I just learned to cook too, since my husband and I separated. At first I was anxious about it, but it's actually going quite well--I can make what I feel like eating, when I feel like eating! I'm eating much healthier now, and it's a good sense of accomplishment to see that I can do it for myself and I don't need someone else. So, good for you!

I'm vegan, so I don't have any advice on pot roast, LOL--but I do make a mean tofu stir-fry! :-)

I am sure your pot roast will turn out great!

I love to cook and bake. I have lots of recipes. Let me know what you are looking to make. Also let us know how the roast turns out.

You can take a roast put it in a 2 inch deep baking pan. Pour a can of Campbell's French Onion Soup over it. Sprinkle with black pepper. Add a cup of water to the bottom on the pan and bake at 325 degrees...It depends on the size of the roast how long you need to bake it. It is easy, it smells wonderful and tastes so good!

Best cut for pot roast is chuck. Take a paper towel and wipe off the surface. This prepares the surface for searing otherwise it steam. Salt liberally. On medium high heat in a iron pot sear the surface of the pot roast. Everything tastes better when seared. Add 1/2 inch cut carrots, celery, onion, about 1/2 cup of each. Brown the carrots as well. They'll taste better. Add about 2 cups of water to pot. Cover the pot tightly and place in oven at 375 degrees. What you want is meat which is so tender you could eat it without use of a knife. Leave the pot roast alone and then test it after 2 hours to see if it reaches the tenderness stage. For the last hour of cooking you can add golden yellow potatoes or cook mashed potatoes and corn on the side.
A crock pot would make this whole process easier.
The Joy of Cooking is a great beginner cook book.

so, how'd it turn out?

Well after I called my dad a few times and responded to a few text messages and read these posts, I came to realize that I was not too far off. My son, his friend and I are all still alive after eating it. It came out pretty good but my dad laughed at me. I asked him "How do you know its done", he told me it depends on the temperature. So I told him at cooked it at 325. He said no bone head, what is the temperature of the meat. The only problem was that the potatoes came out a little hard. Any suggestions on that part? The only thing I know how to cook on is the grill in my backyard LOL.

Lisa, I am thinking of trying to make Shrimp Scampi tomorrow. Any special recipes?

Ohhhhhh - butter, garlic, white wine and fresh lemon juice - salt and pepper - and shrimp, of course! Super easy. You'll not only be fine, you'll be GREAT!

yep, as serengeti posted, this one should be easy for you.

don't forget some fresh parm for plating...

Thanks Serengeti! I really enjoy cooking now. My stbx usually did all of the cooking so I kinda freak out when I am doing it alone. I try and get the kids to help and my son usually does but my daughter has not taken home ec yet so she is not so comfortable.

Anyone remember that scene from Hitch where they had that Food Rave? That would be something cool to do to meet new people or maybe a DS get together LOL!

what kind of potatoes? did you tried to cook them with the meat, like baby whole potatoes?

btw I had to laugh at the temp comment. :)

ChiTown, I was cracking up when I figured out what he was saying :) As for the potatoes, I cut up regular Idaho potatoes and cooked them with the meat. Not sure what I did wrong with them?

Mate, you probably put the spuds in to late. Just put them in a little earlier next time.

Google is a wonderful tool if you are looking for recipes or cooking tips.

Its not real hard to put some chops/steaks/hamburger/sausages etc on the griddle and boil up 4 or 5 different vegies and presto, you have a proper meal.

Enjoy ya cooking mate. Don't be afraid to try something new.

Shrimp do t take long to cook.. Over cooked and they can get rubbery..

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/absolutely-the-best-shrimp-scampi/

You can put Shrimp Scampi over pasta or rice.

I would strongly suggest that you get a large Crock Pot. You put the ingredients in before you go to work and you will have dinner ready when you get home. They have lots of great Crock Pot recipes.

I like using small red potatoes with pot roasts ...I think they have a better flavor.

Even better than a crock pot, have a look at thermal cookers, Something Like this :-

http://www.dreampot.com.au/

These are a brilliant piece of kit and I just can't imagine being without one. :) I cook curries, Pot roasts, and just about anything you care to name in mine. there are a bunch of real good recipes on that site too.

I am sure something similar would be available in the US.