Head Beagle wrote:
> Thanks for all the replies, don't have time right now for a more
> complete response, but here is an approximation of my cooking
> equipment.
>
> Mircrowave
> Electric stove top
> Oven
> Probably a foreman grill
> Fridge
> Freezer
> working on assembling pots, pans, knives, and those other cookware
> sort of things I will need. Right now I don't have much, but that is
> something I am trying to learn right now so I can get what I need.
>
> Thanks for all the responses, definitely useful stuff for me.

I don't know anything about foods needed to keep up energy for althletes.
As far as I'm concerned everyone eats food for energy, otherwise you're
probably dead or something

While you're thinking about stocking up on cooking utensils (and I agree
with Dan, check thrift shops and places like that for your basic starter
things) you should also consider some basic herbs and spices. They make or
break a dish. Some standard things (but by no means a complete list)
should, IMHO, include bay leaves and and at the risk of showing my age by
invoking an old song by Simon & Garfunkle, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Note: fresh herbs can be frozen; dried herbs should be used with a
lighter hand as they are slightly more intense unless they are very old.

Spices should include pepper, of course. Salt is not the evil being it has
been touted to be; so long as you aren't liberally dousing everything with
it (I prefer to salt at the table). Also, you don't need to be suckered
into buying fancy-schmantzy sea salts. As for what other spices you might
enjoy, check here (you don't have to buy from there, just a suggestion which
a lot of us on rfc utilize): www.penzeys.com Even better if there is one
located near you! There is also http://www.thespicehouse.com/info/home.php
Both web sites have some nice recipes on them, too!

I'm sure I'll think of more things when I'm fully awake

Jill