The Times recently posted a set of 101 simple recipes that can be prepared and ready to devour in 10 minutes or less. Anyone that is somewhat familiar with me quickly learn that in a kitchen an armless person or even a rat is more able than I am. With this caveat in mind, I glanced at the article hoping to find an equivalent of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or Ramen recipe. Instead, I found myself reminded of why I can't cook. Apparently the Times' definition of "simple" is different than mine. 1 Make six-minute eggs: simmer gently, run under cold water until cool, then peel. Serve over steamed asparagus. Simmer what gently? The eggs? How the hell do you do that? And when do you know "steamed asparagus" is done?
2 Toss a cup of chopped mixed herbs with a few tablespoons of olive oil in a hot pan. Serve over angel-hair pasta, diluting the sauce if necessary with pasta cooking water. How the hell do you "dilute" sauce? And what sort of mixed herbs?--Can I just buy "mixed herbs" at the grocery store?
3 Cut eight sea scallops into four horizontal slices each. Arrange on plates. Sprinkle with lime juice, salt and crushed chilies; serve after five minutes. How do you cook sea scallops? And to crush chilies, does this mean I just cut them up finely?
4 Open a can of white beans and combine with olive oil, salt, small or chopped shrimp, minced garlic and thyme leaves in a pan. Cook, stirring, until the shrimp are done; garnish with more olive oil. How much olive oil, etc do I use? How do I know when the shrimp is done?