What simple cooking item evades you?

VenusFlytrap_2

Yep - followed the recipe exactly, have no idea why it went wrong! I even did another lot on the same day to see if they'd turn out better... they were just as bad!

Really don't get it, been doing quite a bit of baking recently and my cookies and buns turn out lovely, even when I deviate from the recipe, but Twink's Hobnobs were just a disaster (still tasty though!)

I wonder if it's the oats, started having porridge for breakfast and it always comes out lumpy and really thick - I prefer it like that but get the p*** taken out of me at work for eating "wallpaper paste"! All I can think is that I must be missing the magic touch when it comes to cooking with oats!

morganlefay

Pastry. I'm an old lady and can cook most other things exactly how we like them but have always been rubbish at pastry. Havr tried every recipe I've ever seen - use processor (but in any case have cold hands and a cold kitchen) but it's never right. :mad:

Fozz

I can't make bread, always turns out stodgy and yeasty tasting. Not very good at custard from custard powder, either too thin or too thick. I must try Twinks Hobnobs, flapjacks are another disaster area with me!!
When I make white sauce I just put the butter, flour and milk in the pan together and whisk continuously while bringing to the boil, and it comes out with no lumps at all.
The clingfilm poaching method looks great, poached egg on toast is my idea of heaven and haven't had one for ages.:)

lisa26_2

I can't boil milk or potatoes without them boiling over no matter how closely I watch them!!!

nickyhutch

I cook fried eggs on a low heat, and put a lid on the pan - perfect!

JCS1

morganlefay wrote: »

Pastry. I'm an old lady and can cook most other things exactly how we like them but have always been rubbish at pastry. Havr tried every recipe I've ever seen - use processor (but in any case have cold hands and a cold kitchen) but it's never right. :mad:

I can't make pastry either and now buy the frozen stuff instead

lala1974

wendywitch wrote: »

There's probably lots of things if I think about it but top of the list is roast potatoes. I've tried every way possible and can't get crispy outsides!!

Par boil, drain, add a couple of tablespoons of flour than give em a big shake! The flour coating crisps in the oven - lip smacking good!

Tigsteroonie

It would seem that simple rice or boiled/mashed potatoes are my downfall. Mainly because I forget to salt the water when cooking them (I've spent 10 years trying to cut down salt intake so am out of the habit) but I'm now told by my new partner that they are flavourless if they have to be salted post-cooking. :mad: :rotfl:

charliee_3

good thread! i like to think i'm a pretty good cook, but I cant do boiled eggs... they never come out right.. too runny or too hard..

also mashed potato.. i just dont have the arm power my mum does for lump free mash!!

coco1980

:oi can not fry an egg no matter how often i try