A simple few secrets could make you a much better cook. Take the advice given in this article to become a better cook. By implementing these tips, you will learn exactly what you can do.
Your spices and herbs should always be stored in a cool and dark place. The flavor of the spices and herbs will decrease if they are kept in areas with light, humidity, and heat. Usually, ground herbs and spices retain their flavor for 12 months. Whole spices are hardier, and will retain their robust flavoring for several years. They’ll remain fresh longer if stored properly.
It is important to prepare a barbecue before you are actually ready to use it. The grill should be prepared 30 minutes before it is used for cooking. Your coals should all have a coat of ash at this point and be medium hot. This is the best temperature for grilling.
Take out the extra fat from your soup of stew. If you’re making a stew or a soup that contains too much fat, let the dish cool down all the way so that the fat rises to the top. Place an ice cube atop a spoon and skim it over the surface of the soup or stew. The fat will be attracted to the cube of ice. You could also remove the fat by soaking it up with a paper towel.
Potatoes such as russets, which are designed for baking, will provide the harder shell needed when you make “twice baked” potatoes or potato-skin appetizers. Red or new potatoes have too thin of a skin to hold the filling.
You should consider drying your tomatoes on your own. Cut Romas tomatoes in lengthwise halves, or slice ripe regular tomatoes into half inch slices for drying. Put them facing upwards onto a cooling rack and add a little salt. Set your oven to 190 degrees, place the rack on a baking sheet and let the tomatoes dry in the oven for approximately 10 hours. Store in plastic bags in the freezer. Another option is to place the tomatoes in a jar and cover them with fresh herbs and olive oil. Use them within two weeks of refrigerating.
You want to make certain you have the prep work done ahead of time. It is essential that the prep work is completed before cooking commences. However, when you are ready to start cooking and have a deadline for when your meal needs to be finished, it can be a bit stressful. By doing all of your preparation in advance, you avoid the stress and just enjoy your meal.
You should think big when preparing chicken stock. When you prepare stock, make a large amount, so it can be frozen for later use. Homemade chicken stock adds great flavor to everything from soups to casseroles. Let your stock come to room temperature before you freeze it.
Try mixing some flavors into your butter for a bit more complexity with familiar food items like corn and dinner rolls. First, bring some butter to room temperature, or soften it using a microwave. Then, give it some zing by adding spices, herbs or sauces. Try BBQ, chipotles, lemon juice or honey.
Buy your fish or meat on the bone. Simply place all bones (both raw and cooked) in a plastic bag in your freezer. Take them out when you want to make stock.
Being a good cook is not rocket science. It takes a little effort and time, but it isn’t overly complicated. Sometimes it comes natural, but sometimes people must be guided. The information found in the article should have helped you learn what you need to do to be a great cook.