Having to cook every day can be dull after awhile. Learning more about cooking can be just the tactic you need to bring back your enthusiasm. Not only is cooking about putting a meal on the table, it is also a fun and creative activity that you can enjoy. Here are some good ways to start out.
A great starting point when looking to expand your cooking repertoire is your local library or bookstore. Look for cookbooks which contain basic and simple recipes for you to practice and have fun preparing. Cooking might take a while to master, as it requires perfecting certain techniques.
Do all the prep work ahead of time. Having everything prepared before you begin cooking is important. When you’re ready to begin cooking and have set your deadline to finish, you can get really stressed. Prep work helps take the stress out of meal planning and preparing.
Spices should be stored in a cool and dark place. If you leave them out somewhere, you will expose them to light, wetness, and heat, and it could ruin them. Your spices will have a longer shelf life and retain their good taste if stored in a dark, cool spot. You can prepare tastier meals if you use fresher spices.
You have probably felt guilty for pitching moldy fruits before. Should you save fruits by cutting out moldy parts? Cutting off rotten bits of fruit will not make them safer. After a certain point, the fruit may become moldy, though you may not be able to tell by looking at it. Consuming the fruit could make you very ill.
Do you regularly cook with freshly grown basil? You can cut basil by the stems, bunch it together, and put it in a glass. Next, ensure the stems are covered with water. Keep it on the kitchen counter and it will stay fresh for weeks. Your basil will even send out new roots if you change its water regularly. Encourage growth by cutting or trimming the basil now and then, and you will be able to use fresh basil for a long time!
Cooking does not have to be frightening. Cooking is fun, helps you eat better and saves you money. Use all of the things you learned here to make an impact on each step of the cooking process. Happy home cooking and bon appetit!