Preparing the same meals everyday can get dull fast. Cooking can be more than just food preparation; it is an always-fertile field of study and experiencing new tastes. The below article provides some excellent cooking tips to get you started.
Your spices and herbs should always be stored in a cool and dark area. If light, humidity and heat are present, they will lose much of their flavor. Most spices will keep their flavor for at least one year. Spices that are not ground can retain their flavor for 3 to 5 years. Storing your spices in glass containers with a longer shelf-life for your spices.
Always bake pie and tart crusts a little longer than is absolutely necessary.They need to be a light golden brown instead of pale blonde. The darker color results when the sugar in the crust has caramelized and will give a sweet and crisper flavor.
Sharp knives are imperative when being used in any kitchen. Dull knives are more dangerous to use and they also make cutting things hard.
Apples are a popular ingredient during fall and winter, they should be stored in a cool, dry place. Apples tend to rot in warm dry air, make sure you store them in the fridge or in a cool place. One rotten apple will spoil the bunch so keep an eye your apples.
Try putting some cauliflower to your mashed potatoes to lower the fat content. The somewhat bland taste of cauliflower helps it to blend nicely with the potatoes. Cauliflower is also the same texture and color of potatoes when mashed so it’s a great way to add more veggies, so the dish will be transformed into one that has more vegetables and fewer calories.
They behave like a sponge and absorb the water. Wipe off by hand with a clean wet cloth that is damp.
Ice trays are fabulous for freezing and storing leftover sauce. This makes it easier for you to make a quick meal which you can reheat at a saute pan.The sauce will be very edible even after it comes out of the trays.
Always use airtight container to store sugar or flour in the kitchen. Keeping your food in sealed containers will keep them from spoiling or being infected with bugs. These are readily available in the marketplace and will be worth the money invested.
Plan on preparing a large pot of stock so you can freeze it for storing. Good homemade chicken stock is a wonderful base in soups, casseroles, stews and other dishes.
Beans and tofu are excellent sources of protein that you may not have yet considered adding to your diet. You can find these in almost any grocery store. Try pan-frying tofu and you will have a tasty alternative to meat. Beans boiled with herbs for a flavorful source of flavor and protein.
If the recipe has called for water, you could easily use chicken broth, beef broth, or cooking liquids. You can try out buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream in place of the milk. Using different liquids can add a bit of zest to a favorite recipe and improve their flavor.
Cooking can provide both healthy meals for your family, and a fascinating hobby for you to discover. Cooking is a fun way to explore the many delicious variations food can take on. Plus, you’ll see new sides to yourself as you see, by trial and error, what you like and what you don’t like. While you culinary skill grow, you will probably enjoy cooking more, and you will not only find a fun new hobby, but your meals will have much better taste to enjoy.