Back For Seconds: Cooking Tips No One Can Resist

Wanting to cook well is something many want to do, but the process you go through to be a grand chef can be overwhelming. The thing with cooking is that progress can be charted in baby steps, and if you follow the advice below, you will be convinced that you have what it takes to be the next top chef.

Make sure to keep herbs and spices in an area that is cool and dim. The flavor of the spices and herbs will decrease if they are kept in areas with light, humidity, and heat. Generally speaking, spices that have been ground will keep their flavor for about one year. If kept whole, spices can keep their flavor for up to five years. Keep spices fresh for the longest time possible by storing them correctly.

You should slice meat thinly and also on the bias when cooking stir-fry dishes. Getting the perfect cut can sometimes be a challenge. Remove the meat before it is frozen, but still firm, and slice it at 45 degrees against the grain.

Spices should be stored in an area with little light and low temperatures, like a pantry. Leaving your spices out will expose them to moisture and light, which will diminish their quality. Keeping your spices in darkened, cool areas will lend extra longevity and flavor. Fresh spices can greatly enhance your meals, making this effort well worth your time.

A good tip when cooking with oil is to put it on the sides of the pan so it's already hot when it slides down into the food. This helps to bring out the flavor in your food.

For crispier French fries, put raw potatoes into cold water and let them sit there for about half an hour before frying. Allowing the sliced potatoes to soak up more cold fluids helps to reinforce the fibers that are in the vegetable, that way when they are deep fried, they are better able to stand up to the heat and won't completely break down.

If you want to reduce the amount of calories and fat in a mashed potato dish, substitute cauliflower for some of the potatoes. The bland cauliflower taste will make it so that you do not notice much difference in the taste, while accentuating the taste of some of the other ingredients. It also mimics the texture and color of the potatoes almost perfectly letting you up your vegetable intake, and drop the calories, all the while giving the same delicious potato experience we all know and love.

Cook your vegetables quickly to retain quality and nutrients. Using slow cooking methods can rob vegetable of their taste and nutritional value. You have an added bonus, because these certain techniques make vegetables healthier in general. The key to improving your vegetables is learning how you can cook them in the minimum amount of time.

Whether you plan to dazzle your family with a well-cooked meal or impress a hot date with a romantic dinner, culinary talent will enhance your life in many ways. Eating with family and friends is a custom that transcends place and culture. Become a better cook and host a great dinner party by applying the tips in this article.