Let’s get it straight: just because you’re saying I do, doesn't mean you need to tie on an apron and channel June Cleaver. But there is something to be said for whipping up a delicious home-cooked meal to share with as a newly married couple. Not a whiz in the kitchen? Neither was actress Haylie Duff until her father gave her a treasured book of her Grandmother’s recipes. Inspired, the eat-out and take-home pro began deciphering her way through family recipes, often adding her own personal take.
Soon Duff became a regular at Southern California’s farmer’s markets and a seasoned home chef. She shares her learning experiences and lovely recipes in her gorgeously photographed book, The Real Girl’s Kitchen. Brimming with fresh, seasonal and homey recipes (ham and cheese waffles? Yes please!), Duff’s book is a must-have for the new—and seasoned—cooks. We caught up with Duff to get a few of her tips of the trade.
CWD: What is your advice for a newlywed who is also new to cooking?
Haylie: First of all, Congrats! I would say to start small. Choose simple dishes that are hard to mess up! Sometimes my boyfriend surprises me with a "man-made" dinner and he always chooses simple dishes like my lemon caper chicken and Dijon Brussels sprouts and the meal always turns out great. Plus, tons of grocery stores sell individually wrapped chicken so you don't have to make too much food.
CWD: Which recipe is great starter?
Haylie: The "Legit" chicken from my book is pretty killer! It looks like it takes a lot of skill but it is actually quite simple and so so tasty. Same goes for the mussels and clams over linguini. That dish seems very fancy but it is in fact next to impossible to mess up.
CWD: What are your registry must-have items?
Haylie: I would say a heavy duty cast iron grill pan because it is the best way to get that "just off the grill" feel. A great set of knives, your knives can either make chopping easier or harder. Choose good stainless knives and don't forget to buy a sharpener! And a vitamix or a heavy duty blender. I use my vitamix for everything from soups to salad dressings to smoothies. Best appliance ever!
Follow Haylie on Twitter.com/HaylieDuff or head to her website, The Real Girls Kitchen for more recipes, tips, restaurant reviews and more.
