite buying a few sandwiches and scraping the hamburger off into my spaghetti sauce.
--Then I was paying gals at work $20 bucks for 3 pounds of hamburger already browned.
I was in heaven when I discovered freeze dried hamburger...

But now it come to this. I will cook my own...and actually CLEAN the skillet afterwards.

so apart from Hamburger Helper...what can you do with a pound of browned meat?
--and what else can you cook in a skillet? (yes. I asked that, but its not my fault. I blame the gals for not marrying me. Then I wouldn't ever have to cook or clean again. Alas. I must survive out here in the jungle without my Jane.)
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Eupher on October 26, 2013, 09:53:48 AM
A pound of browned ground chuck and the contents of a jar of spaghetti sauce works okay, but that means ya gotta boil pasta of some type too. Might be too much to contemplate - a skillet AND a pot to clean. Scary....
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Mr Mannn on October 26, 2013, 10:14:18 AM
spaghetti: six minutes in a disposable microwave container full of water. Let sit for 3 minutes. drain water. Pour sauce in and eat out of container. Throw container away when done.

ta da!  

Just don't do that with angel hair spaghetti.
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: seahorse513 on October 26, 2013, 10:30:03 AM
Babes, you need a wife, or a gf. to help with meals, and other activities! :naughty:
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Big Dog on October 26, 2013, 10:39:39 AM
A tip for ya, buddy:

Unplug the skillet and remove the heating element (the part with the knob) before you wash the pan.

 :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Mr Mannn on October 26, 2013, 10:56:19 AM
Babes, you need a wife, or a gf. to help with meals, and other activities! :naughty:
and she could replace Merry Maids too!
(http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/4633/41yc.jpg)


Oh, another question. can I make bacon in a skillet? How long does it take?
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Mr Mannn on October 26, 2013, 10:58:38 AM
(http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/6554/sbt4.jpg)
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Big Dog on October 26, 2013, 11:06:01 AM
and she could replace Merry Maids too!
(http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/4633/41yc.jpg)


Oh, another question. can I make bacon in a skillet? How long does it take?

Oh, yes.

Start with a cold skillet. Lay out strips of bacon side by side in the pan. Put the lid on the skillet, and open the little vent on the lid (if it has one).

Turn the heat to "medium".

After 15 minutes, remove the lid and turn over the bacon. Be careful, the grease may "pop" a little.

Leave the lid off, and cook the bacon 7-10 minutes more.

If you want meaty bacon, turn off the heat and remove the bacon from the pan.

If you want crisp bacon, carefully pour the bacon grease out of the pan (into a clean coffee can, if you want to cook with it later- otherwise, into a used can to go into the trash). Cook the bacon 5-7  minutes longer, until it reaches the amount of crispness that you like.

Welcome to Bacon World!

Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: seahorse513 on October 26, 2013, 11:09:01 AM
and she could replace Merry Maids too!
(http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/4633/41yc.jpg)


Oh, another question. can I make bacon in a skillet? How long does it take?

I am going to tell you a secret. When you meet the right woman, she will move heaven and earth for you...

When I was married, I gave my ex hubby, everything I had, too bad he ended up a scumbag!!
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Mr Mannn on October 26, 2013, 05:54:20 PM
I am going to tell you a secret. When you meet the right woman, she will move heaven and earth for you...

When I was married, I gave my ex hubby, everything I had, too bad he ended up a scumbag!!
Its too late for me, but if I could talk a gal into marriage, I would probably spoil her rotten.
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: thundley4 on October 26, 2013, 07:14:19 PM
If it's a deep enough electric frying pan, you can fry chicken in it.
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Dori on October 26, 2013, 07:57:21 PM
Do you not have a stove?

You can braise meats in an electric skillet.  Get a chuck roast about an inch and a half thick ,brown on both sides on high/med high, then add water half way up, turn the heat on low and put the lid on.  Let cook about an hour, then add cut up potatoes, carrots, onion and celery.  Continue to cook with lid on low until the veggies are done.  Be sue to add liquid if necessary.  You can make a lot of things with the leftovers or separate and freeze them for future meals.



Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Mr Mannn on October 26, 2013, 08:16:11 PM
I have a hot plate I never used, and a Microwave. No stove.

