Get Started: Cooking and Baking

Most of us are spending more time at home, and even though many restaurants are closed or limited in their capacity, we still have to eat! Spending time in the kitchen to learn a new skill or dish is a great way to distract ourselves and find comfort during this time. Omaha Public Library staff have compiled the following resources to provide inspiration for your kitchen adventures.

If you’re looking to minimize your trips to the grocery store and make the most out of the ingredients you already have on hand, then try Cooking From Your Pantry. Use the resources on this list to stretch your ingredients further and find tips on substitutions.

Many people have been experimenting with baking bread. Bread Baking provides how-tos for working with sourdough and other breads. If you’re a Great British Bake-Off fan, this list will have you taking your baking a step further, creating treats that would make Paul Hollywood proud.

Maybe your favorite ethnic restaurant is currently closed or you’re dreaming of travel. If so, use these International Recipes to learn how to make international dishes at home.

Of course, not everyone has spare time to spend in the kitchen these days - between work and keeping families busy, perhaps the last thing you want to do is labor over a meal. If you have an Instant Pot, check out this list for meals you can prepare without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you want more suggestions, need to renew your library card, or just want a chance to talk to a librarian directly, OPL is still here. While the libraries are closed, staff are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both online through AskOPL and by phone at 402.444.4800.