Natural English Conversation about Cooking | Part 1

Listening Practice on Phrasal Verbs Related to Food

Introduction to the Topic

• The session focuses on listening practice centered around phrasal verbs related to food preparation and cooking.

• The aim is not just to use previously discussed phrasal verbs but to engage in natural English conversation, allowing for new vocabulary acquisition.

Quick Meals from Childhood

• One speaker recalls their mother making mashed potatoes quickly, emphasizing the preparation process over cooking time.

• Another speaker mentions classic quick meals like spaghetti or breakfast for dinner, highlighting the convenience and taste of these options.

Early Kitchen Tasks

• Discussion shifts to childhood kitchen tasks; one speaker started with simple cleaning duties like putting dishes next to the sink.

• Scrambling eggs was a common first cooking task due to its simplicity and safety for children.

Cooking Experiences

• Frying eggs was noted as an easier initial cooking experience compared to scrambling them, which involves more steps.

• A humorous anecdote about using a microwave instead of boiling water for ramen noodles illustrates creative shortcuts in cooking.

Baking Memories

• The speakers reminisce about baking cookies during Christmas, involving fun activities like cutting out shapes and decorating with frosting.

• They discuss making biscuits together as a family activity that is easy and enjoyable for kids.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Living abroad led one speaker to adapt recipes by substituting butter with oil, resulting in moist chocolate cake.

• They also mention replacing sugar with healthier alternatives like bananas or applesauce due to personal taste preferences.

American Cooking and Food Preferences

Sugar in American Desserts

• The speaker discusses the high sugar content in American desserts, comparing it to the amount of flour used. They mention a shift in preference after living abroad, often reducing or eliminating sugar to enhance flavor.

Frying Practices

• The conversation shifts to frying techniques, with the speaker noting they fry infrequently due to health concerns and oil usage. They emphasize that reused oil can affect food taste.

• When frying, chicken is a common choice for the speaker, who prefers flavorful seasoning over fast-food options like KFC. Fried okra is also mentioned as a Southern staple.

• A heavy meal typically includes fried chicken and okra paired with mashed potatoes and green beans, highlighting traditional Southern cuisine.

Cooking Techniques

• The speaker enjoys quick sautéing vegetables like onions and peppers and preparing Chinese dumplings by pan-frying them for added texture after boiling.

• Bacon is occasionally fried on special occasions; its fat content allows it to self-deep fry during cooking.

Favorite Leftovers

• Chili emerges as a favorite leftover dish, especially during fall. The speaker describes making a large pot with beef, beans, and spices that improves in flavor over time.

• Chili cook-offs are popular in America during this season; cold weather enhances enjoyment of hearty meals like chili.

Year-Round Cooking Favorites

• The discussion transitions to year-round cooking preferences. Grilling is highlighted as a favorite activity regardless of seasonality; grilling chicken or pork butt is particularly favored.

• Steak is mentioned as an expensive but desirable option for grilling; various dishes can be made from steak leftovers throughout different meals.

Cultural Aspects of Cooking

• The communal aspect of grilling during holidays such as Labor Day or Memorial Day reflects American culture's emphasis on outdoor cooking events.

Conclusion and Future Content

• The speakers thank listeners for tuning in and encourage them to utilize transcriptions for better understanding. Upcoming content will focus on phrasal verbs related to food.