Cooking is a vital skill that everyone should have. But it doesn’t always come easily to everyone. So below are a few tips that’ve been accumulated to help you become a better cook. With these tips, you won’t have to worry about producing a meal that nobody wants to eat again.
There are ways to fix your work and make it so you are able to instantly use it. Mix one tablespoon of starch and two tablespoons of water. Stir this solution into your simmering thin sauce until it thickens. Make sure you combine them gradually and consistently so as to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
Before frying raw potatoes, allow them to soak for half an hour in a bowl of cold water; this will result in crispier fries. When you soak sliced potatoes in cold water, it strengthens their fibers, so that they can stand up to the heat when being deep fried.
If you want to add a unique touch to your dinner, use fruit as a side dish. Fruit will help to flush down the thick pieces of meat that you just ate and will serve to re-energize your body after consuming a lot of calories. Add oranges, pears and apples to your dinner to optimize your experience.
To cook healthier, try replacing highly refined goods with whole-grain alternatives when you bake. Enriched white flour and other such refined grain products are low in nutritional value. Even replacing a fraction of them with natural whole-grain products will improve the healthiness of the finished dish. Consult packaging directions for specific replacements; whole-grain products do not always replace refined ones at a 1:1 ratio.
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!
Shelling pecans can be really challenging. Make it easier by soaking them in a cup of water and put the cup into the microwave for 5-6 minutes. It is always possible to soak the pecans in boiling water to get the same effect. Hot water makes the shell softer and easier to crack.
True butter should be used when cooking. Butter is typically not purchased by the average consumer because of its cost. It is well worth the investment because it is not filled with unhealthy oils or trans fats. You can buy the butter in bulk when it is on sale and freeze it in your freezer. Check best toasted sandwich maker for your home use.
One important tip to remember focuses on who you cook for rather than what to cook. If you are cooking for your boss, a date, or someone really important, try to refrain from testing out new recipes and new ingredients. You should refrain because you have not had a chance to test and perfect the recipe, which may result in cooking errors and unexpected results.
After having a big Thanksgiving turkey, don’t pass up those leftovers. Cut up the remaining meat, place it in Ziploc bags or Tupperware, and store it in your freezer. The turkey will stay fresh for several weeks, and you can use it for sandwiches or salads.
These are only a fraction of the tips that’re out there to help you become a better cook. Hopefully you’ve learned some valuable information and are on your way to becoming a great cook. Even if you’re only cooking for yourself, it’s always nice to be able to make a good tasting meal!