Operation: Grits - Update!

[erebrandir]

Debriefing: So I believe I have mastered grits and advanced to the next challenge. Today was my second attempt at cooking a full-scale breakfast.

My first attempt at cooking the bacon, early last week, went horribly awry, leaving the air filled with smoke and the bacon horribly burned and inedible. Consultation with experts indicated that the fault

Comments

[d0minique]

If you want to make bacon in a way that's quicker and healthier, there's a gadget for the microwave called "Makin' Bacon." I have one and use it often. You can find one somewhere like walmart, in their kitchen stuff. Depending on how the bacon is sliced, you can cook up to 12 pieces of bacon at a time on it. It has a little tray that catches the grease, and the slices of bacon hang on these T-shaped things. It usually only takes about 3-6 minutes to cook a few slices of bacon on it. It's easy to clean afterward, too (and dishwasher safe). Sometimes I'll cook several slices of bacon, and only eat 1 or 2 for breakfast, then put the rest in the fridge to use later on salads or sandwiches.

[erebrandir]

I'll probably move to something like that eventually, but right now I'm delighting in learning to things the traditional way. Real grits (not instant) and an iron skillet. :-) But thanks for the tip. I'll remember it.

[iamanevilkiwi]

Isn't cooking fun? :D I NEVER cooked until I came to college and lived on my own. I got tired of eating out very quickly and forced myself to learn to cook. It's surprisingly fun and, if I may say so myself, I'm darn good at it! Sounds like you will be soon too!

[erebrandir]

Yes it is! I never learned anything before, either. And it gives such an independent, empowered, creative feeling to make something for myself.

[malruniel11]

You're coming along nicely in the cooking breakfast dept. ^_^ Another option with the bacon is to do it in the oven. Place it on a cookie cooling rack that is on a lipped baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 350 (preheated of course) I've heard very good things about doing it that way and intend to try it in a couple of days when I make my zuppa toscana again.

Anyway, without someone there giving you lessons and watching your back while you do it, I'm supremely impressed. You've advanced quite quickly with trial and error. Well done!

[erebrandir]

Thanks! I am learning by trial and error, for sure, but also by reading a lot of websites, calling my mom in a panic or IMing friends.

I'm trying to learn the traditional way right now, but I'll probably move to cooking bacon the easier, healthier ways eventually.

[malruniel11]

oh! I just tried the bacon thing this evening. It works very well. But for crispy bacon (which is what I like), it needs to be 20 minutes at 375. I learned by trial an error. But it was much less greasy than normal, which was nice.

[erebrandir]

Less greasy is good!

[theaterphantom]

Awesome progress! I really need to learn how to cook dinners, as I am quite good with other meals. If you eventually concoct any recipes, you should post them. :D

[erebrandir]

Hahaha. I haven't advanced to concoction yet, but I am fiddling with improvisation, or at least adaptation of existing recipes. I'm learning. But I'll sure and post anything I learn!

[jojobear99]

Usually I'm lazy and cook bacon with the microwave recipe (which is something like put between two paper towels on a plate and zap it till cooked through)

[erebrandir]

I haven't gotten lazy yet, and I'm delighting in being traditional just now. But I now have three different suggestions for alternative ways of cooking back, and I'll definitely remember them!