Nutritious and Healthy Home Cooking Tips

For people who have been watching their diet, healthy eating is not just picking the right kind of food but also cooking them in the right way. Yes, we tend to stay away from fast food and instead cooking at home by ourselves, therefore, in doing this, take time to read the following paragraph can help you get the most of your healthy food choice, especially for those who are counting all those calories to keep fit.

Add more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your recipes. Go for organic fruits and vegetables as much as possible, they are not just free from poisonous pesticide but also contain more antioxidants than the non-organically grown ones. Replace or get rid of those high-calories, high-fat ingredients, it is one of the healthy cooking tips you can never go wrong if you want to have healthy diet. In some recipes, you can actually choose to omit the optional ingredients that contribute to the higher calorie content of the food.

Choose cooking oil. Chinese cooks usually use peanut oil, which has a high smoke point and a pleasant nutty flavor, for both stir-frying and deep-frying. For a healthier version, try to use Canola oil and olive oil, which are high in healthy monounsaturated fat and low in unhealthy saturated fat, it is believed that monounsaturated fats help lower the bad cholesterol that can lead to heart disease or stroke. Asian sesame oil is unsuitable as stir-fry oil because of its strong flavor and unstableness when heated, and it is used primarily as a seasoning that is added to stir-fry at the end of cooking.

Choose a healthy method for preparation. Appropriate cooking method always helps to preserve nutrients of the food. Grilling, broiling, steaming, and braising are good ways to do this.

Lower the salt in your food. Instead of relying on salt for extra flavor, increase the amount of herbs and spices in the dish. Spices such as curry powder, five-spice powder, and chili powder are salt-free while have loads of flavor. And if you are using canned vegetables that contain salt, remember to rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove some of the sodium before cooking.

Choose right kind of food and start with these practical and healthy cooking tips, you can absolutely make a big difference in your diet and your health.

Low Fat Cooking Tips - Roasted Vegetables

If you're anything like me, one of your favorite meals is a traditional Sunday roast. Mmmm, those delicious roasted vegetables, crispy on the outside but soft and luscious on the inside! But now we're on a diet we can't indulge in that taste anymore... right?

Not true. While traditional roasted vegetables are very high in fat due to the fat bath they sit in while they cook. There are ways to prepare low fat roasted vegetables. And it's really simpler than you think (and sometimes even yummier than fat soaked traditional roast vegetables). You see, it's not really necessary to have so much fat to roast vegetables. Although it is the fat that kind of semi fries the vegetables to that nice crispy exterior... a little fat works just as well, if not better, than a lot.

So here is one way to prepare low fat roasted vegetables. Doing it this way won't result in soggy roasted vegetables.

Low Fat Roasted Vegetables

1. Preheat oven to 350F (190C)
2. Line your baking tray with parchment (baking) paper
3. Prepare and cut up your vegetables as per usual
4. lay your vegetables evenly over the parchment paper
5. Spray vegetables with extra virgin olive oil cooking spray
6. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes
7. Turn vegetables and spray the unsprayed side with cooking spray
8. Bake for a further 20-30 minutes

Cooking time on this will vary according to the size of the vegetable pieces of course and you're the best judge of that. But preparing them this way results in a nice crispy skin without all the excess fat.

Oh, and the meat can be prepared the same way. Tip with cooking pork, remove the skin and the excess fat before cooking. If you really must eat the crackling you can rub salt into it and cook under the grill. Not only is it lower in fat, It works better and results in lovely crisp crackling (but you have to watch it carefully). Just be certain to trim most of the fat from the underside first, you need a little to generate the heat to form the crackling... but certainly not the amount that is usually there.

Oh, and this makes it much easier to clean your roasting tray which is the other advantage of this low fat roasted vegetable recipe.

Hope you enjoy my low fat cooking tips.

Cooking Tips For Men

Cooking is a very good thing to do for it shares good results to everyone. This is a good way to spend free time and release stress that is why women are really into it. They usually spend most of their time in the kitchen, preparing foods for their family and experimenting new way of making the most delicious recipes. Women find the kitchen their most comfortable place to showcase their talents in order to serve the best out of that kitchen. Through their recipes they are also showing their love and care for everyone.

