Cooking recipes are guides that a simple housewife or an expert chef can use. These are master plans that can enhance the meals to be served. Reading and following recipes is an important tool to put delicious foods on your table; but beginners may find this hard. Here are simple tips to help you:
1. Being the first step in cooking, reading the recipe takes time. Read the recipe several times thoroughly from start to end. Familiarize yourself with the cooking terms and unknown ingredients first before cooking. You should understand the recipe to be able to cook well.
2. Cooking recipes usually start with the ingredients. Make sure that you have the correct ingredients; there are substitutes for hard to find ingredients. Gather all the ingredients and measuring and cooking utensils that you will need before starting.
3. Alongside the ingredients are the measuring utensils and the measurements, which are all important. The order of words in the cooking recipes can change the preparation of food so be cautious about it. For example, 1 cup chopped onions is different from 1 cup onions, chopped. 1 cup onion, chopped means you should measure 1 cup onion first before you’ve chopped it.
4. Go over the recipe carefully and don’t rush! You should double check all the ingredients and steps to be successful in cooking. Don’t try to alter the cooking recipes or add a little extra sugar, etc., as this may affect the taste of your meal.
5. Cooking recipes contain numerous methods in cooking. There are certain terms like simmer, browning of meat, sauté, stir, mix, fry, etc. There are guides and explanation at the back of many cooking recipes which can help. Familiarize yourself and get acquainted with them.
6. Enjoy your cooking recipes. You can at first follow them but gradually make your own. Making some changes in the recipes isn’t strictly prohibited unless you and your kids don’t like the taste.
Cooking recipes are very useful tools for beginners. It doesn’t mean that when followed, you’ll have an impeccable dish everyone will admire, but it can help develop your skill in cooking. Always keep in mind that your purpose isn’t only to follow and finish a recipe but to produce a good tasting and healthy food everyone will love!
Showing posts with label Cooking Tips and Tactics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cooking Tips and Tactics. Show all posts
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, September 19, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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.
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.
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