Cooking is a skill that gets better the more you use it. Not even the most experienced chef is so educated that a few new tricks would not be of use to her. People new to cooking also benefit from learning the things that help tasks go faster and foods cook better. This article is full of tips you will find helpful in getting you started as a cook.
Don’t throw away that runny sauce, as there is an easy fix available. In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of cornstarch and one tablespoon of water. In order to create a thicker sauce, add the mixture to the sauce, while it is cooking on low heat. Be sure to gradually stir in the solution, and frequently stir the sauce so that it does not become too thick.
Don’t add the dressing until right before serving. It is essential to have all prep work finished before it’s time to begin cooking. Cooking with a deadline to meet can become stressful. You can spare yourself a great deal of hassle by doing prep work in advance.
Do you cook often with fresh basil? Take a large bunch of this fresh herb and place it in a glass. Make sure the the stems are completely covered with water. This way it will stay fresh for days, even weeks, right on your countertop! Most often times, basil will actually take root in water. By cutting or trimming the basil on occasion, it will grow even further, so you can have fresh basil for quite a while.
Have you ever had a hard time figuring out the grilling time of your meat? You can purchase a meat thermometer to ensure that the inside of your grilled meat is cooked to satisfaction. For meat that is more than 1.5 inches thick, close the lid of the grill to decrease the amount of time that the meat takes to cook.
There are many steps you can take towards prepping your food to make your whole cooking process easier. Check the recipe you’re using to see if some preparation can be done without the partially prepared dish spoiling. Much of the preparation can be done the day before it is needed. More complex recipes become quicker and more fun this way.
While not everyone is destined to become a great cook, the ability to follow directions is all you need to achieve the status of amateur cook. This isn’t rocket science, after all. Utilize the tips in this article, and see firsthand how much your cooking skills can improve.