Many people said that a woman is the queen of the kitchen because they are the ones who are really devoted in all kinds of cooking. That is why sometimes when women are out of the house, the men usually get hungry and sad and it's all because they are all naïve when it comes to the kitchen. And because of that, men should also learn how to do the cooking even the most basic ideas of it, so you they will be rest assured that even their women will be out for a long time they will be able to survive.

Here are some of the basic cooking tips for men.

Use of cook books. If you don't have any ideas about any recipes, these cook books will be your survival kit. You could see there a thousand of recipes from the easiest up to the most difficult ones and you could go with those that you think you can do. Make sure that you will use the right ingredients and follow all the essential things that the book told you to do so or else your recipe will never be good enough.

Be familiar with the equipments. In cooking, it is very important that you know how to use each cooking material. That is to help you cook the ingredients properly and get that best taste and flavors. Be familiar with the major equipments like your wife's romertopf bakewares, pressure cookers, silver pans and more. This will both help you to get that delicious recipe that you've wanted and to avoid any improper usage and danger as you do your first recipe.

Do not experiment. In any recipe that you will cook, always remember that you are not allowed to experiment for the meantime. You must able to follow certain rules and ingredients in able to get that perfect taste. It maybe a bit difficult at first but as you get used with it, you will surely enjoy it as your wife does. And when the moment comes that you are already experienced and practiced, you can now do some little experiments with the taste and the way of cooking.

Feel good. This is one of the best cooking tips that you must always remember every time you work in the kitchen. Always feel good and be happy when preparing and cooking your master pieces because your true feelings will reflect in the taste of your finished product. That's why if you cook with love, the people that will eat your recipe will also feel so loved by you and that's the magic of cooking.

8 Healthy Cooking Tips to Help You Cook Your Own Healthy Food

Cooking your own food has become a great alternative these days if you want to stay healthy and fit. Especially in these times that fast foods and restaurants are booming everywhere, it can be tempting to just grab those instant meals, but of course, it is always important to stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight as well.

To help you in cooking your own healthy meals, here are a few healthy cooking tips that can help you in sticking to a really healthy cooking.

1. Choose healthy ingredients. Go for fresh vegetables and fruits. Organic ones are better choices but if you do not have access to organic vegetables, make sure that you thoroughly wash them with running water especially leafy vegetables.

2. Choose a healthier way of cooking your own food. Grill, bake, roast, steam, or microwave foods. Instead of deep frying, you can also stir-fry. Also choose methods of cooking that can retain the color, the flavor as well as the nutrients of the vegetables and other ingredients.

3. Try some healthier alternatives to fat and foods high in cholesterol. You can also find organic spices and other healthier choices. Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Always check the label of processed foods if you can't get away with buying one. You can also find alternatives to meat. Soya protein,

4. Use Olive oil or Canola oil for your frying needs. You have to be aware of the different types of cooking oil and make sure that you know which among them is the healthier choice. Consider how much unsaturated fats they contain. The more unsaturated fat, the more unhealthy is your cooking oil.

5. Cut down on sodium or salt. Although you may need to add salt to season your recipe, find other substitutes such as herbs and other natural spices and cut down on your salt. Salt can be unhealthy especially those who are overweight and those who have problems with their blood pressure. Check the labels of processed foods, as you can always determine if the salt content is high, but of course, one good thing you can do is to eliminate the high-sodium ingredient and substitute it.

6. Opt for the low-fat ingredients. If you can't totally get rid of fat in the ingredients such as butter or milk, choose those with less fats. You can also improvise on a recipe to help you avoid spending more and avoid you in using fats for your recipes. Of course, one good suggestion for you is to eliminate those ingredients with high fat content. You can also modify your recipe to get rid of those unhealthy ingredients.

7. Opt for whole grains rather than those highly refined products. Among the variety of grains that you can use are brown rice, barley, wheat, oatmeal and rye. If you are buying pastries, also check out if they are made from these whole grains.

8. Follow low-fat cooking practices as much as possible. Stir fry instead of using the deep frying techniques. Trim the fatty part of the meat before trying to cook it as well.

