[TarpitCarnivore]

> For example, we tend to get on well with science and chemistry, which means that it may be easier to teach high-quality meat cookery based on Mailliard reactions, denaturing of proteins, conversion of connective tissue, and so forth.

These things are fine to learn, but they're not essential to learning how to cook. Knowing about the connective tissues isn't going to suddenly make you better at cooking a steak or braising short ribs. Time, practice and patience is what's going to help.

Realistically the easiest and simplest way for anyone to cook is with a crock pot. There are a million recipes out there for basic crock pot cooking. And even better it lets you make large enough batches for multiple days.

[thenomad]

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one, I think.

I know that I personally became a much better cook - and specifically, since you mention it, much better at cooking steak - after learning the science behind it.

I do agree that they're not essential to learning how to cook. Millions of people cook without knowing these things. But for people with a specific mindset, they are likely to be helpful if more "traditional" routes don't gel well for them.

[mindcrime]

Realistically the easiest and simplest way for anyone to cook is with a crock pot. There are a million recipes out there for basic crock pot cooking.

I largely agree with this. I love my crock pot. Very easy and simple to make very tasty delicious meals. And you can leverage the timing by doing things like turning it on before leaving for work in the morning, and then come home to a hot, tasty, home-cooked meal.

(This is assuming you're comfortable leaving a heat based appliance turned on. In the case of a crock pot, I am. YMMV)

And even better it lets you make large enough batches for multiple days.

Exactly, this is a great feature of slow cookers. I bought one of the larger ones for this exact reason.

[TarpitCarnivore]

I wish I could enjoy using a crock pot, but try as I might I just can't. Everything always tastes very steamed, or boiled, especially with meat. I would love to use one for than keeping stuff warm, because it's such dead simple cooking.

[mindcrime]

I guess it depends on what you're trying to cook. I tend to use mine for things like stews and soups, chili, etc. To be honest, I should probably attempt to broaden my repertoire of slow-cooker meals, but never seem to find time. Every time I go to Barnes & Noble I swear a see a new slow-cooker cookbook on the bargain rack, and I keep meaning to pick one up and try some of the recipes, but somehow doing that never quite makes it onto my agenda... sigh