Most people see view cooking as a chore. Cooking, though, can be something very enjoyable! Learning to cook at home more can also lead to increased health. As a first-rate cook always seeks to expand their skills, read on to gain some useful tips which can help you increase your knowledge and your enjoyment of cooking.
All sugars, flours, and mixes should be stored in airtight containers. Airtight containers will keep your foods safe from bugs, and allow them to stay fresh longer because they are not exposed to air. You can find decorative airtight canisters for staples, like flour and sugar.
A good kitchen requires good knives. This can save you time so that you don't wrangle with dull knives, and it's safer for you to use a sharper one! More injuries, cuts and serious accidents happen as a result of blunt utensils than freshly sharpened ones.
You should let your meat rest prior to serving. A lot of people don't understand the importance of letting a meal sit for a while. Many are tempted to quickly serve food hot off the grill or stovetop. If you do this, you will really be missing out. Let your food rest for a while, and you will enjoy tastier meals.
Do you plan on cooking with fresh basil? Fill an empty glass with fresh basil. Fill the container with enough water to cover the stems. Place the glass of basil leaves on the counter in your kitchen, and watch it keep its freshness for weeks. You can even grow new basil plants if you feel like changing the water every day or so. The stems will sprout roots; that's the wonder of plant life. To encourage growth, you can trim some of the leaves to use in your cooking.
To make a soup or stew that is almost fat free, begin your recipe with a fat-free broth or soup stock. Add plenty of fresh vegetables and some lean meat, so the soup retains its low fat content. When your soup is done cooking, put it in the refrigerator to chill. When the soup is cooled, you will find that the fat will have risen and congealed on top. You can then remove the hardened fat and discard. For each tablespoonful of fat that you discard, you will spare yourself as much as 100 calories.
Don't eat your meal right away. It is often overlooked, but it makes a difference when you let the food sit and allow the flavors to be absorbed. It's extremely tempting to eat a meal just as soon as it comes off the grill or stove. But if you do, you miss out on the full flavors of the dish. Let your food, particularly meat dishes, rest for a few minutes prior to serving.
Tofu and beans are excellent sources of protein. Both of these protein-rich foods are available at most grocery stores. Try pan-frying tofu with some interesting seasonings and you will have a tasty alternative to meat. To add some tasty protein to your plate, boil some beans with a touch of herbs for seasoning.
In addition to the oven timer, set the timer on your wristwatch or stopwatch. Then you will know when the time is up even if you are not in the kitchen.
A great way to use random vegetables in your refrigerator is to make some fried rice. Believe it or not, day-old rice actually has the best texture and flavor, but you can improve the texture of fresh rice by cutting back on water. Saute your meat and vegetables until crisp-tender. Then add the cold rice to the pan along with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other spices.
Always use fresh seasonings and herbs in simple dishes. A more complex dish will still be delicious if you use dried herbs and seasonings. Fresh herbs produce a better flavor. A successful method in ensuring a constant supply of fresh herbs available is to have a tiny herb garden.
When cooking with fruits and vegetables that you have never used before, gather as much knowledge about them beforehand as you can. By performing some research, you could be surprised at how versatile a new food can be. If you take the time to learn about the item before heading into the kitchen, the experience will be that much more enjoyable.
Fresh garlic is ideal when preparing dishes that call for garlic. It's well-known that fresher garlic equals sweeter taste. If it isn't soft, bruised or shriveled and it has some firm skin then you know that the garlic is fresh.
By following the tips from above, you will be on your way to creating fabulous dishes you will love! Don't be scared to take risks with your cooking, and try experimenting with different spices and flavors. In the course of experimentation, you might even stumble across a new food that will become your favorite! Let your own taste buds and these ideas point you in new directions in your kitchen so that you can become one with your inner cook.
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