There are always steps to follow when starting something new that will make it easier and more organised. Cooking is no exception.
It takes knowledge and practice to cook well, just like managing a budget or keeping houseplants alive.
Here are 5 essential skills that will simplify and enhance your cooking experience and make your food delicious.
Clean and Organised Kitchen
Clean utensils make cooking much more enjoyable, so next time you start to cook, look at the kitchen and clean it well; a shiny stove top is much more comfortable. Keep your kitchen equipment, surfaces, and utensils clean. After each use, wash cutting boards, knives, and other utensils with hot, soapy water and sanitise them regularly.
A clean and orderly kitchen is essential, as well as proper storage of food products. Keeping spices in your kitchen drawers is like keeping medicine in a small pharmacy. There is an order in drug stores, and there should also be one in your cupboards. Chaos certainly does not belong in cupboards, and you do not want someone to mistake salt for sugar.
Storing spices in jars will prevent these unfortunate situations, as they will last longer and retain their flavour. You can easily do this using jars from last year’s jam or buying them from your local store. Cap-screwed jars are best. Avoid keeping spices in plastic bags as they are likely to spill and take twice as long to clean up.
Is the Oven Your Friend or Foe?
Our oven is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, and it is a good friend for many dishes. Despite this, it can quickly become your enemy if you keep nearby oil or products whose quality can deteriorate. The oil bottle should never be kept over the oven, spices should be kept at a safe distance, and products that need to stay cool should be kept in the farthest cupboard.
Cooking dishes evenly requires a clean oven. You cannot replicate a good meal if your oven is dirty. Grease and food leftovers accumulated in the oven chambers turn into charred stains, and if you haven’t cleaned them for a long time, it will be even more challenging. You can clean your oven by hand with elbow grease or get an expert oven cleaning company to do the job for you.
Cooking Improvisations
An excellent way to exercise what you have learned so far is to improvise new dishes. However, this is not a good idea when expecting important guests. It’s best not to show too much of our improvisation skills when just learning the basics of cooking. Your knowledge and experience will improve; you can try different combinations and techniques.
To avoid critical situations, cook something you know you can, but bear in mind that you must consider your guests’ tastes carefully if they are vegetarians or some have allergies. Here are some tips for cooking for special occasions:
- Never cook a dish you have never tried before;
- Adding spices you have never cooked with is not a good idea;
- Your oven should be clean and not smell bad – you do not want your cooks to mix up their tastes because of burnt smells;
Always Try the Meal Before Serving It
If you have already decided what you want to serve, you should cook the dish beforehand to see if you encounter any difficulties. Keep track of whether or not it needs more or less spicing as you go along.
Ensure you have a proper combination of products on hand to prepare for the grand event. Take a bite of the dish before you serve it to your guests. It is easier to avoid unpleasant reactions if you try the dish before serving if something goes wrong during the cooking process.
Proper Food Handling
Learn the basics of food safety, such as handwashing, safe storage temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination. Learn the basics of food safety, such as handwashing, safe storage temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination. Preventing foodborne illnesses requires this knowledge.
Keep yourself and others safe while enjoying food by following these food-handling practices:
- Before handling any food, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially after using the restroom, handling raw meat or poultry, or touching anything that might be contaminated.
- To kill harmful bacteria, cook foods to their proper internal temperatures. If you reheat leftovers or precooked foods, reach 80°C throughout to kill bacteria.
- Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from ready-to-eat foods like fruits, vegetables, and cooked dishes to prevent cross-contamination.
- Pay attention to the use-by dates on food packaging and consume foods before expiration. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage.
What Are the First Things You Should Do When Cooking?
Cooking begins with personal hygiene and choosing a recipe or dish, you want to prepare. What you want to cook dictates your entire cooking process. Follow these steps to get started:
- Washing and drying your hands thoroughly is the most important step before preparing food. Use tongs and other utensils when preparing food that won’t be cooked before eating, such as salads and sandwiches.
- When you have chosen a recipe, you should read it thoroughly from beginning to end. Make sure you understand the ingredients, measurements, and cooking techniques involved. Make a note of any special equipment or preparations needed.
- Prepare the recipe’s necessary pots, pans, utensils, and appliances. It may include knives, cutting boards, measuring cups, mixing bowls, and cooking utensils.
After you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to start cooking. These initial steps will set you up for successful and enjoyable cooking by approaching it with clarity and organisation.
In Summary
Anyone seeking to enhance their culinary abilities should master basic skills and practices in cooking. Cooks can elevate the flavours and textures of their dishes by learning techniques like knife skills, heat control, sautéing, and roasting.
Moreover, following proper food handling guidelines, including handwashing, avoiding cross-contamination, and storing and cooking at the recommended temperatures, ensures food safety and prevents foodborne illnesses.
Incorporating these practices and adapting recipes will let you create delicious and satisfying meals while gaining confidence in the kitchen. Anyone can become proficient and enjoy the rewarding experience of preparing homemade meals with practice and a willingness to learn.