Cooking Confidence Scale - Revision history

Ms-demeanor: /* Level One */

2024-04-02T16:58:30Z

Level One

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:58, 2 April 2024
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	* Using a knife and fork to cut food into bite-sized pieces		* Using a knife and fork to cut food into bite-sized pieces
	* Opening and re-sealing packages (i.e., lunch meat; a jam jar)		* Opening and re-sealing packages (i.e., lunch meat; a jam jar)
	* ~~Using~~ simple appliances (microwave, kettle)		* Use of simple appliances (microwave, kettle)

	'''Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare'''		'''Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare'''

Ms-demeanor: /* Level One */

2024-04-02T16:58:03Z

Level One

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:58, 2 April 2024
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	* Using a knife and fork to cut food into bite-sized pieces		* Using a knife and fork to cut food into bite-sized pieces
	* Opening and re-sealing packages (i.e., lunch meat; a jam jar)		* Opening and re-sealing packages (i.e., lunch meat; a jam jar)
			* Using simple appliances (microwave, kettle)

	'''Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare'''		'''Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare'''

Ms-demeanor at 16:56, 2 April 2024

2024-04-02T16:56:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:56, 2 April 2024
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	I do not know how to cook anything; I am uncertain about the rules for using microwaves or how to handle kitchen appliances. I do not know how to heat water and someone else prepares my food.		I do not know how to cook anything; I am uncertain about the rules for using microwaves or how to handle kitchen appliances. I do not know how to heat water and someone else prepares my food.

	~~===~~ Skills ~~===~~		''' Skills '''
	* None		* None

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	I can heat water in an electric kettle or microwave and I can combine pre-prepared ingredients. I am able to make cold sandwiches and may be comfortable making instant oatmeal, ReadyMac, or Cup-of-Noodles with hot water. I can heat food in the microwave, make toast, spread food with a butter knife.		I can heat water in an electric kettle or microwave and I can combine pre-prepared ingredients. I am able to make cold sandwiches and may be comfortable making instant oatmeal, ReadyMac, or Cup-of-Noodles with hot water. I can heat food in the microwave, make toast, spread food with a butter knife.

	~~===~~ Skills ~~===~~		''' Skills '''
	* Stirring with a dining spoon		* Stirring with a dining spoon
	* Using a can opener		* Using a can opener
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	I can heat water on the stove, and set the oven to heat pre-made foods like canned biscuits or slice and bake cookies. I can use sharp knives well enough to cut up carrots or apples, but I would struggle with cutting a pineapple or finely dicing anything. I can make pasta on the stove and heat pre-made sauce, I can make boxed mac and cheese, hard boil eggs, bake potatoes, and may be able to cook a grilled cheese sandwich. I can bake a cake from a mix but it takes effort.		I can heat water on the stove, and set the oven to heat pre-made foods like canned biscuits or slice and bake cookies. I can use sharp knives well enough to cut up carrots or apples, but I would struggle with cutting a pineapple or finely dicing anything. I can make pasta on the stove and heat pre-made sauce, I can make boxed mac and cheese, hard boil eggs, bake potatoes, and may be able to cook a grilled cheese sandwich. I can bake a cake from a mix but it takes effort.

	~~===~~ Skills ~~===~~		''' Skills '''

	* Boiling liquids		* Boiling liquids
	* Coarse chopping		* Coarse chopping
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	I am fairly comfortable in the kitchen. There are a few simple dishes I know how to cook well. I would be comfortable following a recipe to make cookies from scratch or pan-frying a steak. I can do multiple simple tasks in the kitchen at one time, like chopping vegetables while water comes to a boil. I know how to handle and cook prepared raw meats like trimmed pork chops, boneless chicken breasts, and ground beef. I can clean and trim most vegetables, pan-fry foods, and cook on a stove with techniques more complicated than heating liquids. I know how to make soup from scratch, make some sauces, and how to use some spices but I may struggle with achieving depth of flavor if I am not working from a recipe.		I am fairly comfortable in the kitchen. There are a few simple dishes I know how to cook well. I would be comfortable following a recipe to make cookies from scratch or pan-frying a steak. I can do multiple simple tasks in the kitchen at one time, like chopping vegetables while water comes to a boil. I know how to handle and cook prepared raw meats like trimmed pork chops, boneless chicken breasts, and ground beef. I can clean and trim most vegetables, pan-fry foods, and cook on a stove with techniques more complicated than heating liquids. I know how to make soup from scratch, make some sauces, and how to use some spices but I may struggle with achieving depth of flavor if I am not working from a recipe.

