There are plenty of people who look at cooking as a hassle. The following article shows you how you can do that.
Be considerate to those who will be consuming your meals by reserving many spices for later addition. You can use garlic powder, cayenne, or salt and pepper for seasonings. Taste in spice is as varied as the people tasting them. Do not spice the meal until after its cooked so that your guests can customize the taste of the meal. Everyone will enjoy your cooking more if you leave options open for them.
If you are making a meal that requires garlic, buy fresh garlic or grow your own. Generally, garlic will taste sweeter if it’s fresher. To choose the freshest garlic, keep away from any cloves that are bruised, soft or have skins that feel too firm.
Tofu and beans are excellent sources of protein. Most grocery stores stock these items. Tofu can be pan-fried with some seasonings, and makes a tasty meat alternative. Soak and cook the beans with herbs, seasonings, and bits of meat for a flavorful soup, burrito filling, dip or other protein-rich application.
To ensure that your shells stay firm when making twice baked potatoes or loaded potato skins, use thick-skinned potatoes, such as russets. A red potato’s skin is too thin to hold together if you are using a dense filling.
Leftover flavors and scents can remain on your cutting board, even after repeated washing. Mark the end of your cutting board with indelible ink to remember which side is which.
Be creative in your cooking. Sometimes its okay to deviate from following a recipe step-by-step. You can add a little of one thing, or take out something else, to suit your tastes and enhance the recipe. Now that is a real cook!
Always store your spices in a cool and dark place. Herbs and spices can quickly lose their flavor if exposed to continuous light or heat. A lot of the time, you can expect an herb or a space to retain flavor for about a year. It is possible for whole spices to remain flavorful for up to five years. They can remain fresh longer if stored properly.
A good way to make your meals seem fresh and different is by using interesting and tasty spices for a nice change. Just adding some new spices or sauces to your foods can dramatically change the taste of them. Don’t overlook the opportunity to get a wide variety of unique spices, herbs and sauces from any of the local ethnic grocers in or around where you live.
Always store baking supplies such as baking mixes, flour, and sugar in airtight containers. Keeping your food in sealed containers will keep them fresher longer as the air can’t reach them. These containers are readily available in the marketplace and will be worth the money invested.
In addition to the oven timer, set the timer on your wristwatch or stopwatch. Using a timer on your watch or a stopwatch around your neck will guarantee you hear the beep no matter where you are.
It is important to maintain a wooden cutting board properly. Keep a wood cutting board away from heat and too much or too little moisture, as this can cause warping and splitting. You should never put the board fully underwater, instead just use a sponge with some soap for spot cleaning. If you have a damaged cutting board, you should purchase an oil product that is designed for cutting board restoration. Before using it again, make sure the oil is completely dry.
As you can see, cooking can be an adventure instead of a chore. If you follow these tips, you can have fun with an activity that many dislike.