When you are first learning to cook, you have to begin someplace. Some people might have a knack for cooking, while most people could use some instructions. That being said, everyone can learn to cook. You do, however, need to understand some basic concepts to cook well. This article is filled with useful tips that will point you down the right path.
When you decide to cook with skewers there are a few strategies to keep in mind. Not all metal skewers are created equal; traditional round metal skewers are not the best option to keep food in place when grilling. Choosing skewers with a different shape can be the secret to keeping your food from the bottom of your grill.
When you are baking pastry crusts, try increasing the cooking time a bit. Rather than pale blonde, they should have a golden caramel color. That deeper color shows that the sugar has caramelized. This creates a crisp crust, which is also sweeter.
If you need to slice meat into thin strips, then partially freeze it beforehand. This method is great for oriental meals that require small strips. Partially frozen meat is easier to slice as the cold temperature prevents the meat fibers from stretching and tearing. Then allow the slices to thaw so they’ll cook evenly.
If you boil your vegetables or cook them for too long, they will lose a lot of nutrients. To preserve their healthy reputation, choose quick cooking methods such as sauteing or steaming – or better still, enjoy them in their natural, raw state.
Mashed Potatoes
Try adding cauliflower to your mashed potatoes to lower the fat content. Cauliflower has little taste of its own, so it will blend right into your potatoes and pick up flavors from whatever other ingredients you use. Additionally, mashed cauliflower has the same texture and color as mashed potatoes, so no one will know that you’ve boosted the veggie content of the dish while removing calories.
Always store baking supplies such as baking mixes, flour, and sugar in airtight containers. These containers do two things to keep your food fresher: they keep bugs from entering them, and they keep air exposure to a minimum. You can find them on sale often at discount stores and the investment is worth every penny.
Chicken Broth
Sauteing vegetables in chicken broth is very healthy. The chicken broth will add a dimension of flavor, and let you cut down on how much oil you use. This is a wonderful way to cook, and enjoy, your vegetables.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the natural ability or the dedication required to become an award-winning professional chef, however, if you can read simple directions, you can become a great cook in no time at all. It really isn’t as hard as some people think. The tips mentioned in this article will help get you started on the road to gourmet bliss.