For many people, the act of cooking is nothing more than another chore. But for many, cooking is an enjoyable hobby, something to look forward to. It can also help to contribute towards a healthier lifestyle. A good chef constantly learns new things; hopefully, this article will deepen your knowledge of cooking and help you to enjoy your time in the kitchen.
Do all the prep work ahead of time. Having your preparation done ahead of time is very important. Setting a time limit can add stress to your cooking experience. Get everything prepared at least a day ahead of time.
Here’s a way to turn that thin sauce around. Combine 2 tbsp. of water with 1 tbsp. of corn starch in a bowl. You can then stir this solution into your sauce to instantly thicken it. However, it is important that the sauce is stirred often while the mixture is being added so as to stop it becoming too thick.
A good cook takes pride in keeping a set of well-sharpened knives. You are more likely to injure yourself using a dull knife. It is much easier to cut yourself trying to force a dull knife through a vegetable, than cutting it with a sharp knife.
Boiling your vegetables may cause you to miss out on many of the benefits and nutrients to be found in your meal. You can keep all those healthy nutrients by using a quick method of cooking like steaming or by eating the vegetables raw.
If you are cooking a meal for someone you want to impress, stick with something you are already familiar with. Don’t try to create a new dish when you’re not experienced in cooking it already. This will take the stress out of your meal preparation.
Many apples are purchased for cooking in winter and fall, but they will rot in a short period of time if they are not properly stored. Dry warm air rots apples, so keep them cool in a basement or loosely wrapped in the fridge. Remember the rule, one bad apple will spoil the bunch.
Raw potatoes should rest in chilly water for approximately 30 minutes. This will help them to be crispy and delicious. Allowing the sliced potatoes to soak up more cold fluids helps to reinforce the fibers that are in the vegetable, that way when they are deep fried, they are better able to stand up to the heat and won’t completely break down.
Beans or tofu are excellent sources of protein that you may not have yet considered adding to your diet. Both are easily available to buy at almost every grocery store. Make a yummy meat alternative by pan frying the tofu with some seasonings. You can boil the beans with some herbs to have a flavorful protein packed meal, side or snack.
In conclusion, all great cooks are looking for ways to enhance their skills. The joy of cooking is not just about cooking, but learning more about different foods and methods of cooking. It’s also about sharing what you know with others. Cooking shouldn’t simply be a skill that you learn; it should be a gift that you share.