Do you enjoy devouring all different types of food? Is your appetite for fat-filled, calorie-laden, delicious sweet dishes unrelenting? Or are spicy ethnic dishes what you crave? Have you wondered how to make these types of meals in the privacy of your home? Well, now you can stop dreaming and start cooking! You'll be well on your way to doing your own delectable cooking if you make use of the following tips.
You should store all herbs and spices in cool, dark places. Exposure to humidity, light and heat all affect the flavor of your spices. In general, herbs and spices that are ground will retain their flavor for up to one year. Spices that are whole will retain flavor longer, closer to 3-5 years. As long as they are stored properly, they will hold onto their flavor for several years.
Preparation is incredibly important prior to cooking a meal for loved ones. Ensure that you aren't missing important ingredients before you start cooking. Prepare everything the day prior, including the correct utensils and other cooking tools. With the right groundwork, you can enter your kitchen confidently and get right to work whipping up a fantastic meal.
When making a stir-fry meal, meat should always be thinly sliced, and cut on the bias. It may be difficult to do. Wait for the meat to get slightly firm and remove it from the freezer, then slice diagonally, cutting across the grain at an angle of roughly 45 degrees.
Always have your spices stored in a dark and cool place. If they are stored in an area that they are exposed to light, heat and humidity, their shelf life is shortened. Keep spices fresh by storing them away from light and humidity. Using fresh spices makes meals even more delicious.
To easily slice meat thinly, place it in the freezer until firm but not frozen. Thin strips of meat are ideal for meals that are originally ethnically Asian. When the meat is partially frozen, it is much easier to slice and doesn't tear or stretch. But, if you use this technique make sure that the meat strips thaw out again before you cook them.
Long cooking processes, like boiling, can "zap" nutrients from foods, like vegetables. To keep the nutrients in tact, consider steaming or sauteing your food, or even serving them raw.
Popular French fried potato recipes suggest soaking the potatoes in water for 30 minutes before cooking them. Soaking potatoes accomplishes two important things for your French fries; it takes out sugar and starch during the soaking process.
Whatever you may be cooking, using fresh foods is always better than canned, dried, or frozen. Use fresh foods any time you can, as they bring out the best flavor of the dish, and can be real money-savers too.
By following these tips, you will soon be able to make great meals at home. Be creative, and experiment with interesting spices and herbs. You may even discover a new favorite dish! Be guided by your taste buds and the tips laid out here; find that chef inside of you!
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