All the Outdoors Goodness You Want in Quick, Easy Steps

Campfires have been traditionally used for cooking for as long as man discovered fire. Since it's such an old cooking technique, you'd think that campfire cooking would have been mastered by now. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. It is still as tricky as ever. Add to that the complication that some parks impose by banning campfires in some areas. But if you're lucky enough to get your chance at campfire cooking, here are tips you can use for your own safety and cooking enjoyment:

Bring the grill

Most campsites have onsite grills but it's always best to ask. Grilling is the best and simplest method you can use for campfire cooking. This method uses direct heat, so it's best utilized for smaller cuts of meat, hamburgers, sausages, toast and barbeques. It's important to pay close attention to the food while grilling it because this method employs direct heat. Food can get burned or catch fire easily.

Another type of cooking you can use with a campfire is roasting, perfect for skewered meats, chicken, hotdogs, sausages and marshmallows. Using skewers (preferably metal to avoid burning), you can cook food over your campfire. In a few minutes, you should be ready to eat.

Prepare the food

The secret to successful campfire cooking is to have the food prepared before going on your trip. This helps you enjoy your time more and saves you a lot of effort from trying to cut, chop or grind your ingredients. If the food is prepared beforehand, you can get cooking as soon as the campfire is ready.

Be practical

Some things that we associate with campfire cooking may not be plausible, such as a pot of soup that hangs over the flames. If set up using found wood, it might prove to be unstable and also difficult to build. If you truly want to use things like this for your campfire, make sure you know the right techniques to use for safe cooking. If all else fails, use a metal rigging to secure the pot in place or just avoid it entirely.

Use ingredients that are easy to cook

Campfire cooking shouldn’t take hours for just a piece of steak. Use recipes that are tried and tested. If you must experiment, have a backup plan. Choose recipes that you know will succeed with and make sure they will cook easily. Try stuffed fish, bacon wrapped steaks, buttered corn on the cob, sliced vegetables, roast beef or pork with prepared sauce and top with fresh fruits, pies or tarts.

Seven Important Things Why Cooking Measurement Spells Success

There is a special reason why recipes are very specific with ingredient and temperature measurements. It is the key to making the cooking experience a success. However, don’t be too strict on this because a little deviation won’t hurt. What are the things that you should know about cooking measurements? Keep reading to find out.

1. Accuracy in measurement is good but every good cook knows that slight deviations may actually improve the taste of what you are cooking. However, there are some recipes that require the exact measurement for cooking to be considered a success. Following exact measurements helps for a smooth performance of the cooking process.

2. One of the best ways in measuring cooking ingredients is to measure at home by putting all the ingredients in plastic bags. This only works for dry ingredients.

3. Liquid is measured in volume as well as some solids like sugar, flour, salt and spices. Meats are measured in mass or counts.

4. It is important that you know the conversions of cooking measurements. In case you don’t have some of the utensils, it is easier that you know the conversions so you can make the necessary adjustments. This is also true when you have to multiply the amount because you are serving more people. For example, use cups instead of teaspoons by converting the measurements.

5. Following the exact temperature of a utensil to be used is important. It is the cooking surface that requires a certain temperature and the problem is, it can’t be readily measured as in the case of heating plates or burners. But thanks to technology, you can now do the exact measurements with utensils that can be bought that come with thermostats that regulate temperature.

6. Measuring utensil temperature indirectly can be done by doing the measurement on one side of, for example, a waffle plate or pan. This is important when cooking meat. The reason for this is that, the exact temperature will yield the best taste and will assure that all the microorganisms are killed.

7. When using teaspoons, it is good to know that measurements in the UK are quite different in the US. Basically, modern measurements have an equal amount in teaspoons, meaning a level teaspoon in the US is same as that in the UK, approximately 5 ml. However, old UK recipes use heaping teaspoons rather than level teaspoons. I’d find out first, if I were you.

Cooking measurements are very important. If you are serious about the art of cooking, you must be aware by now that you need to know the different conversions and measurements you need to ensure food safety and success.

CAMPFIRE COOKING

Going camping is always exciting. And among the most thrilling part of the great outdoors is cooking in it. Nothing compares being able to commune with nature as you savor the earths gifts. It may seem tricky for some, but outdoor cooking is easier than most people think.