I'm a little intimidated by cooking chicken. The worst food poisoning I ever had was from chicken.
Before I get all elaborate with this, I'll just start with eggs, bacon, and hamburger.

Please don't laugh, but what animal is a chuck roast from? I've cooked steak on a grill, fried up a fish I caught...but that's about it.

Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Chris_ on October 26, 2013, 08:19:45 PM
Spend a few dollars on a thermometer from the grocery store... there are two or three here.  Check the meat closest to the bone.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/ultimatechefstore_2272_796331464_zps840e8343.gif) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/kayaktn/media/ultimatechefstore_2272_796331464_zps840e8343.gif.html)

I don't take risks with chicken or pork... always wear gloves, always use a thermometer.

Chuck roast is beef. 
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Mr Mannn on October 26, 2013, 08:26:21 PM
Hi5. Thanks for not laughing.
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Chris_ on October 26, 2013, 11:20:01 PM
Do you have an oven in your apartment?  I have some simple recipes I can give you that you could use.

I don't do a lot of serious cooking anymore... I did enough of that when I was paid for it.  What gets me from one day to the next is easy, simple stuff that doesn't take any time to prepare and only minimal time to cook.
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Celtic Rose on October 27, 2013, 02:21:58 AM
Tacos are easy to make with ground beef.  Just buy the packets of taco seasoning and follow the instructions (usually a cup of water added to browned beef).  Scoop onto tortilla and add whatever taco toppings you like. 
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: seahorse513 on October 27, 2013, 09:52:36 AM
Do you have an oven in your apartment?  I have some simple recipes I can give you that you could use.

I don't do a lot of serious cooking anymore... I did enough of that when I was paid for it.  What gets me from one day to the next is easy, simple stuff that doesn't take any time to prepare and only minimal time to cook.

You two, are so goodlooking. I can't believe you don't have gf's
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: seahorse513 on October 27, 2013, 09:56:01 AM
Do you have an oven in your apartment?  I have some simple recipes I can give you that you could use.

I don't do a lot of serious cooking anymore... I did enough of that when I was paid for it.  What gets me from one day to the next is easy, simple stuff that doesn't take any time to prepare and only minimal time to cook.
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Dori on October 27, 2013, 01:40:48 PM
I have a hot plate I never used, and a Microwave. No stove.

I'm a little intimidated by cooking chicken. The worst food poisoning I ever had was from chicken.
Before I get all elaborate with this, I'll just start with eggs, bacon, and hamburger.

Please don't laugh, but what animal is a chuck roast from? I've cooked steak on a grill, fried up a fish I caught...but that's about it.

It's one of those meats that you braise.  Braising is just cooking the outer part of the meat to put some color on it and lock in some of it's own juices.  When you deglaze or add liquid to the braising pot, you create a lot of flavorful juices that add extra flavor to other things you add, like onions and potatoes.

You shouldn't worry about chicken.  As long as it's fresh and cooked properly.  I've been eating and cooking chicken at least twice a week since I've been alive and fed my family that way too.  No one, not once, has ever gotten sick from it. 

As far as salmonella and e-coli poisoning goes, you can get that from any meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, and some fruits a vegetables.  Proper cooking or pickling will kill it.

 




You can do a lot with a hot plate, electric skillet, crock pot and microwave.  

You need a recipe book for bachelors who are not familiar with the kitchen.  Why don't you take a cooking class?  You seem to have a real interest in it.  That's half the battle.

Chuck is just a cut of beef.  Less expensive with a lot of flavor.  I use it for pot roasts, it's versatile and one of may favorites.  The meat when slow cooked and tender is great in soups, stews, tacos, chili, anything you want to use it in.
 
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Mr Mannn on October 27, 2013, 02:11:00 PM
Hmmm. a book might be OK, but no classes please.

What about those crock pots that can cook all day. How long does a meal take?
I'm with Chris when it comes to a lot of prep work, I'm out. Meat and potatoes I'm OK with.

Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Dori on October 27, 2013, 05:20:22 PM
Hmmm. a book might be OK, but no classes please.

What about those crock pots that can cook all day. How long does a meal take?
I'm with Chris when it comes to a lot of prep work, I'm out. Meat and potatoes I'm OK with.