Important Turkey Cooking Tips To Make The Holiday a Success!

The Thanksgiving holiday meal can be one of the most high pressure and stressful meals of the year to prepare. A few turkey cooking tips and reminders can make the whole process more enjoyable. If you chose to go fancy with your bird or simple and delicious the basics are always the same. Size of the bird, preparation before you start the meal and roasting methods need to be addressed first. This article will give a few turkey cooking tips to make this holiday an enjoyable experience.

The first tip will be obvious, but you would be shocked at how often even the most experienced cooks forget and get caught by this.

Make sure you have everything you need before you start.

This is where a check list is an invaluable asset. Be sure you have all the ingredients, cookware, utensils, spices, pots, pans, and dishes ready and on hand to get the meal completed. There is nothing worse than having to stop what you are doing, and run to the store to pick up some missing item at the last minute.

Choose the proper turkey.

Don't choose a turkey that is very small or one that is very large. Some where in the medium sized range will cook the best, and look the best when finished. A fresh and not frozen turkey will be tender and juicy. If you have to have a frozen turkey be sure to thaw it in your refrigerator for the proper amount of time until it is completely thawed.

Clean the turkey well.

Clean the turkey in the sink with cold water. Especially the inside. Flush the body cavity with plenty of cold water to remove any loose skin fragments and stale blood.

Roasting your turkey.

Getting a turkey with a pop up thermometer makes knowing when the turkey is completely cooked a snap. I wouldn't get one without that. Pre heat your oven to the proper temperature before you put the turkey in the oven. Roast the turkey with the legs pointing to the back of the oven, that is usually the hottest part. If you have enough time, slow roast your turkey at 250 degrees for several hours longer than it would take at 350 degrees. It will be much juicier and tender. Then for the last hour turn the heat up to 350 degrees to brown and crisp the skin.

BY ALL MEANS, REMEMBER THIS:

Bacteria on food will rapidly multiply when left at a temperature between 45 F and 140 F. Avoid this danger zone as much as possible.

These common sense tips will make cooking your turkey easier. Knowing before hand that you have chosen the proper turkey for your meal and that you are well prepared to get your turkey in the oven cuts down on the stress of this holiday meal. Then all that is left to do is prepare the side dishes that go with your turkey while the bird is in the oven. Happy Holidays.

Cooking Tips For a Healthy Life

There are people who simply love to cook while some are averse to the idea of cooking. Yet another category exists that cook just because they have to. Whether or not you enjoy cooking, it is important that you cook right whenever you do. Considering the rise in the number of health disorders associated with obesity, Americans are waking to the fact that making right food choices is critical for good health.

Healthy eating does not mean consuming the right kind of foods but also ensuring that they are cooked in the right manner. Most people avoid eating fast food and switch over to homemade food to eat right and stay healthy. However, eating homemade food is of no use, if you do not know the basics of healthy cooking. Read on to know invaluable cooking tips that can improve your health and the overall well being of your family.

Go for organic food - The best way to cook healthy is choose organic foods, vegetables, and fruits that are rich in antioxidants and also free from pesticide residues unlike their non-organically grown counterparts.

Cooking with the right oil - The kind of oil you use as well as its quantity will have a direct impact on your waistline. You may go for healthier versions like olive oil and canola oil, though olive oil should be avoided for frying foods, as its smoke point is just about 190C/375F.

Also make it a point to drain excess oil in fried foods using paper towels so that you can restrict your calorie intake. Cook using nonstick pans, as it not only makes the task of cooking much faster and easier but also helps you in minimizing your fat intake.

Utilize the right cooking method - The methods of cooking you choose is as important as the ingredients that go into the food. Frying should be avoided as much as possible and should be replaced with broiling, grilling, braising, and steaming methods that facilitate in retaining the nutritional value of the food while keeping excess fat at bay. Boiling vegetables can rob them of their nutrients and should therefore be steamed instead.

Replace high-calorie ingredients - When trying out a new recipe, look for options for certain ingredients to get rid of excess calories. For instance, a certain recipe may allow you to use yogurt or milk instead of cream so that you can reduce your fat intake without compromising on the taste.

