Learning to cook for yourself is a skill that we think everyone should master. This doesn’t mean that you should be setting goals to be the next MasterChef, but knowing your way around a few dishes, and around the kitchen with a frying pan, wok pan, or pot will help you to take better care of yourself and impress future dinner party guests too.
Here are some simple ingredients and dishes that you should learn to master as a home cook.
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There are many ways to cook a good steak: in a frying pan, under a grill, over an open fire… Pick your poison and practice your skills. Knowing your way around a cut of meat can help you throw together loads of different meals. You can dress it up or keep it simple and healthy for whatever the occasion requires.
Keep in mind that different cuts require different techniques. For example, picanha is renowned for going great over an open flame, so you can impress your pals at your next barbeque.
It’s simple, it’s homey, it’s a classic, delicious dish that could make almost anyone smile. A roast chicken is also super versatile and can be served whole with a side of veg, or shredded and added to creamy soups or salads. Perfecting the art of a Sunday roast chicken meal will have you in your family and friend’s good books too since it’s a quick and easy crowd-pleaser for last-minute dinner plans.
Yet another simple classic that can take you far. Bolognese is warm, comforting and nourishing and it’s an easy one to hide an array of vegetables in if you’re a parent of fussy kids. Most of us will have a recipe from a mom or grandma, but if you don’t, play around with recipes you find online until you find what works best for you.
Keep in mind that whilst buying a pasta sauce is quicker and easier (and totally okay for busy weeknights), perfecting a recipe from scratch will be more cost-effective and yield results that you simply can’t get from a jar. Fresh tomatoes, minced garlic and home blended spices can’t be beaten.
Photo by Marta Dzedyshko
Having a few breakfast dishes up your sleeve is important too – skipping on your daily bagel now and then could help free up some space in your budget. More than this, eggs are extremely versatile and nutritious, and knowing how to work with them can do wonders for your cooking repertoire. A basic scramble, omelette and frittata can make for outstanding dishes, and you should be putting in your practice to make sure you can nail them.
Photo by Courtney Pierce
Finally, being able to whip up a dessert your grandma would be proud of is something every home cook dreams of. An apple pie is a classic that would pair well with almost any delicious main you concoct for your guests.
This dessert is simple, quick and yet another crowd-pleaser. If you’re a beginner, grabbing your pastry ready-made from the store is your best bet, but it’s a good idea to start practising making your own from scratch.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…