Crock pots are good for all kinds of things.  They usually come with their own menu ideas and there all kinds of ideas and recipes on the internet.  In fact, I hardly ever use a cook book anymore. I use the internet. For a crock pot, put everything in, set it and forget it.  Prep work is peeling vegetables.  Doesn't take five minutes and using fresh foods is a lot healthier and cheaper than buying processed.

Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: IassaFTots on October 27, 2013, 05:46:19 PM
I am with Dori.  Get a crockpot as well.  Stew, roasts, soup, even spaghetti sauce! 
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: thundley4 on October 27, 2013, 06:43:32 PM
Hmmm. a book might be OK, but no classes please.

What about those crock pots that can cook all day. How long does a meal take?
I'm with Chris when it comes to a lot of prep work, I'm out. Meat and potatoes I'm OK with.



Some if not most crock pots can double as a deep fryer also.
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Chris_ on October 27, 2013, 08:18:05 PM
Some if not most crock pots can double as a deep fryer also.
Never heard that one.  I don't know how comfortable I would be frying in a ceramic pot.  I wouldn't do any frying in a kitchen that didn't have an exhaust fan... you'll wind up with grease coating everything in the room.
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Chris_ on October 27, 2013, 08:21:52 PM
Here's one for you.  You can save those peppers next time you order Papa Johns.

Quote
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/roast_zpsad9872d5.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/kayaktn/media/roast_zpsad9872d5.jpg.html)

Mississippi Roast

Place the chuck roast in crock pot, sprinkle with Hidden Valley ranch dressing, add McCormick Au Jus mix, a stick of unsalted butter, 5 pepperoncini peppers. DO NOT ADD WATER. Cook on low for 7-8 hrs.
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: JLO on October 27, 2013, 08:53:37 PM
Here are some recipes you might like.  All doable with what you have to cook with.

http://allrecipes.com/search/default.aspx?qt=k&wt=cooked%20ground%20beef&rt=r&origin=Recipe%20Hub  :drool:

Allrecipes.com is a great cooking source for ideas.  You can sign up for a free membership and "save" the recipes you think sound good to your own "recipe box."  I find I can spend lots of time there. 

Have fun  :-)
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: thundley4 on October 27, 2013, 08:56:19 PM
Never heard that one.  I don't know how comfortable I would be frying in a ceramic pot.  I wouldn't do any frying in a kitchen that didn't have an exhaust fan... you'll wind up with grease coating everything in the room.

They make them where the pot is removable and you fry in the base part of it.  Others don't have the crock lining but still work as a slow cooker and fryer.
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Karin on October 28, 2013, 02:04:10 PM
Here's a good bachelor recipe, for if you get a crockpot:

Swedish Meatballs

Buy:  Bag of frozen meatballs
Jar of Heinz beef gravy
Jar of a creamy mushroom base, such as Progresso cream of mushroom soup, or Bertolli Mushroom Alfredo sauce

Put the liquids in the crockpot, rinse out jars with a little water.  Stir in about half the bag of meatballs.
Turn crockpot on low, and go off to work. 

Eat over noodles.   If you like sour cream, you can add a big spoonful at the last minute.


BTW Mr. Mannn, you never know who you can meet in those cooking classes.   :naughty:
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: Wineslob on October 28, 2013, 02:11:20 PM
Don't tell me, soon you'll be using toilet paper.


















 :fuelfire:
Title: Re: OK. So I'm gonna breakdown and buy an electric skillet today.
Post by: zeitgeist on October 28, 2013, 02:33:45 PM
Get a copy of this:
http://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crockers-Microwaving-One-Two/dp/0394535936/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382988274&sr=8-2&keywords=Microwaving+for+one+or+two


You will thank me later. :cheersmate:

A portable dishwasher might also be a nice thing to have if you got a couple bucks to blow:

http://www.amazon.com/SPT-SD-2201W-Countertop-Dishwasher-White/dp/B004MX8XO6/ref=sr_1_1?s=appliances&ie=UTF8&qid=1382988416&sr=1-1

It beats throwing away stuff that has soaked in the sink for weeks because you couldn't pull the strainer without retching,  just think of it as a friend for the microwave.   :lmao: