Are you amazed by the meals your family and friends create? The following article can make anyone a better cook.
For stress-free cooking, you should prepare all necessary ingredients before you begin. If you do so, you can jump in at once; you won’t get stuck in the middle of a recipe without a necessary ingredient. Laying out all the necessary tools and ingredients ahead of time takes little effort and can potentially save you from some big headaches.
When you make chicken stock make as much as you can. Make enough stock so that you can freeze the excess and use it later. A rich chicken stock makes a savory base for soups, stews and other dishes. Allow the stock to cool, then split it up into heavy duty Ziploc freezer bags.
Prior to cooking ground meat, you should take the time to blot it. It is always advisable to blot away moisture from ground meat. If you allow the moisture to remain, it will be released when you cook the meat. Basically it just burns away. This could cause your meat to steam, instead of searing.
You can use it on other types of food besides meat. A little on seeds or eggs can liven it up. It is a simple addition, but the burst of flavor it gives will have everyone raving.
While garlic imparts a delicious flavor to your cooking, it may also leave a residual odor on your hands. Rub your hands on the inside of a sink made of stainless steel after using garlic. Your hands will be free from adding the garlic scent and flavor to other foods.
A well organized kitchen will simplify cooking. Disorganization will have you rushing around the kitchen in a frenzy looking for your equipment, ingredients and utensils. Keep things that are similar in the same place. For example, since basil and parsley are both spices, put them in the same cabinet.
If you are cooking for someone you want to impress, cook something you already know how to make. Refrain from enthusiastically whipping up a new dish or using untested ingredients. This makes cooking less stressful.
It is important to properly care for your wood cutting board if you want it to last a long time. Wooden cutting boards can warp and split if they are exposed to heat and moisture or if they are stored in an excessively dry area. Don’t submerge the board in the sink when you clean it. Instead, use warm, soapy water and a sponge. If your board is damaged you, can restore it by applying oil regularly, using an oil specially formulated for use on wood cutting boards. Let it dry for a while after oiling.
Cook meals you can serve proudly and confidently for important guests. A fancy gourmet meal that you make yourself is one way to try and make a good impression on your boss, in-laws or a new love. Your guests will be more appreciative of a simple but tasty meal that you already know how to prepare well.
Be considerate to those who will be consuming your meals by reserving many spices for later addition. Spices like cayenne, garlic powder, and pepper are fabulous seasonings. Taste in spice is as varied as the people tasting them. Instead of putting them on your food let the people eating choose. This way, every person can flavor their food to their own liking.
If you prefer to use spices and herbs, make sure they are stored in a cool, dark place, so their freshness and flavor is preserved. You should never store herbs and spices above a stove or in any other warm location because that will cause them to lose their flavor, and of course you will be out the money.
Make sure to use of the tips in this article. Everyone you know will be bothering you for cooking tips!