You can always learn new things about cooking, even for your family. Using the proper techniques can change an ordinary meal into a fabulous event that will be well-remembered. If you combine these tips, you’ll be able to create all kinds of new flavors in your cooking.
To remove the odors of fish, garlic, onions or other strong ingredients from your hands, rub them on stainless steel for a minute before washing them. This strips the odors off your hands so that you don’t contaminate other ingredients. There are purpose-built steel “soap bars” for this, but the sides of your sink or your spoons will work just as well.
In addition to the oven timer, set the timer on your wristwatch or stopwatch. By having a watch set up to beep when food is done, you do not have to worry about under or overcooking your foods.
Your spices should be stored in a cool place that is free of light. If the spices become too hot, or moist from humidity, it can shorten their shelf life. Too much light exposure also does this. Storing your spices in a dark location with a lower temperature will help preserve them longer. Fresh spices can greatly enhance your meals, making this effort well worth your time.
When using a citrus fruit for juicing, it is best to warm it just a little in the microwave first. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges just need a quick ten second zap in the microwave. Now pull your fruit from the microwave and roll it around before juicing it.
When simmering or boiling vegetables, try adding chicken broth. Chicken broth is an excellent base to use when preparing vegetable dishes that helps keep them from sticking and gives them some flavor. Chicken broth is cheap, and can be bought anywhere.
Consider using ketchup to batter ingredients that you are going to fry. You can either dip your food in ketchup once it is cooked, or before adding breadcrumbs. Ketchup gives an unexpected burst of flavor to the foods you fry, and everyone will want to know why!
Do you tend to have minor catastrophes with pie crust? Simple repairs can be made to hide flaws in the crust. Sometimes when you’re rolling out pie dough it will end up with places that are showing cracks. Cold water sprinkled on cracks and smoothing out the dough can fix it. If your cracks are located towards the top of your pie, use some milk and sugar. Once it’s out of the oven, any cracks in the crust will be imperceptible beneath its lovely glaze.
For a delicious take on pie crusts, bake them for longer than the recipe calls for. Your crust should be a deep caramel as opposed to a light goldenrod. This color means that the sugar has caramelized within the pie crust and will have a crunchy and sweet flavor.
Enhance the flavors in a simple dish by using fresh ingredients, herbs and seasonings. Dried herbs and spices can be used for complex recipes that have a plethora of flavors. Fresh herbs tend to be better if you want to have a fresher and stronger overall taste. Having a small herb garden is a great way to ensure you always have fresh herbs on hand.
Are you going to cook with fresh basil? Place some basil in a clean glass. Make sure the stems are covered by an adequate amount of water. Put the basil on your counter and it will remain fresh for up to seven days! If you are sure to add fresh water, your basil will even form roots and become a plant. Trim your basil plants once in awhile to promote more growth, and enjoy your fresh basil for quite a long time.
If you desire to be a better cook, use these tips accomplish that. These suggestions can help you with things you should know to make better meals for family, friends, or a crowd.