These are the Foods Everybody Needs to Cook Before They're 30
Obviously we can't all embark on an Eat, Pray, Love-inspired solo expedition around the world before we officially become adults, but have you even baked a batch of from-scratch brownies before? If you want to prove that you can cook so much more than scrambled eggs by the time you're a real grown-up, start with these.
What sounds like one of the stuffiest foods ever, the soufflé is a crowd-pleasing classic you should attempt at least once. The French-style cake is made of egg yolks and beaten egg whites to create a heavenly fluffy texture. Bonus: You can make them sweet or savory.
If you've ever tasted the homemade kind (this chipotle one is to die for), you know why you should start making the beloved chickpea dip from scratch. Besides, how much of a trendsetter would you be to not serve friends hummus in its plastic container?
Where would this list be without this classic? NOWHERE. When you need to impress a friend, parent or Tinder date, rely on roast chicken. It's at once perfectly sophisticated, rustic, and simple. (Literally, you can be the most basic and just drizzle it with oil, season it with salt and pepper, and put it in the oven. But maybe go one step above and try this.)
Because they're one of life's simplest pleasures. And grown-ups can do better than scrambled. And when you're tired and don't want to spend more than 5 minutes on dinner, put a poached egg on it.
Nope, doesn't even mean you need to invest in an ice cream maker. Our favorite shortcut method requires zero churning.
The Italian fave only sounds like a labor of love. It's actually pretty quick to prep—and will leave you leftovers for days.
Channel your mall-loitering Cinnabon-chowing teen self and make these. Yes, good ones can be a b*tch to make because you have to use active dry yeast and let them rise (a true sign you're a grown-up cook), but the results are totally worth it.
It's time to not consider steak one of those items you'll order at a restaurant but not cook at home. Grill it or pan-sear it—just do it.
Fact: Pimiento cheese will be a hit appetizer at any gathering. Class it up by skipping its classic companion, Ritz, and going for crostini or pita chips, or by serving it hot.
Skipping the jar can be equally liberating and delish. (Oh, and will make your whole house smell like heaven as this simmers on the stove.)
One of the best ways to use up homemade sauce: homemade arugula-prosciutto pie.
In a pinch, Pillsbury works like a dream, but make your own buttery goodness from start to finish, and each slice is going to taste really f-ing good.
Because the moment you make a batch for your best friend and get to answer 'no' when she asks if you used a box mix will be your proudest. (Coffee lovers, you can't beat this cappuccino recipe.)
Only sounds exotic. This dish of eggs poached in tomato sauce is the best solution for a lazy dinner, brunch, lunch, breakfast, yes EVERY MEAL. Make sure you're armed with a baguette.
On a lonely cold night, take your best shot at the ultimate comfort food.
When you need a night to turn on a Lifetime movie and wallow on your couch, make this four-ingredient pasta before turning to a pint of Ben & Jerry's.
One way to wow on your next date night: Buy the freshest seafood you can find and marinate it in a sh*t load of lime juice, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Are you still turning to a bottle? It's too easy to make your own. Whisk together 3 parts olive oil and two parts vinegar (balsamic, apple cider, champagne) and a pinch of sugar, then season with salt and pepper.
You can try to perfect the Tollhouse—or chase after the most unbelievable-tasting chocolate chip cookie in the world, Levain Bakery's in NYC, with this copycat recipe.
They don't call it the Mother Sauce in French cooking for nothing: This thickening agent is a must for a #winning mac & cheese.
You don't have to wait for a Jewish holiday—or be Jewish at all—to make this addictive braided bread.
If you want to play your best Julia Child in the kitchen (and who doesn't?), make this traditional French dinner of beef braised in red wine. (This take on the dish incorporates mushrooms.)
The genuine happy feels your friend will have when presented with a from-scratch birthday cake are worth every minute (usually only 30!) of baking one.
Take your taco addiction to the next level by making your own corn tortillas.
A party food we should all have in our arsenal.
It'll be love at first bite when you taste your own low-and-slow meat sauce—and make you wish you could eat pasta for every meal (err, because you don't already).
The savory custard might seem passé, but any true brunch fan knows it will never go out of favor. (Plus, quiche, including this mushroom-zucchini favorite, holds up well when made ahead.)
If you can pull off delicious brisket, you're officially going to be all of your friends' spirit animal.
Of course, prepping no meal will ever make you feel as grown-up as a proper Thanksgiving spread. You got this.
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Plenty of more easy and essential recipes in our book. Trust.
These are the Foods Everybody Needs to Cook Before They're 30
Obviously we can't all embark on an Eat, Pray, Love-inspired solo expedition around the world before we officially become adults, but have you even baked a batch of from-scratch brownies before? If you want to prove that you can cook so much more than scrambled eggs by the time you're a real grown-up, start with these.
Consider this the most delicious way to measure if you're really ready for adulthood.
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