Kitchen Secrets: Learn To Cook With The Best Of Them

If you have ever considered learning more about cooking, you may feel overwhelmed. Looking at a cookbook or watching the cooking channel, makes cooking seem like a complicated science. However, learning to cook does not have to be that difficult. Follow the tips presented here and you will be well on your way.

In order to make the process of cooking easier, you should take to time to make large amounts of meat or vegetable stock and store it in the freezer. Not only is making your own stock less expensive than buying it from a retailer, but it makes it easy to keep a large supply on hand. Simply freeze the stock in small and clearly labeled portions and then take out what you need when you need it!

Microwaving a lemon or a lime for a few seconds can release the juices. Sometimes the citrus at a grocery store is not as fresh as it could be, making it difficult to juice. If you microwave it for 10 seconds, and then roll it between your hand and the counter it will release more juice.

Dont substitute romaine lettuce when making caesar salad. Romaine has the perfect texture and flavor to stand up to the strong ingredients in a classic caesar dressing, such as garlic, anchovies and parmesan cheese. Select romaine that has dark green outer leaves that curl away from the center. To store, leave the head whole and unwashed in the refrigerator, and tear off leaves as needed.

Herbs and spices have a powerful impact on the quality of your cooking. To preserve these important, expensive ingredients, keep them in a cool, dark place with minimal humidity. All too often spices are left near ovens and sinks. The heat, light and moisture in such places leach the flavor out of high-quality spices.

Check what you have at home and bring any new recipes with you when you go to the store. When you have the recipe with you, youll have a handy list of what you need to buy. If you dont check what you already have, you may ending up buying more than you need. If you dont bring the recipe, you may forget something that you wont be able to cook without!

It is possible to cook healthy without abandoning all of the rich, creamy dressings that can contribute so much flavor. One method is to use Greek-style yogurt as a replacement for mayonnaise. Half of the mayonnaise called for in the recipe should be replaced with the yogurt. This will give the same great taste while cutting down on the unhealthy effects of the mayo.

Nutrition

Substitute water for other more flavorful liquids, in order to spice up your meals. As a substitute for water, try broth. Juice can work as well. Some people use the water left over from boiling vegetables. If a recipe calls for milk, try using buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream. Using a variety of liquids can add a bit of zest to a favorite recipe and even make it more nutritious.

To preserve more of the nutritional value of your vegetables dont cook them for too long. As you cook a vegetable, its nutrient content diminishes. Good techniques for quickly cooking vegetables are steaming and stir-frying. Slow cooking has its place, but dont neglect the quicker techniques with their greater nutrition.

This article has presented several different tips to help you become the best cook you can be. IF you start with this advice and simply build on this, you will gain experience and become more comfortable in the kitchen. Soon, you will present your family with new meals and treats, that are sure to please their palates.