Everyone is aware that in order to survive you need food. No one wants to just get by! Cooking great food can be even more rewarding than eating good food. Here are some tips that will kick your cooking skills up a notch.
Mushrooms will absorb the water like a sponge. You should wet a cloth and wipe the mushrooms off, rather than soaking them.
Always use airtight containers to store sugar or flour. Airtight containers are advantageous for several reasons. They prevent air exposure from lessening the freshness of your foods, and they also keep the bugs out. These containers can be purchased at almost any store and definitely make for a good investment.
When preparing chicken stock, make a large amount. Plan to make a big pot of stock so you can freeze and store it. Many great recipes including soups, casseroles and stews call for a base of chicken stock. Simply cool the stock, and then freeze it into Ziploc, heavyweight freezer bags.
Try lowering the amount of oil you cook with if you are trying to lose weight and eat healthier. These include fatty substances like oils and butter. If you want to prepare your food in essentially the same fashion, substitute a non-fat cooking spray for the oil. These sprays are non-stick, and many have the flavors of your favorite oils infused.
Skewers should always be soaked in cold water for a minimum of 30 minutes before they are used in cooking. This way, they won’t burn while cooking. Double up on the skewers per kebab to ensure that nothing falls off of them.
If you are about to serve salad to multiple guests, serve the dressing separately instead of putting it directly on the salad. It is much better to let guests add the amount of dressing that they prefer according to their needs. Also, try and include different types of dressings.
If you do not have time to cook for your family, prepare things in advance. Chop your onions, slice your vegetables, make the sauce or marinate your meat before bed. By completing a few basic steps the day before, you can save yourself time and energy when it is time to prepare your meal after a long, hard day of work.
It’s vital that you ensure that the utensils you cook with are clean prior to cooking. If your utensils are not completely clean, you run the risk of introducing old food residue into whatever you are cooking. Another concern is the potential cost to your health, as you could possibly be exposed to bacteria.
You can reduce your stress level by doing your prep work for an important meal the day or night before the event. Get everything together beforehand; ensure you have all the ingredients, and chop or measure anything you can in advance. Now all that is left is to assemble the dish and toss it in the oven!
There is as much pleasure in learning to cook a delicious meal as there is in eating it. Absorb the tips below, and then add twists to make them your own. Not only will your skills improve, everyone will be asking you to bring over meals and treats every time you visit.