Tools of the Trade: Buying and Caring for Knives

In addition to knowing how to cook, you've also got to have the right tools for the job. Chief among them is a good knife. But what makes a good knife, and how do you find one?

Roast Pork in Hard Cider

This recipe combines two of nature's perfect ingredients: Pork and alcohol. It's also one that requires only 20 minutes of actual work on your part. The rest is done by the oven.

We've covered beef, chicken, and fish, so let's take on pork. Officially, you would call this pork shoulder braised in hard cider, I call it awesome.

Like any good barbecue, this recipe takes time--about 4 hours in the oven--so plan accordingly. But when you're done, you'll have a super-tender piece of pork that's insanely delicious.

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner

Hello all! After a long hiatus, I'm back helping those who don't have a lot of time to cook, don't know a lot about cooking, but want to learn.

Making a roast chicken is deceptively simple. It's the ideal recipe for, say, a Sunday afternoon when you're lying on the couch watching TV, because it only takes about 10 minutes of actually doing stuff, and the rest of the time, you're letting the oven do the work. And, when it's done, you'll not only have a delicious roast chicken, but leftovers for the week.

Leftover Chinese Takeout Rice Pancakes

Ok, so you're not always going to want to cook when you get home from work. Sometimes, that takeout Chinese place around the corner is just what you want. As Montgomery Burns said, "Ah, General Tso, you were a bloodthirsty foe, but your chicken is delectable!" 

Inevitably, there will be that carton of rice that no one wants. Instead of throwing it out, here's a way to turn it into a quick dish. And all you'll need are eggs and scallions.

Salmon, Simply.

Afraid of cooking fish? Don't be. Here's a quick and easy way to cook a salmon fillet in just 10 minutes.

What you'll need:
1. A salmon fillet (I used a one-pound piece)
2. Salt and pepper
3. Olive oil
4. Lemon

And that's it!

The Perfect Steak

What red-blooded American doesn't love a good steak? Here's how to cook a perfect steak, every time.

What's Cookin'?

Hello all,
Welcome to my blog. I'm a thirtysomething guy living in the New York area who likes to cook. As someone who works full-time, I often find there's not a lot of time to cook when I get home, so this blog will be sort of a guide for guys who like to eat, don't mind dirtying the kitchen.

But, you say, I work long hours, and the last thing I want to do is cook when I get home. Why not just get take-out? Glad you asked. For one, cooking for yourself is, in the long run cheaper, better for you, and girls love a guy who can cook for them. Also, I'm going to try and make sure most of the dishes here take don't take more than an hour to make.

So I hope you enjoy my posts, and get to enjoy cooking, too.