A lot of people consider cooking to be tedious. These tips will help you figure out how to make your cooking experience just as enjoyable as the food you’ll be whipping up in the kitchen.
Partially freezing meat makes it easier to slice it into thin strips. Certain dishes require thin strips of beef, chicken or pork. By partially freezing the meat, it can be sliced with much less effort and with little damage, too, as the fibers will will be less likely to tear. To ensure the meat cooks evenly, you must let the meat strips thaw thoroughly before cooking.
Keep your wood cutting board in tip-top shape. Wood is prone to warp or split when used as a cutting board. Food juices, plus the washing and drying process, will cause this damage. Don’t submerge your board in water to clean it. Use a sponge and warm soapy water instead. If your board is damaged you, can restore it by applying oil regularly, using an oil specially formulated for use on wood cutting boards. It should be completely dry before its next use.
It is essential to remain organized when cooking, so that you do not burn food or make other blunders. A well-organized cooking area is conducive to great results. Being disorganized means having difficulty finding things and quite possibly ruining an entire dish, wasting valuable time and money!
If you have purchased unripened fruits, put them into a plastic bag that is perforated. As they ripen, they will create ethylene gas. With holes fitted in the bag, the gas is allowed to escape. The air will circulate, and the gas will not harm the fruit’s natural taste.
If you have a hectic day coming up, take care of some of the components of your meal ahead of time. By doing some vegetable chopping, or pre-assembly of dishes the night before, you’ll be a lot less stressed on cooking day.
Make some flavored butter to add to your dinner rolls or corn for an exciting experience. Make sure that your butter is room temperature by either leaving it on the counter for a while or softening it in the microwave. Include a variety of spices, sauces and seasonings to add a savory kick. Give barbecue sauce a try, or mix in peppers, honey or lemon juice.
Leafy green vegetables are the ultimate in healthy eating, but getting them to the dinner table can be an ordeal. Removing these stems can be difficult. One simple technique is to fold over the leaf lengthwise, then pull the stem out and away from the leafy portion. Particularly tough stems can be sliced out of the leaf with a knife. Simply open up the leaf now and enjoy greens that are free from stems.
When you are planning to use skewers for your cooking, always soak wooden skewers for at least thirty minutes in water prior to use. This step will stop the skewer from burning while it is being used. To prevent food from falling from the skewers, use two parallel skewers rather than just one.
If you’re going to be barbecuing, it’s a good idea to prepare your grill beforehand so that it’s already ready for you when you need it. Plan to start preparing the grilling surface about half an hour before you place food on it. Cover the coals with ashes, and allow them to reach a medium heat. Grilling at this temperature is highly recommended.
As pointed out in this article, cooking can be fun and entertaining. If you use the tips that have been provided you will be able to enjoy cooking and really use food as a way to express yourself.