Every novice cooker has to begin at some point. Not everyone has a natural ability to cook. Everyone is capable of learning to cook, though. Eventually, you will be able to experiment with different spices, seasonings and ingredients to create new dishes. The tips below should get you started on the right path to becoming an excellent cook.
Place unripened fruits in a plastic bag that is perforated right after you buy them. As the fruits ripen, ethylene gas is produced. If you put them in the bag with holds the air will go through the bag, and the gas will stay in, helping the fruits retain their wonderful taste.
Cook your vegetables quickly to retain quality and nutrients. Slow-cooked vegetables lose nutritional value and taste. The quick cook methods generally make the vegetables tastier and more nutritional. Cooking vegetables as quickly as possible is key to preserving their nutrients.
Proper care for a wood cutting board. 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 can find oil designed for cutting boards to maintain yours. It should be completely dry before its next use.
Allow the oil to heat up in the pan before adding your food. Your food will taste better, and you will not have a lull in the cooking process waiting for the oil to heat up.
It is important to hold off on adding salt and/or garlic when you are making dried beans. Instead, add these ingredients once the beans are soft. Both garlic and salt will keep your beans from getting softer while they cook. You should not use the spices until the beans are done cooking or most of the way done to have the texture you want.
Fruit works especially well on the grill. Load up a kebab with sliced fruits such as melons, peaches, nectarines, and pears. Cook them on a cleaned grill until you see the grill marks. Serve the grilled fruit on some ice cream or pound cake that has been cooked a few minutes on the grill.
Explore creativity when you cook. You need not follow a recipe exactly. Experimenting fearlessly with cooking, adding a new ingredient, cutting one out, and changing amounts is how great new recipes are born. That type of cooking finesse make a genuine cook!
Although you might have the urge to impress them by cooking fancy food, do not try new recipes when cooking for important people. Whether you are cooking for your boss, that special someone or your in-laws, you would like them to enjoy your cooking. Please them by cooking a recipe you are familiar with, and can cook very well.
Regardless of the recipe, you can always bet that a fresh ingredient is better than its dried or frozen counterpart. Fresh ingredients will give your dish extra flavor, and can turn out to be less expensive over time.
You should store all herbs and spices in cool, dark places. If they are exposed to light, moisture, or heat, they will lose much of their flavor. Ground herbs and spices retain their flavor for 12 months under normal circumstances. Whole spices may retain flavor for up to five years. Proper storage is essential to maintaining fresh, robust flavors.
Cooking talent does not come naturally to many, but if you know how to read and follow directions with accuracy, being an amateur chef is within your grasp. Contrary to what you may think, cooking is not overly difficult with the right knowledge. Just keep these tips in handy and you will soon be preparing delicious meals for your family and friends.