When you have gotten the hang of a few basic techniques, cooking can be very enjoyable. By reading this article, you will find yourself becoming a better chef, as well as gaining overall confidence in your skill. Enjoy yourself once you have all of this knowledge.
Protect your spice and herb collection by storing your jars at room temperature in a dark place. Humidity and heat, in addition to light, will cause spices and herbs to lose their flavor. It has been found that ground herbs and spices maintain their flavor for roughly a year. Spices that are whole will retain flavor longer, closer to 3-5 years. If you store them properly, they will stay fresh for a longer period of time.
When cooking a large meal for a family gathering or dinner party, preparation is key. Review your recipes, and be certain the ingredients are readily available in your kitchen. Prepare everything the day prior, including the correct utensils and other cooking tools. This will help to alleviate your anxiety and maximize your potential.
Lots of recipes for fresh basil? Try putting a bunch of basil that is fresh inside a glass. Next, put water on the stems until they are covered. Put it on the counter of your kitchen in order to maintain its freshness for many weeks. If you replace the basil’s water enough, the basil can grow roots while in the water. Picking the leaves from time to time will cause the basil to put out new growth, so you will have a constant supply!
Boiling and other lengthy cooking methods strip vegetables of their important nutrients. Vegetables are healthiest when eaten raw, and by steaming and sauteing them, less nutrients are removed.
People tend to use a lot of apples for cooking in the fall and winter months, but if they are stored incorrectly they will quickly spoil. Apples tend to rot in warm dry air, so tie them up loosely in plastic bags and store in a refrigerator or cool basement. Remember the rule, one bad apple will spoil the bunch.
Even professional chefs can learn new techniques and enjoy experimenting with food. Beginner cooks need a ton of information while learning how to cook. Creating new recipes or devising new techniques makes cooking exciting.