Here are some great tips for outdoor cooking :

1. Poke holes in those burgers. To cook burgers on the grill perfectly, poke a hole the size of your pinky in the center of the patty. This will help cook the burger evenly. Don’t worry that you might end up with a meat donut, the hole will close up slowly as the meat cooks and you will end up with perfect burgers.
   
   
2. Perhaps the most incomparable tool you have for outdoor cooking is the Dutch oven. This deep pot made of cast iron does wonders in the great outdoors and can create the most wonderful dishes you can have outside your kitchen. You can make stews, casseroles and other things with the oven.
   
   
3. Cover your pots and pans while cooking outdoors. This helps prevent heat from escaping especially during those cold days and nights. It also keeps foreign objects from getting into your food. You don’t want crickets or grasshoppers in your stew, do you?
   
   
4. Make a garbage omelet on your last day camping. To easily clean up your cooler or portable fridge, make an omelet on your last day. Put in all the leftovers from your previous camping days and you’ll end up with a clean cooler without wasting anything.
   
   
5. Aluminum foil plays a great role in outdoor cooking. You can use it to wrap food such as fish, potatoes, meat, and vegetables.

TIPS TO SAFE COOKING

A majority of fires in the home start in the kitchen. It is in the kitchen where most electrical outlets are because of the cooking utensils and appliances. As a homeowner, you must be wary of the electrical wiring in order to avoid shortages from taking place.

1. Keep the electrical cords from trailing. A wire must be straight and never crooked. Once in a while check whether there are any damages.

2. Don’t hang towels or wet clothes near cookers.

3. Keep the grills and the oven clean. When cleaning the oven, don’t use a wet rag. Use a dry one instead. The build up of water in the oven might ignite with the gas in the range and could blow up the next time you turn it on.

4. Never put anything metallic in the microwave. Just make sure that whatever you put in it is microwave friendly. Cover the dish or the bowl with tissue paper or a paper towel in order to avoid splatter.

5. As lazy as you can get, never dry clothes in your microwave. Microwave is there to heat your food and not to serve as dryer.

6. Don’t put electrical cords near water, be it sink or drinking area. Don’t put plants or anything wet near an electric appliance.

7. The toaster must be kept away from the curtains.

8. Don’t overload your outlets. The general rule is one plug for each socket. This is for your safety. If you can hire a professional for a day, let him come to your house and check the wiring.

9. Extension cables shouldn’t run across the floor because they can get easily worn out. Electrical appliances like washing machines must be serviced once every couple of years.

10. Turn washing machines and dishwashers off at night. The only time these should be on is when you are using them.

11. Have a smoke alarm in your kitchen. Get one that has a hush button so if ever it goes off by accident, you can turn it off quickly.

12. Have a fire blanket and first aid kit in your kitchen just in case an accident happens while you are cooking.

13. When dip frying, don’t fill the chip pan up to the third of oil. You must always consider the thermostat in order to control the fryer.

Above all, don’t leave your cooking. You have to attend to it fully. The phone or the doorbell may ring, let some one else get it. Fire begins where attention ends.

Easy Tips and Tricks for Quick Cooking

If an hour's worth of cooking takes a lot of your energy and gets you frustrated, imagine how your female ancestors felt when they had to spend 6 hours or more each day to prepare meals. These days, though, there is no excuse for heating those store-bought pizzas and microwave meals. There are plenty of tricks you can use for quick cooking. All it takes is a little patience, preparation and creativity. Here's how:
Prepare ahead of time. Half of the time you waste when cooking meals is actually spent on preparation including the planning, ingredient selection, washing, cutting and scraping. If you prefer fresh vegetables, cut them in the sizes you will be using and store them in the fridge. Next time you need julienned carrots, for example, you can just open a prepared batch and use for quick cooking.
The same holds true for pre-cooked ingredients, especially meat and chicken. Simply cook some extra pieces, store them and use them later for a different dish.
Another trick is to use convenience products, such as frozen vegetables, preserved fruits, canned or bottled sauces. This is a step above eating microwave meals and you can shave time off from preparing them. Need pesto sauce for your pasta? Don’t bring out your food processor and open a prepared bottle instead. That's 10 or 15 minutes of cooking time saved.
Review the recipe. Another quick cooking trick is to learn your recipe beforehand. If you're unsure about a dish, read the recipe thoroughly to acquaint yourself with the ingredients and cooking process. It's a lot quicker to cook something if you have envisioned how the process will unfold and what you will need to use. That way, you can have your utensils and ingredients ready.
Cut up in small pieces and use quick cooking techniques.