	~~===~~ Skills ~~===~~		''' Skills '''
	* Pan-frying		* Pan-frying
	* Reducing liquids on the stove		* Reducing liquids on the stove
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	I am comfortable in the kitchen and cook frequently. I have a rotation of favorite recipes and have made up a few of my own. I am able to successfully experiment while cooking and replicate the results later. I can bake most things but might struggle with more complex or delicate pastries (souffles, croissants). I follow recipes when baking but may not use cookbooks or recipe blogs for much else. I am confident while cooking nearly any kind of meat and I know how to handle most fruits and vegetables. I can cook and serve more people than just my household and may be asked to host family gatherings as a result. I can almost always look at the ingredients in my kitchen and come up with an idea for a meal, even if it's something I've never attempted before. There is very little that I find intimidating when cooking. I am capable of making complex, flavorful dishes with very few missteps.		I am comfortable in the kitchen and cook frequently. I have a rotation of favorite recipes and have made up a few of my own. I am able to successfully experiment while cooking and replicate the results later. I can bake most things but might struggle with more complex or delicate pastries (souffles, croissants). I follow recipes when baking but may not use cookbooks or recipe blogs for much else. I am confident while cooking nearly any kind of meat and I know how to handle most fruits and vegetables. I can cook and serve more people than just my household and may be asked to host family gatherings as a result. I can almost always look at the ingredients in my kitchen and come up with an idea for a meal, even if it's something I've never attempted before. There is very little that I find intimidating when cooking. I am capable of making complex, flavorful dishes with very few missteps.

	~~===~~ Skills ~~===~~		''' Skills '''
	* Sauteeing		* Sauteeing
	* Filleting		* Filleting
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	I cook daily or nearly every day. I am not intimidated by any task in the kitchen and I regularly cook complex meals. I do not often use recipes but I do frequently write them. I am a skilled baker and may use unusual techniques (sous vide, smoking) to prepare meat. I make my own marinades and dressings, I might bake bread regularly and may grow some of my own food (seasonal vegetables, herbs). I am comfortable cooking outside of my own food culture and using seasonings more common to other cultures. I can work with novel ingredients and rare fruits or vegetables. I have signature dishes that my family and friends request. I may be familiar with canning, fermenting, and foraging. I am likely to be asked to host food-related events for my friends and family		I cook daily or nearly every day. I am not intimidated by any task in the kitchen and I regularly cook complex meals. I do not often use recipes but I do frequently write them. I am a skilled baker and may use unusual techniques (sous vide, smoking) to prepare meat. I make my own marinades and dressings, I might bake bread regularly and may grow some of my own food (seasonal vegetables, herbs). I am comfortable cooking outside of my own food culture and using seasonings more common to other cultures. I can work with novel ingredients and rare fruits or vegetables. I have signature dishes that my family and friends request. I may be familiar with canning, fermenting, and foraging. I am likely to be asked to host food-related events for my friends and family

	~~===~~ Skills ~~===~~		''' Skills '''
	* Laminating Dough		* Laminating Dough
	* Some Candy-making		* Some Candy-making

Ms-demeanor at 09:13, 7 March 2024

2024-03-07T09:13:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:13, 7 March 2024
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	This is not meant as a judgement! All of us started from zero! If you are at skill level zero that is not a problem as long as you are able to eat a sufficient amount of food. If you are having trouble feeding yourself at any skill level, here are tips on [[How to improve as a Cook]].		This is not meant as a judgement! All of us started from zero! If you are at skill level zero that is not a problem as long as you are able to eat a sufficient amount of food. If you are having trouble feeding yourself at any skill level, here are tips on [[How to improve as a Cook]].

			The point of the scale is for you to find where you are comfortable and assess whether a recipe is right for you. It is much better to be safe than sorry. If you're at a low 3 do not attempt to make a high 5 recipe when you're low on time and meeting your in-laws; if something is beyond your skills you might injure yourself or end up in a risky situation that you're not prepared to handle. It is more important that you be safe than anything else!

