A lot of people view having to cook as a nuisance. This article will provide you with some creative culinary tips that will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.
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. Warm, dry air will make apples rot, so keep them in the fridge or cellar in plastic bags. Make sure you check them periodically, however, because even one spoiled apple can cause the others in the bag to rot very rapidly.
A lot of preparatory work can be done ahead of time in order to speed up time spent cooking. Complete as many steps in advance as you can without risking spoilage. There are many recipes where you can do the prep work the day before you start cooking. Prepping before you cook can make even advanced recipes fun and accessible.
By doing so, the mushrooms will absorb the water like a sponge. Wipe off each mushroom with a clean wet cloth to prepare them for cooking.
Many people love the taste of garlic, but cooks are more ambivalent about it because its scent sticks to the hands. After cooking with garlic, rub your hands across a stainless steel table or sink to rid them of the smell. This will help get rid of the smell so that it is not transfered to the next food item that you handle.
Ice cube trays are fabulous for freezing and storing leftover sauce. When you feel the need to create another meal, you will have them handy to heat up. Have no fear, for the sauce will taste great even after being frozen in the trays!
Try to cut down the amount of oil used when cooing if you are trying to lose weight. Most oils, and butters, too, contain a very high fat content, and this fat is neither necessary or always the good kind. Another healthy alternative for low fat cooking is nonstick spray.
If you are trying to cook pumpkins, cut it exactly in half from top to bottom. Set each half cut-side down on its own baking sheet. Sprinkle some water on the sheets and bake them around 350 degrees Fahrenheit; they will be done in about an hour.
Try to add some broths or other ingredients to recipes that call for liquid in place of what it asks for. When you cook vegetables you can use chicken broth or add beef instead of water. Use yogurt, buttermilk or sour cream in place of milk. Try making your recipes stand out and more nutritious by interchanging your liquids.
Be sure to spread the application of seasoning throughout your cooking time instead of only applying when you start to cook. It is easier to add more seasoning to taste than to take some away, and you’ll more evenly divide your ingredients.
Always use fresh garlic to get the full flavor in your dish. A good rule of thumb is that fresh garlic will have a sweet taste to it. If garlic isn’t fresh, it will be shriveled and soft.
If your time is short when making a roast, speed up the process by leaving in the bone while cooking. Leaving the bones in will significantly reduce the joint’s cooking time as bones are nature’s alternative to metal skewers. Cut the meat around the bone before serving it.
Make your own sun-dried tomatoes. Prepare by cutting ripe tomatoes into half-inch-thick slices or slicing Roma tomatoes in half down their long axis. Place cut side up on a clean cooling rack and salt lightly. Set your oven to 190 degrees, place the rack on a baking sheet and let the tomatoes dry in the oven for approximately 10 hours. Once done, you can store them in your freezer in plastic bags. For flavored olive oil add some dried tomatoes and fresh herbs in a good quality extra virgin olive oil and store out of direct sunlight. This jar should be used within 2 weeks and kept refrigerated.
Keep herbs and spices fresh and tasty by storing them in an area that is dark and cold. Storing herbs and spices in a warm location will cause them to lose their flavor.
Your cutting board retains the odors of certain herbs and vegetables despite repeated scrubbings. Mark the end of your cutting board with indelible ink to remember which side is which.
There are quite a few ways to cook that are fun and interesting. Follow these tips and you will be able to creatively engage in your cooking and turn it into a positive experience.