Cooking is something you can always get better at. Not even the most experienced chef is so educated that a few new tricks would not be of use to her. A few basic tips can make cooking much easier, if you are just getting started. This article is packed with tips that are suitable for all types of foodies.
After you finish cooking, let your meal rest and soak in the juices. This is a vital step in your cooking process, which can add a lot of flavor to your meal. You may be tempted to serve people as soon as the meal comes out of the oven. Eating it so quickly after cooking doesn’t give the juices or flavors enough time to sink down into the meats, or whatever you may be preparing. Always wait a awhile before eating your meal; allow it to cool slightly before digging in.
Be creative with your approach to cooking. Following a recipe is not fun if you do not add a personal touch. You can add a little of one thing, or take out something else, to suit your tastes and enhance the recipe. Now that’s real cooking!
Keep your spices and herbs fresh by not exposing them to humidity and light. Being exposed to humidity, heat, and light will cause your spices and cooking herbs to lose some of their potency. This will only expose your spices to elements that will make them less flavorful and aromatic.
Preparation is one of the most important things that you will have to do before you cook a meal for your friends or family. Ensure that you aren’t missing important ingredients before you start cooking. Plan your meal a day in advance to make sure you have everything you need. This can seriously reduce stress and anxiety levels.
If you love using fresh basil, try growing it on your own to always have it on hand. Place some basil in a clean glass. Pour enough water in to cover up the stems. This will allow it to stay fresh for weeks! By changing the water every so often, your basil will develop roots. Occasional pruning of the basil might instigate even more growth, which means you can have a steady supply of fresh basil even longer.
Want to add more protein to your diet? Consider incorporating beans and tofu! The vast majority of grocery stores stock both of these products. Tofu is great meat alternative when baked, broiled, or pan-fried with seasonings. Beans boiled with herbs is a flavorful source of protein.
It is fairly easy to dry tomatoes yourself. Dry your own by slicing ripe tomatoes 1/2″ thick, or cut Romas in half, lengthwise. Lay your tomato slices across a cooling rack with the cut-side facing up, and salt them lightly. The rack should then be placed on a baking sheet in an oven set to 190 degrees for no more than 10 hours. After the tomatoes have cooled, place them in plastic bags, and store them in the freezer. Another way to preserve your dried tomatoes is in olive oil, with herbs for added flavor, in a glass jar. Use them within two weeks of refrigerating.
Even veteran cooks should always be willing to learn new cooking techniques that will make their experience in the kitchen simpler and more enjoyable. Inexperienced cooks should be open to anything and everything that can help them create masterful dinners and desserts. Try out the tips you have read in the article in order to see how much your cooking skills will improve, and how enjoyable a kitchen experience can be.