If cooking is a new adventure for you, realize that you just need to get started. While some people can step in the kitchen and work magic their first time, not everyone is so gifted. That being said, everyone can learn to cook. There a few things you need to know before beginning your journey in cooking. Continue reading to learn essential advice to help you get on your way.
Keep your spices and herbs in a dark, cool place. Heat, humidity, and light will all weaken your spices’ flavor. A lot of the time, you can expect an herb or a space to retain flavor for about a year. Spices that have not been ground may still be worth using for three years or a little more. Store your herbs and spices correctly, so that they will stay fresh and keep their full flavor!
If you are cooking with nonstick cookware, you need to makes sure that your spatulas and spoons are made out of silicone, nylon or rubber. You do not want to see the chemical coatings appear in your food by using utensils that scratch, such as those made of wood or metal. If the protective coat of your dishes are flaking, it might end up poisoning your food.
When you are creaming together butter and sugar to make cookies, make sure you have softened butter, but you don’t want it melted. If your butter is melted, put the bowl in the freezer to solidify it a little bit, or just put the dough in the refrigerator. If your dough is cooler, it won’t spread too much.
Your spices should be stored in any area that is dark and cool. Storing them out in the light and heat will cause them to lose some of their shelf life. Spices last longer and taste better when stored in cool, dark locations. Fresh spices offer better taste profiles than stale ones.
Complete your prep work before you start cooking a meal. This will prevent you from wasting resources or overcooking your food, as well as prevent other dangerous situations resulting from distractions.
There are several types of potatoes, and they are not all the same. Waxy potatoes are best used for things like potato salad but would not work well if made into a French fry. Russets, and other less dense potatoes, tend to work best for baking, frying and mashing.
Try making your own dried tomatoes. Slice a large, ripened tomato in half-inch-thick slices. If you are using Roma tomatoes, slice them lengthwise into two pieces. Using a cooling rack, lay the sliced tomatoes with the side that is cut facing upward, and then sprinkle them lightly with salt. Then place that on a baking sheet and dry them in an oven that is 190 degrees for 10 hours. Put them in plastic bags for freezer storage. Also, you can put those dried tomatoes straight into a jar or can filled with fresh herbs and olive oil. Keep it refrigerated and use it within two weeks.
If you wish to eat more protein, try one of the many varieties of beans or tofu available. Both can be found at any grocery store. The tofu can be lightly seasoned and pan fried, which makes for a great alternative to meat. Beans can be used in vegetarian chili, added to baked goods, or just boiled with herbs and vegetables.
Some people have a natural talent for cooking, but natural talent is not necessary. As long as you can follow a recipe and written directions, you can become a fantastic cook. It is easier than you might think it is. With these tips kept in mind, there is nothing stopping you from mastering the culinary arts.