There is no single person that cannot be taught to cook something. Do you have the ability to purchase groceries and read written recipes? Do you have a stove, a pan, and some utensils? Then, you can cook! If you want your cooking skills to advance a little bit, read the tips in this article on how to make scrumptious meals easily that will be loved by everyone in your family.
Do you find yourself throwing away molded fruits a lot? Do not cut the rotten part and eat the rest. If you have fruit that is just a little rotten, throw it away. You need to throw them away, as mold tends to grow deeper than the eye can see, and eating moldy foods can make someone quite ill.
Take care of wooden cutting boards properly. Keep a wood cutting board away from heat and too much or too little moisture, as this can cause warping and splitting. Do not immerse the cutting board in water, instead, clean it using a sponge and warm water. You should apply oil to a board that is damaged, or to an undamaged board which you want to keep in pristine condition. Be sure to dry it off completely before using.
Consider warming citrus fruits in the microwave for a bit before juicing. Heat your orange, lemon, or other fruits for around ten seconds in the microwave. Roll the fruit across the counter until it cools off before juicing it.
Complete as much of the preparatory work as possible for your meals ahead of time to speed up the process of cooking. Examine recipes and identify which preparations can take place well in advance without risking spoilage. There is a lot of preparation that you can take care of a day in advance. The most complicated recipes can be transformed into easy, enjoyable kitchen work with advanced preparation.
Follow your recipe in selecting the right type of potato. Potatoes fall into three categories: waxy, mealy and all-purpose. Mealy potatoes have a dry, crumbly texture and are perfect for mashing. Russet potatoes are common mealy potatoes. An all-purpose potato, great for any dish, is Yukon gold. Those with a seemingly waxy outer coat stand up better if you plan to boil or steam your potatoes. Waxy potatoes include regular white or red potatoes.
When not in use, put your spices in an area that receives the lowest amount of light and heat. When they are stored in the sun, they lose shelf life because of exposure. Storing your spices in a dark location with a lower temperature will help preserve them longer. Your culinary preparations will taste better if your spices are fresh.
For a delicious take on pie crusts, bake them for longer than the recipe calls for. Wait until the crust turns golden rather than pale blond. This color means that the sugar has caramelized within the pie crust and will have a crunchy and sweet flavor.
Use colorful foods in your meal preparation. Using colorful ingredients makes the dish pleasing to the eye, and it also provides you with a balance of nutrients. Some colorful garnishes you can add to your meals include cherry tomatoes, cilantro, parsley and carrot curls. Put some creativity into your color combinations, and your dishes are sure to get eaten every time.
Whether it is a life skill, a hobby interest, or a profession, cooking is important. There are so many ways to make food, the most optimal way to learn is to take some advice from great cooks. So, try out some of these tips the next time you are in charge of the kitchen!