Many people look at cooking as simply a chore that needs to be done. It can also serve as a means to a healthier living. A good cook will always continue to learn new and innovative methods, and this article will hopefully enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of how to cook.Make sure to keep herbs and spices in an area that is cool and dim. Their flavors will be weakened when they are exposed to light, heat or humidity. Ground spices typically maintain their flavor for around a year. Spices in their whole form can be stored for between 3 to 5 years. Proper storage will enhance the flavoring for a longer time.Keep herbs and spices in a dark space that stays room temperature. If your spices are exposed to moisture, heat, their flavor will begin to weaken. Ground spices can retain full flavor for around a year. Spices that have not been ground may still be worth using for around 3-5 years. Storing spices properly can help you achieve a longer shelf-life for your spices.Preparation is one of the most important things that you will have to do before you cook a meal for your friends or family. Be certain that you have every ingredient you will need on hand. Check the day before you start to cook to make sure that you have everything that you need to cook the dish you have planned. Being prepared will settle your anxiety and ensure that you are ready to create a fantastic meal.Bake pie crusts for a little longer time than you think they should be baked. They need to be a golden caramel in color rather than pale blonde. The darker color indicates that the sugar in the crust has started to caramelize and will give a much sweeter and crisper flavor.When not in use, put your spices in an area that receives the lowest amount of light and heat. Exposing spices to heat, humidity, and light will shorten their lifespan. Spices stored in a cool, dark location will taste better and last longer. Using fresher spices can make tastier meals.This will help to maximize the taste of your cooking.It’s vital that you always use sharp knives when cooking. Only the dull-witted use dull knives, as they are both ineffective and dangerous. You can cut yourself because you are forcing the knife through the food, use a sharp knife.
If you wish to have crispy French fries, then soak the potatoes in a bowl of cold water for a period of at least half an hour before use.When creating a meal for someone you are friends with or fond of, try making what you already are good at making. You should never attempt to cook new or extravagant recipes you have not already tried when you are cooking for someone that you want to impress. This will allow you to cook with less stress.Quickly cooking vegetables makes them to retain much of their nutritional value.Vegetables that are cooked slowly can lose a lot of their taste and valuable nutrients. These cooking techniques usually produce vegetables that are much healthier. Cooking better vegetables is all about cooking them for the least amount of time is essential.Popular French fried potato recipes suggest soaking the potatoes in water for 30 minutes before cooking them. The soaking process will reinforce the vegetable fibers, and they will be better able to withstand heat when you fry them.Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, as they make the food more flavorful, and they are also less expensive.When you need to store dry ingredients such as flour, or sugar in your kitchen, use airtight containers. Airtight containers allow your food to remain safe from the elements and also prolongs their freshness. A variety of plastic containers, bags and decorative canisters will protect your food.In conclusion, all great cooks are looking for ways to enhance their skills. The fun is not only in the cooking, but in the learning about new foods, styles and techniques to try. You also must know how to share your skills with others. Cooking shouldn’t simply be a skill that you learn; it should be a gift that you share.If you must use oil in your cooking, choose extra virgin oil to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your dish. You simply do not need the added fat in a healthy diet. For a wonderful alternative, nonstick cooking spray can be healthier than many oils and will produce the same results.