	= The Scale =		= The Scale =

Ms-demeanor at 05:09, 7 March 2024

2024-03-07T05:09:01Z

@@ Line 65: / Line 65: @@
 == Level Four ==
-I am comfortable in the kitchen and cook frequently. I have a rotation of favorite recipes and have made up a few of my own. I am able to successfully experiment while cooking and replicate the results later. I can bake most things but might struggle with more complex or delicate pastries (souffles, croissants). I follow recipes when baking but may not use cookbooks or recipe blogs for much else. I am confident while cooking nearly any kind of meat and I know how to handle most fruits and vegetables. I can cook and serve more people than just my household and may be asked to host family gatherings as a result. I can almost always look at the ingredients in my kitchen and come up with an idea for a meal, even if it's something I've never attempted before. There is very little that I find intimidating when cooking. I may grow some of my own food (seasonal vegetables, herbs) and I am capable of making complex, flavorful dishes with very few missteps.
+I am comfortable in the kitchen and cook frequently. I have a rotation of favorite recipes and have made up a few of my own. I am able to successfully experiment while cooking and replicate the results later. I can bake most things but might struggle with more complex or delicate pastries (souffles, croissants). I follow recipes when baking but may not use cookbooks or recipe blogs for much else. I am confident while cooking nearly any kind of meat and I know how to handle most fruits and vegetables. I can cook and serve more people than just my household and may be asked to host family gatherings as a result. I can almost always look at the ingredients in my kitchen and come up with an idea for a meal, even if it's something I've never attempted before. There is very little that I find intimidating when cooking. I am capable of making complex, flavorful dishes with very few missteps.
 === Skills ===
@@ Line 78: / Line 78: @@
 '''Most Complex Meal I could Easily Prepare'''
-* A roast chicken with mushroom risotto, artichokes with garlic aioli, a spinach salad with homemade vinaigrette, and a chocolate cream pie with crust and filling from scratch.
+Glazed pork loin, grilled lemon pepper asparagus, a side salad with homemade vinaigrette, garlic mashed potatoes, and mousse with fresh berries.

Ms-demeanor at 04:38, 7 March 2024

2024-03-07T04:38:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:38, 6 March 2024
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	This is not meant as a judgement! All of us started from zero! If you are at skill level zero that is not a problem as long as you are able to eat a sufficient amount of food. If you are having trouble feeding yourself at any skill level, here are tips on [[How to improve as a Cook]].		This is not meant as a judgement! All of us started from zero! If you are at skill level zero that is not a problem as long as you are able to eat a sufficient amount of food. If you are having trouble feeding yourself at any skill level, here are tips on [[How to improve as a Cook]].

	== The Scale ==		= The Scale =

	=== Level Zero ===		== Level Zero ==
	I do not know how to cook anything; I am uncertain about the rules for using microwaves or how to handle kitchen appliances. I do not know how to heat water and someone else prepares my food.		I do not know how to cook anything; I am uncertain about the rules for using microwaves or how to handle kitchen appliances. I do not know how to heat water and someone else prepares my food.

	==== Skills ====		=== Skills ===
	* None		* None

Line 16:		Line 16:
	* None		* None

	=== Level One ===		== Level One ==
	I can heat water in an electric kettle or microwave and I can combine pre-prepared ingredients. I am able to make cold sandwiches and may be comfortable making instant oatmeal, ReadyMac, or Cup-of-Noodles with hot water. I can heat food in the microwave, make toast, spread food with a butter knife.		I can heat water in an electric kettle or microwave and I can combine pre-prepared ingredients. I am able to make cold sandwiches and may be comfortable making instant oatmeal, ReadyMac, or Cup-of-Noodles with hot water. I can heat food in the microwave, make toast, spread food with a butter knife.

	==== Skills ====		=== Skills ===
	* Stirring with a dining spoon		* Stirring with a dining spoon
	* Using a can opener		* Using a can opener
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	* Opening and re-sealing packages (i.e., lunch meat; a jam jar)		* Opening and re-sealing packages (i.e., lunch meat; a jam jar)

	~~=====~~ Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare ~~=====~~		'''Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare'''
	* Simple sandwich on toast with canned soup on the side		* Simple sandwich on toast with canned soup on the side

