Cooking is a vast art. Every cook has different preferences and techniques. Some are a snap and only take a few minutes, while some are really involved and can take hours. These tips can help even true beginners to turn out tasty meals.
Make sure to keep your spices and herbs sealed in airtight containers, protected in a dark, cool place. If they get exposed to any light, humidity or heat, their flavor will begin to weaken. Most ground spices will keep their flavor for at least one year. Whole spices are hardier, and will retain their robust flavoring for several years. Storing spices in glass containers with a tight-fitting lid will keep them best.
Always keep your spices away from light in a cool place. When they are stored in the sun, they lose shelf life because of exposure. Your spices will have a longer shelf life and retain their good taste if stored in a dark, cool spot. Fresh spices can greatly enhance your meals, making this effort well worth your time.
A must when cooking is the availability of sharp knives. Knives that have been allowed to dull are dangerous and difficult to use. You will be more apt to cut yourself with a dull knife than a sharp knife, as you’ll spend a lot more time trying to force that dull knife through the food you are cutting.
Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for a minimimum of thirty minutes before they are used. That way, they will not burn during the cooking process. Use two parallel skewers instead of one skewer to avoid food falling off.
When making a meal that needs milk or water, try a different substitute to make the dish taste different. As a substitute for water, try broth. Juice can work as well. Some people use the water left over from boiling vegetables. If your favorite recipes call for milk, try substituting with buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream. A simple switch like changing a liquid in a recipe can improve the nutritional quality while giving the dish a whole new spin in taste.
As was detailed in this article, there are numerous methods to make cooking more entertaining. Using the advice in this article will enable you to add a creative flair to an activity that is commonly seen as drudgery.
