
Even the kitchen at your own house can seem rather boring from time to time. You can change this by taking up a hobby, like cooking. This turns the kitchen into a place of fun and experimentation, which results in wonderful meals and time well-spent. Here are some tips to get you started.
Spices should be stored in a dark and cool place. The flavor of the spices and herbs will decrease if they are kept in areas with light, humidity, and heat. You can plan on ground herbs and spices retaining their potency for a year. Whole spices have a longer shelf-life and can hold their flavor for about three years. When stored properly, spice stay fresh for longer periods of time.
Do not add food to the oil until it is hot. Doing this will give you maximum flavor when your meal is finished cooking.
Are you a fan of using fresh basil? Gather a bunch and put it into a glass. Then cover the stems of the basil with water. It will remain fresh for weeks, just sitting on the kitchen counter! You can even promote the growth of roots if you replace the water from time to time. Trim the basil once in a while so it grows even more and stays fresh.
Tofu and beans are great sources of protein that can easily be added to your diet. They can be bought at pretty much any grocery store. You can fry tofu or add it to soups, seasoned well, for a yummy protein alternative. You can boil the beans with a bit of herbs to give the protein more flavor.
Always read the labels of the ingredients you buy. Quite often, certain cooking supplies are filled with unhealthy ingredients that you may not be aware of. Make sure that an item does not contain too much salt or sugar. Both of those substances can damage the body and lead to serious health issues.
Leave the bone inside the roast if you want to cook it faster. This will help the meat to cook quicker because the heat will be carried to the center of the roast through the bone. When the roast is done, just cut it off the bone before serving.
Store your herbs and spices in a dark and cool place so that their flavors are preserved. Excessive warmth or light can leech the flavor from your spices and herbs.
Consider creating your own stock, in order to add some customized flavor to your dishes. Make a large batch, and then store it in your freezer. By freezing stock, you ensure that you have tasty homemade stock ready to add to any dish. By making and having your own stock on hand, you will know it doesn’t contain preservatives.
Wash your dishes as you use them, when you are cooking. Make sure one side of the sink is filled with soapy hot water while the other side can be used to rinse. Utensils and mixing bowls can easily be washed immediately after they are used. They will then be ready to use again immediately.
Let the preceding tips multiply in your head and generate new, personal cooking ideas. Focus on creating meals that your family and yourself will enjoy like savory meals that everyone will rave about. The process of cooking can contribute largely to your overall health and nutrition as well as your lifestyle. Make the kitchen the heart of your home.