Easy Dinner Tips For Non-Cooks

Cooking can become a fun activity once you have perfected a few basic techniques. In the following paragraphs, you'll find tips that will improve your cooking and leave you feeling more confident in the kitchen. Read on, and let your creativity grow!

Try using beef or chicken stock to replace water in any recipe! You can also simply add bouillon cubes to the suggested amount of water. Your dish will still have the required amount of moisture, but it will have a better overall flavor.

Try not to overcook or undercook a cake. The recommendations on the package are only guidelines, because many factors, including oven variations, can impact the finished product. You can insert a toothpick or even an uncooked, long spaghetti noodle to check the cake to see if it is ready. If the toothpick is clean and dry, your cake is done. If it is covered in batter, leave it in a little longer.

Cut down on cooking time by doing your prep work in advance. One of the things that you can do is create components of your meals in advance. A longer cooking time can yield a more flavorful meal. Once you get used to prepping ahead of time, you will always do it.

After a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving or any other occasion, do not discard the leftovers. Chop or slice the leftover meat, store it in a zippered bag or other airtight container, and stash it in your freezer. Leftover turkey can be used for enchiladas, pot pie, sandwiches and salads.

Make your own dried tomatoes. Try slicing a Roma in half lengthwise, or cut larger tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Place them cut-side up on a rack that you use for cooling, and add a little salt. The rack should then be placed on a baking sheet in an oven set to 190 degrees for no more than 10 hours. Put them in plastic bags for freezer storage. Another way to preserve your dried tomatoes is in olive oil, with herbs for added flavor, in a glass jar. Use them within two weeks of refrigerating.

As you now know from this article, mastering the art of cooking is easy to do. You just have to spend some time in the kitchen and have a desire to learn. Follow these tips to improve your time in the kitchen. Cooking can be a delight, if you have the proper attitude.