Sunday night, I made dinner for the friends who have graciously let me stay with them for these next few weeks. My first meal as a culinary school graduate! Actually, I think going to culinary school has made it more stressful for me to cook for others. Now I’ve got a $25,000 rep to uphold. The pressure is on.
On the menu:
Seared tuna steaks dusted in coriander and ground peppercorns
Roasted broccoli and carrots with olive oil, salt and red pepper flakes
Coconut rice, cooked in equal parts coconut milk and water
Shrimp spring rolls, filled with blanched cabbage, julienned carrots and boiled shrimp with hoisin for dipping
Everything turned out pretty well…not great, but good. Cooking in a home kitchen with old-school appliances is a little different from working your magic in a commercial kitchen with everything you could possibly need at your fingertips. I’ll adjust my princess ways. In any case, it’s really nice to have three other people to cook for- you can actually make real meals, instead of the solo salad mashups!
What’s your favorite thing to cook for others? Besides baked goods, I really love this pasta, and I think seared tuna will be a new favorite. So easy and tasty, and it feels fancy!
The spring rolls look tasty but they must have been quite time consuming! I totally agree that baking is the best for a crowd. Another good “crowd” meal is tacos. You can get super creative with the fillings and toppings.
When I become very rich (like that’ll happen I’m studying to be a teacher) I’ll hire you to cook for me
I like to cook chili or soups for a crowd because I can make a huge pot and then it feeds a whole lot of people.
That dinner looks delicious! I love how those spring rolls look. Yummy
I usually like cooking Italian or Mexican for a crowd. They are so versatile and there is usually something for everyone
I can never find the wraps to make spring rolls!!
I can truly see your point that it would be more stressful to cook now. People may be expecting something out of this world when you feel more in the mood for plain and simple or simply warming up a can of soup. I do believe that if someone else is doing the cooking- I’d be pleased as punch!
I know what you mean about the pressure being on. Sometimes I feel the same way. People always expect culinary grads to know EVERYTHING about cooking. Which we know is not true! haha.
My favorite thing to cook for people is lasagna, mexican casseroles, baked ziti, soups, and salads. Pretty much easy things that can be prepped before hand. Your food looks great though! Especially the spring rolls.
The tuna rolls look very fancy-pants and impressive; awesome job!
I like making healthy vegetarian food for others; it makes them realize that I do eat something other than lettuce, haha.
good luck in san fran lady!!!! can’t wait to hear about your adventures
you’re going to be fabulous.
Haha- I bet that IS a big adjustment, going back from a professional kitchen to a personal one again. This all looks great though!
Those spring rolls look so good! That’s something I’ve always wanted to try making. But rice paper looks so delicate to me - I’m scared of ripping it!
I’ve only cooked for others a handful of times, but when I do, I like to make salmon and some side dishes, chili, or soup!
You’re like a legit culinary grad now.
I love that you get to cook for people!
I really like making homemade breads like focaccia for people. I also like making them things that they would only really get at a restaurant, like homemade pasta, braised short ribs, or something like homemade pate.
what lucky friends! You are more then welcome to come and cook for us any day!
I enjoy making any time of food for others, but desserts are my passion
The entire meal looks delicious!!!
I love baking for others…as I know you do, too! Everyone loves treats, so it’s a win win!
coconut rice sounds amazing!! like risotto!!!
I love making bfast foods! french toast, eggs, panckaes, even cinnamon rolls from scratch
yummy!
dinner looks great!! don’t feel too pressured- cooking a meal like that is good enough in itself.. love hte spring rolls and rice… yum