Swor - Youre Grown - Now You Can Cook Volume 1

Originally I wrote this cookbook at my sons request. He had moved into a first apartment with a completely unstocked kitchen, a healthy appetite, and the desire to eat well without spending a ridiculous amount of time or money. His friends were delighted by the dinners he prepared, and soon they all wanted copies of his cookbook. My friends, many of whom are very accomplished cooks, began requesting copies as well, and so here it is: Youre GrownNow You Can Cook. This cookbook is designed for the person who wants to cook and would like directions that spell out everything you need to know about the recipe: the ingredients and where to get them, the equipment needed, and exactly what to do in the kitchen. The recipes are concise, making the dishes a breeze to produce in a home kitchen. Directions are listed in steps rather than paragraph form so they are easier to read.

All recipes include helpful hints, instructions, serving suggestions, tips about where to find products in the grocery store, and even ideas for easy cleanup. Menu planning and party ideas are also included along with informative and entertaining text that makes reading this cookbook fun. Techniques are thoroughly explained for the novice chef. Most importantly, the recipes will allow you to cook for yourself, friends, and family knowing the results will always be delicious. All the recipes in this book have been tried and approved by my son and our friends and family. I have loved collecting our favorites, creating new ones, and writing these recipes in a way that will make them simple to follow and the results a joy to eat and share.

Confidence in your kitchen and compliments at the table are a guarantee with this cookbook. Youre GrownNow You Can Cook is the ultimate cookbook for anyone who loves good food and wants to master the kitchen. Its a perfect book for a high school or college graduate, new apartment dweller or homeowner, newlyweds, or those who would like to expand their cooking skills. This cookbook is great for the novice cook but will be enjoyed by anyone who loves good food, great recipes, and finds joy in cooking. The recipes in this cookbook are destined to become favorites and the cook is guaranteed be a star in the kitchen. These are recipes youll be making the rest of your life! My website, based on this cookbook, includes a frequently updated blog, may be found at: http://TheDeerOne.com Enjoy! .

INTRODUCTION TO
Appetizers I love this section of the cookbook. Appetizers are such an essential part of entertaining. When friends come to visit, a yummy bite of something in hand makes everyone feel just a little more at home. The word appetizer means food and drink to stimulate the appetite. Doesnt that sound just right? These recipes are all easy to prepare, and making two or three appetizers could be the menu for an entire party. Sometimes its a lot more fun to wander around nibbling something delicious than to sit down at the table.

Whether you plan to base a party on appetizers, or just pick one to serve before dinner, youll find something perfect from these recipes. SOME THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT APPETIZERS Count on 3 to 4 small one-bite appetizers per person if you are serving them before dinner. You really need only one type of appetizer if dinner is to follow. If your appetizer is the meal, or maybe youre going to serve appetizers at a cocktail or tea party, then double that number. Remember most guys eat moreat least mine do, so think about your guest list and plan accordingly. If you are serving a meal, one type of appetizer is plenty, and it is okay to run out.

You want your guests to eat your dinner! Try to stick to appetizers that dont require a plate or silverware if they are to be served before dinner. That way you wont spend hours doing dishes after guests have left. EASIEST APPETIZERS IF YOU ARE PRESSED FOR TIME Think grocery store salad barolives, marinated vegetables, peppers, and precut vegetables for a purchased dip. Hummus with crackers and veggies. (Hummus recipe, ) Cheeseone or two varieties with crackers. (Check out the recipe for Fondue without the Pot recipe, .) Nuts (Hint: Heat for about 15 seconds in the microwave to bring out flavors. (Check out the recipe for Fondue without the Pot recipe, .) Nuts (Hint: Heat for about 15 seconds in the microwave to bring out flavors.

Drop in dried rosemary if you have any.) Popcorn is completely dedicated to it! Good chips and salsa are readily available. (Pico de Gallo recipe, ) Some of the appetizers in this book are easy to double and freeze, like Spinach Balls, which is especially handy if the party is more impromptu. Something homemade that you can pull out of the freezer and serve twenty minutes later with absolutely minimal effort is just delightful. Appetizers to ignore include: overpriced frozen items from the grocery store that end in the suffix tizer, salty prepared snack mixes, and frozen fried foods, just to name a few. .

Serve with toasted bread cut in squares or bagel chips and lettuce leaves so people can make their own little open-face sandwiches and wraps. So yummy and so easy! INGREDIENTS 10 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled see note cup mayonnaise (the kind made with olive oil is healthier) cup sour cream 2 tomatoes, chopped (grocery store salad bar, about a cup) 1 tbsp vinegar see note 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt tsp pepper For serving: toasted bread cut in squares, or bagel chips, and lettuce leaves to make wraps DIRECTIONS Mix everything together and taste for seasoning. Makes about 2 cups

Serve this with a good old bag of potato chips and youll get compliments beyond your wildest dreams. I always have to double the recipe. This is a tradition at our Super Bowl Party, and if I didnt serve it, I think people might actually leave. Oh well, better to be loved for your dip making skills than not loved at all! INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 cup green onions, thinly sliced (grocery store salad bar) tsp each salt and sugar cup mayonnaise (the kind made with olive oil is healthier) cup sour cream 4 oz crumbled blue cheese For serving: your favorite chips