Cooking is a skill that everyone should at least know the basics of, especially if you have a hungry family to feed. Having the know-how to cook offers so many benefits ranging from nutritional needs to the social and financial aspects. If you want to learn everything you need to know to get started as a cook, read the rest of this article.
Make sure to keep herbs and spices in an area that is cool and dim. When exposed to light and heat, spices will lose their sharpness and flavor. Ground herbs and spices will retain their flavor for about a year. Spices that are whole will retain flavor longer, closer to 3-5 years. If they are stored properly, they will stay fresh longer.
Overdo it a little when you bake a pie crust. The color should be a darker caramel instead of the pale blond so many people do. The golden color indicates that the sugar in the pie crust has caramelized and this will give a sweet and crisp flavor.
Regardless of what you cook, it is always better to use fresh ingredients as opposed to those that are dried or frozen. Fresh ingredients can really enhance the flavor of your meal, as well as be more economical to prepare.
They will soak up much of the water, as if they were a sponge. Wipe them off with a damp cloth to clean them.
When storing sugar, baking mixes, or flour in your kitchen, use containers that are airtight. Reducing exposure to air and insects will allow food to remain fresh and edible for longer periods of time. These containers can be bought at almost any store and are totally worth it!
So you can see how very useful it can be to acquire the skills necessary to prepare meals for your family or yourself. It does not matter what type of food you like, being able to cook can add nothing but benefits to your life. You will rarely be tempted by fast food again if you use this advice to cook well at home.