Cooking has been done for centuries, but if you want to do it right there are things you need to know. The following advice is going to provide you with advice that will help you to become one of the best cooks possible. By implementing these tips, you will learn exactly what you can do.
To easily slice meat thinly, place it in the freezer until firm but not frozen. This is helpful for Asian dishes you may try that call for thin strips of meat. When the meat is partially frozen, you get a much cleaner cut and the meat fibers are less prone to stretching or tearing. Just remember, though, to let the stripped meat completely thaw out before you start cooking. This keeps the meat from cooking unevenly.
If you are cooking for an important occasion, you should choose something you have done successfully before. Don’t attempt a dish that is new or very far out of your experience level. Doing this will take some of the stress out of cooking.
You can make healthier mashed potatoes with the same taste and texture you love by substituting cauliflower for potatoes in equal proportions. Cauliflower’s bland taste makes it easier for it to blend with the potatoes, so that you can’t taste it, and it picks up other ingredients. Your mashed potato dish will also look the same if you add cauliflower, allowing it to retain its color and texture while taking the calories out of your potatoes.
This will enable you to enjoy fresh fruit any time your heart desires. This also gives you access to seasonal fruits that might otherwise not be available at the time you want them.
Try different liquids in recipes calling for water or milk to add some new flavors to your meals. As a substitute for water, try broth. Juice can work as well. Some people use the water left over from boiling vegetables. Buttermilk, yogurt and sour cream can be great substitutes for milk. Changing up the liquids in your recipes can add nutrition, while livening up a standby dish.
Cooling Rack
Tomatoes can be easily dried. Try slicing a Roma in half lengthwise, or cut larger tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Put the tomatoes, cut-side up, onto a cooling rack and give them a light salting. Place the cooling rack on a cookie sheet and dry in a 190 degree oven for up to 10 hours. Keep the tomatoes fresh by storing them in freezer bags. Alternatively, dried tomatoes can be packed in a jar filled with olive oil and fresh herbs. This will be good for up to two weeks, and should be refrigerated during that time.
Many popular veggies and herbs have a strong residual odor that can remain on cutting boards well after use. Label the ending of your chopping board by marking it with ink. This will help you to identify the different sides of the board.
The advice that was presented in this article can help even the most inexperienced cooks become cooking geniuses. Sometimes it comes natural, but sometimes people must be guided. Think of this article as a starting point in your education.