A lot of people think that cooking is a science, while others argue, it is an art. No matter what your opinion, there is certainly something you can learn. By following the tips below, you will be well on your way to becoming the best chef that you possibly can.
Prepare to cook before you actually start cooking. This is why it’s called prep work, because this is what you want to have done before you begin cooking. If you are cooking a complex dish, take some of the stress out of it by having your needed ingredients lined up and ready. Begin your meal preparations as soon as possible to avoid last minute stress.
Being properly prepared is key to success in cooking for your family and friends. Double-check to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Check the day before you start to cook to make sure that you have everything that you need to cook the dish you have planned. This will aid you in keeping calm and doing your best.
Have you ever wondered how your neighbor’s pie crusts turn out to be golden brown and glossy while yours is always pale? There is a trick to learn which guarantees the desired result every time. Beat some egg whites and brush it over the pie. You will take out beautiful, glossy, golden brown pies from your oven.
Use a collapsible steamer basket to make the best steamed vegetables. These devices are available widely and cheaply. They can slip into almost any pot you already have and can be used for almost any vegetable you would like to enjoy. Be sure to watch your cook time to avoid getting mushy vegetables.
Cooked turkey freezes beautifully, as does stuffing. When making a big holiday meal, be sure and make plenty so you not only have enough for turkey sandwiches, but to enjoy another turkey dinner in a month or two, without all of the work. Use a spare 9″ X 13″ pan that you line and divide with aluminum foil into two or three compartments. Cut some turkey for one compartment, add some stuffing in another and if you would like, leftover mashed potatoes can be put in the third compartment. Drizzle some gravy over everything you desire, cover with aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to enjoy turkey again, or perhaps when pressed for time and out of ideas for dinner, grab the pan from the freezer and place in the oven at 350 degrees. Remove the foil from the top of the pan after 45 minutes, bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes and enjoy!
Tofu is a great source of protein that vegetarians should use to get the nutrients their body needs. Many vegetarians are lacking in protein because they are not eating meat. Tofu can be prepared in a variety of ways and really soaks up flavors so it can be served as a meal or as a quick snack.
When you have taken enough celery off the stalk for your recipe, place the rest of it in aluminum foil and then place it in the refrigerator. The celery will stay fresh for at least a week by following this method and it will still have the same taste as when it was first bought.
Before grilling any foods, make sure your grill is clean. A dirty grill surface can cause many problems. Excessive smoking, soiling of flavors, potential for bacterial illness, not to mention being a fire risk, are all side effects of a filthy surface. Clean your grill with a wire brush often for best results.
To quickly cut herbs, bind herbs together and snip with scissors. The herbs can be fluffier, lighter, and drier than if you just chopped them.
To save money and time consider throwing a beef roast or pork roast in the slow cooker. This makes a delicious meal the first night, and the leftovers make tasty sandwiches the rest of the week. Pack this in your lunch instead of deli lunch-meat, which is packed full of preservatives.
When it comes to cooking the fresher the better. Sure the bottled and shaker spices cost less but there is no taste comparable to the taste of fresh cut spices such as garlic and parsley. So make sure that you spend the extra fifteen minutes cutting your spices, instead of shaking them.
When you cook a steak you should prevent yourself from moving it around on the pan. By not moving the steak you allow it to get a crusty, sear quality that gives the steak a level of toughness on the outside; most steak eaters generally prefer the seared quality when compared to a homogenous inside and outside.
Impress everyone in your home with an easy task like a sandwich by placing the mayonnaise evenly across the bread. A lot of people hurry and just slap the mayo on a sandwich right in the middle of the bread. With it evenly spread, you ensure your sandwiches are deliciously flavorful with every bite!
Here is a fresh take on oysters. While oysters are for the most part eaten raw with a bit of lemon lemon juice on top, there are many other ways for you to prepare them. Place the opened oysters into their shells onto a broiler pan, cover the oysters with a little amount of cream. Top your broiler pan with freshly ground pepper and a generous dose of grated Parmesan cheese. Broil this mixture until it bubbles. You can also saute oysters. Coat oysters with some seasoned flour and saute in warm butter for a couple of minutes, until they are golden. Always bake the oysters while they are still within their shells. First, place the oysters in an oven-safe dish and top with butter and breadcrumbs. Allow the oysters to bake for between four and five minutes at 425 degrees. After the butter and other juices begin bubbling, serve it smoking hot along with some toasted baguettes.
This article just scratches the surface of what is available to learn about cooking. However, if you pay attention to these tips, your abilities in the kitchen will improve. Your friends and family are sure to appreciate the hard work you put into learning these skills and even more, they will enjoy the food that you create.
