Daily meal time is enjoyed by almost everyone. When the person who cooks the meal is a skilled chef, it can bring even greater enjoyment and anticipation. The following article will provide to cooks of any level to make meals that are even tastier.
You can make dried tomatoes yourself. Slice a large, ripened tomato in half-inch-thick slices. If you are using Roma tomatoes, slice them lengthwise into two pieces. Place cut side up on a clean cooling rack and salt lightly. Next, the tomatoes need to spend about 10 hours in an oven set to 190 degrees. Put a cookie sheet under the rack before it goes in. Once done, you can store them in your freezer in plastic bags. Dried tomatoes may also be stored in a jar containing fresh herbs and olive oil. Dried tomatoes should be stored within the refrigerator and used within two weeks.
If a recipe calls for milk or water, try some other flavorful liquid to enhance the flavor of your dish. Use chicken broth, beef, or juice in places where you would normally use water. You can try out buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream instead of milk. Using a variety of liquids can add a bit of zest to a favorite recipe and even make it more nutritious.
You need to properly care for a wooden cutting board. To keep your wooden cutting board in top shape, avoid exposing it to excess moisture. Never immerse the board in water, rather, sponge it off with warm, soapy water. If your board is damaged you, can restore it by applying oil regularly, using an oil specially formulated for use on wood cutting boards. Be sure to let your cutting board dry completely before you use it again.
To saute vegetables, use chicken broth in place of oil or butter. Broth will flavor the vegetables, and less oil will be needed to saute them. This is a tasty way to cook your veggies.
A great way to cook is brining. Let poultry soak in brine for one hour before you prepare it for more flavor.
When you want to add a bit of protein to your diet, tofu and beans are a great source of it. You can buy both items at almost any grocery store, and they will fit into any budget. Tofu can be pan-fried with some seasonings, and makes a tasty meat alternative. You can boil the beans with some herbs to have a flavorful protein packed meal, side or snack.
Beef or chicken stock can be used in place of water in just about any dish to add additional flavor. To make things easier, add a bouillon cubes in the water. This keeps your meal from being dried out, while eliminating oil and adding flavor.
Reheating oily dishes should take place in the oven rather than the microwave if you want to avoid a mess. The intense microwave heat usually causes the oil, which warms up the fastest, to separate itself from other ingredients. Baking, on the other hand, slowly and consistently reheats the whole dish, keeping its flavors and ingredients cohesive.
When your family says “not again” to a side dish of sweet corn, it’s time to add some variety. Add a pinch of coconut flakes to your corn for a Thai-inspired taste.
If you need to slice meat into thin strips, then partially freeze it beforehand. This is a good way to cut strips for Asian dishes, such as Chinese and Thai. When you freeze meat, it makes the slicing much cleaner because it prevents the meat from being as flexible. After you have sliced the meat, allow it to thaw out before cooking. This keeps the meat cooking evenly.
When you consume a great meal, it’s an enjoyable experience all around. It doesn’t take years of learning to be able to create your own masterpieces. Pretty much anyone can do this. Try applying these tips next time you try cooking something.