It is all too easy to fall into a rut with cooking, sticking to the same menu every week. Instead, how about training yourself on new and creative cooking techniques? There’s more to cooking than just preparing a nice meal for the family; it can actually be an enjoyable experience as you experiment with new ways of cooking. These are some nice culinary tips to get started.
Burgers cooked on the grill are delicious; however, many times they stick to your grill. Because of this, you should use vegetable oil to brush the grill prior to cooking so that you can prevent the meat from sticking.
There are many herbs that have a strong smell that will stay on your cutting board. Separate the halves by using indelible ink on the cutting board so you know what belongs on each side.
To make sure you know when the food is done, set the timer on the oven, but set a watch timer as well. Using your watch’s timer or wearing a stopwatch will ensure you that you will hear the signal regardless of your location.
Replace and refresh your spices twice a year. Spices lose their flavor if kept too long. If you purchase spices that you know are not used often in your home, give some to a family member or friend.
Fresh ingredients are better than frozen or dried, regardless of what you cook. Use fresh ingredients as much as you can, because they add better flavor to your dish and tend to be a lot cheaper.
Frozen sweet corn is a versatile vegetable that can be easily spiced up if the family is bored with the normal way it is served. Be creative and serve Asian dishes that call for coconut flakes and corn mixed together.
If you plan to prepare food outside for a cookout, make sure the grill itself is prepped beforehand. You should start preparing your grill around 30 minutes before you put the food on. The coals need to be around medium heat and covered in ash. This is the best grilling temperature.
Sprinkle a small amount of salt over your cutting board surface before chopping your herbs. It will not only add flavor to the herbs but it will also keep them in place while they are being chopped. Do not add too much salt to your dish. The salt used on the board provides that extra bit of flavor by sticking to the herbs.
Many people tend to get stressed out when they have to cook for a family gathering, especially if there are going to be a lot of people attending. Do all the preparation the night before, instead of letting yourself panic the day of the event. For any dishes that can be made ahead, do so; for all others, prep the ingredients in advance.
After you cook a meal, immediately wash all dishes used during preparation. Keep soapy water on one side of the sink and use the other side to rinse your dishes. Washing the dishes as you go along will make the final clean up much easier.
The more you are able to prepare delicious meals, the more you will feel confident in your ability to create new dishes. Turn cooking into an enjoyable and appetizing way to educate yourself on the fascinating topic of food. You will also learn more about yourself as in learning what you like to cook. As you move along in your learning, you’ll find it to be even more fun, your skills will improve, and the food you create will begin to taste better and better.