	=== Level Two ===		== Level Two ==
	I can heat water on the stove, and set the oven to heat pre-made foods like canned biscuits or slice and bake cookies. I can use sharp knives well enough to cut up carrots or apples, but I would struggle with cutting a pineapple or finely dicing anything. I can make pasta on the stove and heat pre-made sauce, I can make boxed mac and cheese, hard boil eggs, bake potatoes, and may be able to cook a grilled cheese sandwich. I can bake a cake from a mix but it takes effort.		I can heat water on the stove, and set the oven to heat pre-made foods like canned biscuits or slice and bake cookies. I can use sharp knives well enough to cut up carrots or apples, but I would struggle with cutting a pineapple or finely dicing anything. I can make pasta on the stove and heat pre-made sauce, I can make boxed mac and cheese, hard boil eggs, bake potatoes, and may be able to cook a grilled cheese sandwich. I can bake a cake from a mix but it takes effort.

	==== Skills ====		=== Skills ===

	* Boiling liquids		* Boiling liquids
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	* Basics of oven use		* Basics of oven use

	~~====~~ Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare ~~====~~		'''Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare'''
	* Pasta with sauce from a jar and frozen meatballs, microwave-steamed frozen vegetables, and very simple garlic bread.		* Pasta with sauce from a jar and frozen meatballs, microwave-steamed frozen vegetables, and very simple garlic bread.

	=== Level Three ===		== Level Three ==
	I am fairly comfortable in the kitchen. There are a few simple dishes I know how to cook well. I would be comfortable following a recipe to make cookies from scratch or pan-frying a steak. I can do multiple simple tasks in the kitchen at one time, like chopping vegetables while water comes to a boil. I know how to handle and cook prepared raw meats like trimmed pork chops, boneless chicken breasts, and ground beef. I can clean and trim most vegetables, pan-fry foods, and cook on a stove with techniques more complicated than heating liquids. I know how to make soup from scratch, make some sauces, and how to use some spices but I may struggle with achieving depth of flavor if I am not working from a recipe.		I am fairly comfortable in the kitchen. There are a few simple dishes I know how to cook well. I would be comfortable following a recipe to make cookies from scratch or pan-frying a steak. I can do multiple simple tasks in the kitchen at one time, like chopping vegetables while water comes to a boil. I know how to handle and cook prepared raw meats like trimmed pork chops, boneless chicken breasts, and ground beef. I can clean and trim most vegetables, pan-fry foods, and cook on a stove with techniques more complicated than heating liquids. I know how to make soup from scratch, make some sauces, and how to use some spices but I may struggle with achieving depth of flavor if I am not working from a recipe.

	==== Skills ====		=== Skills ===
	* Pan-frying		* Pan-frying
	* Reducing liquids on the stove		* Reducing liquids on the stove
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	* Whisking whipped cream		* Whisking whipped cream

	~~====~~ Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare ~~====~~		'''Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare'''
	* Pan-fried steak with sauteed mushrooms and onions, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, a side salad, and a simple dessert.		* Pan-fried steak with sauteed mushrooms and onions, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, a side salad, and a simple dessert.

	=== Level Four ===		== Level Four ==
	I am comfortable in the kitchen and cook frequently. I have a rotation of favorite recipes and have made up a few of my own. I am able to successfully experiment while cooking and replicate the results later. I can bake most things but might struggle with more complex or delicate pastries (souffles, croissants). I follow recipes when baking but may not use cookbooks or recipe blogs for much else. I am confident while cooking nearly any kind of meat and I know how to handle most fruits and vegetables. I can cook and serve more people than just my household and may be asked to host family gatherings as a result. I can almost always look at the ingredients in my kitchen and come up with an idea for a meal, even if it's something I've never attempted before. There is very little that I find intimidating when cooking. I may grow some of my own food (seasonal vegetables, herbs) and I am capable of making complex, flavorful dishes with very few missteps.		I am comfortable in the kitchen and cook frequently. I have a rotation of favorite recipes and have made up a few of my own. I am able to successfully experiment while cooking and replicate the results later. I can bake most things but might struggle with more complex or delicate pastries (souffles, croissants). I follow recipes when baking but may not use cookbooks or recipe blogs for much else. I am confident while cooking nearly any kind of meat and I know how to handle most fruits and vegetables. I can cook and serve more people than just my household and may be asked to host family gatherings as a result. I can almost always look at the ingredients in my kitchen and come up with an idea for a meal, even if it's something I've never attempted before. There is very little that I find intimidating when cooking. I may grow some of my own food (seasonal vegetables, herbs) and I am capable of making complex, flavorful dishes with very few missteps.