LOW FAT COOKING TIPS AND RECIPES

If you have to eat healthy but don’t have the time to prepare what you must eat, then you have to maximize, right? You need to meet the required dietary amount of fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains and proteins despite your busy schedule in order to maintain your health.
Therefore, you should try low-fat cooking regimens to spice up your eating lifestyle and to keep you motivated in eating healthy. Here are some of them.
1. Salmon has Omega 3
Salmon may not be the leanest fish but it does give you the required amount of Omega 3 that you need. It has garlic and olive oil; which are two of the powerhouses of nutrition.
2. Making the most out of chicken breast
If you’re getting sick and tired of always having to eat chicken breasts (because it has the lowest fat content), you can cook it in different ways for variety. You can cook it with pasta and broccoli, with pineapple or make chicken soup.
3. Your vegetables as a work of art
If you’re not craving microwaved broccoli or sautéd vegetables with chicken broth. You can also microwave sweet potatoes instead of broccoli. If you want additional flavor, you can drizzle it with honey.
4. Spicing up the fruits
You can mix blueberries and strawberries with low-fat cottage cheese for a snack. It may be light but it’s filling because of the healthy nutrients you’re getting. You can sauté sliced nectarines or peaches and drop a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla on them. You can also broil baked bananas and flavor them with some cinnamon.
5. Lowering the fat content
In place of oil, use cooking sprays. A light mist is enough to keep the food from sticking. Get the brands that have canola oil or olive oil. There are some brands offering flavors for the food.
6. Remove the skin from poultry and trim the fat from the meat. Do this before refrigerating them so you won’t forget. It also saves you time when you want to cook.
7. It helps to have a bottle of water near you. A giant sports bottle will do the trick. Fill it up every morning and toss some ice cubes in it and you’re good for the day. Water will help your digestion and will also keep your skin clear. Drinking the required 8 to 10 glasses of water is the best thing you can do for your body.

Home Cooking Tips and Tactics

Home cooking has its various advantages and disadvantages. Still, it deserves to be tried by every budding chef. For one thing, home cooking is highly economical. Also, you might find this to be one of the most rewarding endeavors you can try. Here are some things you can try as you venture into home cooking.

1. Have room for variety. If you are able to make your menu as varied and diverse as possible, you will be able to make more discoveries, try all possible techniques, and even develop your own cooking style.

2. Don't be afraid of experimentation. Always try to get your creative juices flowing. Never allow yourself to get stuck in traditional techniques.

3. Employ other family members' preferences and be open to feedback. Nothing beats the improvement you can get from honest evaluations of your cooking skills.

4. Always find time to cook. You use it or you’ll lose it. Regular practice will help you perfect your own style.

5. Be the master of your kitchen. Familiarize yourself with your environment, ingredients and the positioning of your refrigerator, utensil box and dish washing area. Make it as efficient as possible so that you’ll save on time and energy.

6. Unleash your creativity. Don’t be afraid of changing the way you do things or adding new ingredients to a traditionally prepared meals.

7. Involve other people in your home cooking. Link up with people of the same interest. Also, foster the desire to cook within your family.

8. Plan your meals.

9. Clean as you work within your kitchen. This way you will be able to save on time.

10. Organize your cookbooks in a manner most accessible to you.

11. Have a list of items you need to buy. Keep a note pad or notebook handy in case you need something to add to the list.

12. Work according to the season. Take the opportunity to make use of ingredients that are in season.

13. Have a system of cooking.

14. Learn to deal with leftovers. Know how to recycle them.

15. Read the manuals of the appliances you use in the kitchen.

16. Check the ingredients for expiration dates and take note of them.

Home cooking can be very profitable and rewarding in both monetary and non-monetary ways. If you are able to master home cooking, you’ll be ready for almost anything.