Most people see cooking as a menial chore. But cooking can be something to be enjoyed. It can also help to contribute towards a healthier lifestyle. A good cook continues to learn, and this article has a wealth of information for anyone who is interested in cooking.
If you enjoy utilizing herbs and spices, keep them fresh and flavorful by storing them in an area that is dark and cool. You are destroying your herbs’ flavors and wasting your money when you store them in a warm area or where they are exposed to sunlight.
You should have all preparations for your food ready before you start cooking. If you do so, you’ll save on electricity by not running an oven that you aren’t yet using. You are also adding a measure of safety by not getting distracted with another task and forgetting about a hot pan on the stove.
Always measure your cooking oils! Refrain from unmeasured pours from a bottle, focusing instead on lowering the fat content by awareness. This will allow you to closely monitor the exact amount of oil that you are using.
Even if a meal looks irresistible, let it sit for a few minutes after it has finished cooking. Few people understand how important it is to allow the meal itself to rest before serving it. It can be tempting to serve a meal straight off the grill. If you do this, you will really be missing out. Let your food, particularly meat dishes, rest for a few minutes prior to serving.
Do you cook with fresh basil? Try placing clumps of fresh basil into a clear, glass container. Fill with water to cover the stems. Put it on top of your kitchen counter and it will be fresh for weeks! Change the water regularly and roots will grow. You should also cut the basil so that it keeps growing.
You should only buy meat and fish that are still on the bone. Place the bones you have gotten out of your meat into durable zip bags, whether cooked or raw, then freeze them until a date when you want to use them.
The only utensils that won’t damage nonstick cookware are those made of silicone, rubber or nylon. Hard utensils such as metal can scratch the nonstick coating which destroys the whole point, and it also could add the coating to cook into your food. This can ruin your recipes, and may even be dangerous if you eat some.
If you are using garlic in the cooking, ensure it’s the freshest you can buy. Fresh garlic is sweeter, while older cloves of garlic are more pungent. Truly fresh garlic will not be bruised, shriveled or overly soft.
Even a simple sandwich can be made immensely more attractive if you cover it evenly with mayonnaise across the entire bread slice. Sometimes, people who are rushed just plop some mayonnaise down on the bread and call it good. If you take the time to spread your condiments evenly, your entire sandwich will taste excellent.
Regardless of what you cook, it is always better to use fresh ingredients as opposed to those that are dried or frozen. Fresh ingredients are often inexpensive, and can help bring a lot of flavor out of your dish.
In conclusion, a great cook is constantly learning. The fun is not only in the cooking, but in the learning about new foods, styles and techniques to try. In addition, it’s about sharing your knowledge with others. Cooking is not just a skill to learn, but a gift that is meant to be shared with others.