	==== Skills ====		=== Skills ===
	* Sauteeing		* Sauteeing
	* Filleting		* Filleting
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	* De-Boning meats		* De-Boning meats

	~~====~~ Most Complex Meal I could Easily Prepare ~~====~~		'''Most Complex Meal I could Easily Prepare'''
	R		* A roast chicken with mushroom risotto, artichokes with garlic aioli, a spinach salad with homemade vinaigrette, and a chocolate cream pie with crust and filling from scratch.

Ms-demeanor at 04:32, 7 March 2024

2024-03-07T04:32:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:32, 6 March 2024
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	* None		* None

	~~====~~ Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare ~~====~~		'''Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare'''
	* None		* None

Ms-demeanor at 04:31, 7 March 2024

2024-03-07T04:31:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 6 March 2024
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	* Opening and re-sealing packages (i.e., lunch meat; a jam jar)		* Opening and re-sealing packages (i.e., lunch meat; a jam jar)

	==== Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare ====		===== Most Complex Meal I could easily Prepare =====
	* Simple sandwich on toast with canned soup on the side		* Simple sandwich on toast with canned soup on the side

Ms-demeanor at 04:31, 7 March 2024

2024-03-07T04:31:00Z

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 ==== Skills ====
 * None
@@ Line 23: / Line 26: @@
 * Using a knife and fork to cut food into bite-sized pieces
 * Opening and re-sealing packages (i.e., lunch meat; a jam jar)
 === Level Two ===
-I can heat water on the stove, and set the oven to heat pre-made foods. I can use sharp knives well enough to cut up carrots or apples, but I would struggle with cutting a pineapple or finely dicing anything. I can make pasta on the stove and heat pre-made sauce, I can make boxed mac and cheese and may be able to hard boil eggs. I can bake a cake from a mix but it takes effort.
+I can heat water on the stove, and set the oven to heat pre-made foods like canned biscuits or slice and bake cookies. I can use sharp knives well enough to cut up carrots or apples, but I would struggle with cutting a pineapple or finely dicing anything. I can make pasta on the stove and heat pre-made sauce, I can make boxed mac and cheese, hard boil eggs, bake potatoes, and may be able to cook a grilled cheese sandwich. I can bake a cake from a mix but it takes effort.
 ==== Skills ====
@@ Line 34: / Line 40: @@
 * Combining pre-made food or ingredients
 * Following preparation instructions on packages
-* Whisking
+* Whisking Batter
-* Use of some small kitchen appliances (hand mixer, immersion blender, toaster oven)
+* Use of some small kitchen appliances (hand mixer, immersion blender, toaster oven, slow cooker)
 * Basics of oven use

Ms-demeanor at 02:36, 7 March 2024

2024-03-07T02:36:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:36, 6 March 2024
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	I can heat water in an electric kettle or microwave and I can combine pre-prepared ingredients. I am able to make cold sandwiches and may be comfortable making instant oatmeal, ReadyMac, or Cup-of-Noodles with hot water. I can heat food in the microwave, make toast, spread food with a butter knife.		I can heat water in an electric kettle or microwave and I can combine pre-prepared ingredients. I am able to make cold sandwiches and may be comfortable making instant oatmeal, ReadyMac, or Cup-of-Noodles with hot water. I can heat food in the microwave, make toast, spread food with a butter knife.

	==== Skills====		==== Skills ====
	* Stirring with a dining spoon		* Stirring with a dining spoon
	* Using a can opener		* Using a can opener
Line 26:		Line 26:
	=== Level Two ===		=== Level Two ===
	I can heat water on the stove, and set the oven to heat pre-made foods. I can use sharp knives well enough to cut up carrots or apples, but I would struggle with cutting a pineapple or finely dicing anything. I can make pasta on the stove and heat pre-made sauce, I can make boxed mac and cheese and may be able to hard boil eggs. I can bake a cake from a mix but it takes effort.		I can heat water on the stove, and set the oven to heat pre-made foods. I can use sharp knives well enough to cut up carrots or apples, but I would struggle with cutting a pineapple or finely dicing anything. I can make pasta on the stove and heat pre-made sauce, I can make boxed mac and cheese and may be able to hard boil eggs. I can bake a cake from a mix but it takes effort.

			==== Skills ====

	* Boiling liquids		* Boiling liquids