Cook meat at right temperatures - Failing to cook meat at the right temperature may give rise to bacteria that cause a number of food-borne diseases. You need to cook meat at 160°F, poultry at 165°F and steaks and roasts at a minimum of 45°F. If you need to reheat leftovers, make sure that you heat till the time sauces and gravy start boiling.

Cooking Tips You Need to Know

Most people are going to try to cook at one stage or another in their lives, unfortunately many people will give up after their first attempt because of a burnt pan or an overcooked egg. But with a bit of help, anybody can experience the thrill of cooking a meal for somebody else, and have that somebody else really appreciate the food and the time that it's taken to prepare. There are many great cooking tips both on the Internet and through some of the many cookbooks that are available. One cooking tip that I would give anyone is not to start out too adventurous. Always begin by cooking something simple. This way you will have more chance of achieving the desired result and moving onto the next stage.

The next stage is always going to be a bit more difficult. You will be trying to emulate some of the recipes that you can find in celebrity cookbooks, traditional cookbooks, or some of the more difficult recipes to be found on the Internet. Make sure that you read all the instructions through at least once before you start. Go through the ingredients list and check off all of the items that you can immediately lay your hands on, there's no point in buying what you already have. Try to buy the freshest possible produce, this will make your finished product taste much better. As a last helpful cooking tip, keep yourself calm, follow the recipe to the letter, and enjoy your meal.

Sweet and Sour Pork - Home Cooking Tips

Sweet and sour pork, featuring for its sweet and sour taste, is liked by many people. The ingredients of this dish is simple, also it is not difficult to cook. However, if you want to cook it at home and get a originate one, you have to know some basic home cooking tips of this dish.

Ingredients

pork fillet (300g), tomato sauce (40g), cooking wine (15g), vinegar (20g), sugar (35g), salt (3g), water starch (30g)

Cooking procedure:

1. Cut the pork fillet into pieces with size of 1.5cm X 4cm.Pickle them with some salt and cooking wine.

2. Put the sugar, vinegar, some water and water starch into a bowl for future.

3. Pour oil(300g) into the wok, then add pork fillets into the wok when the oil temperature reaches up to about 80‚ Remove the pork when it changes into white. Use the shovel pats it to depart the ones sticking with each other.

4. Continue to heat the oil in the wok. When the oil temperature reaches up to 90, put the prepared fillets into the wok again and fried them until they become golden color. Remove them from the wok for future use.

5. Put some oil in the wok, when it reaches up to 70 add the tomato sauce into them. Stir fry them until the red oil comes out of tomato sauce. Pour the prepared sauce in step 2 into wok. Add the prepared pork fillets into them when the sauce becomes thick and bright red. Stir-fry the mixture quickly until the fillets are coated with sauce evenly.

Tips:

1. Repeat frying in step 3 and 4 is the key for crispy outside, tender inside, so this step cannot be ignored.

2. Another important factor is the ratio of sugar and salt. Please find the proper ration according to your own taste.

3. After the sauce becomes thick, you must quickly stir fry the fillets.

For any cooking tips about traditional Chinese food, such as kung pao chicken, spring roll, please visit my blog.

Cooking Tips - How to Prepare Your Lobster Tails

It's true what they're saying that lobsters are quite a delicacy; however, it'd be safe to say that lobster tails are far less complicated and less expensive to cook. If you would like to know the tips and methods in cooking lobster tails, you needn't look any further. There are several recipes that can be found online for free. All you need to do is test out a few of these recipes and see which one you'd like.

You need to remember that before you think about cooking lobster tails, you have to think about which lobster tails you prefer. There's a great difference when it comes down to taste with respect to lobsters from warm waters or those that thrive in cold waters. The latter is known to be quite desirable when it comes down to taste. At the same time, you need to take note that there's a great difference in price also. Considering this, you need to be certain that you know the basics when it comes to understanding how to cook the delicacy.

Before buying your lobster tails, see first if there are any gray or black spots. If such spots appear, it indicates that the meat is bad. Also, remember that when you purchase frozen lobster tails, make sure that you know how to defrost them specifically. This is the primary step that you need to do before you learn how to cook the tails. Before chucking them into a microwave, you need to first put them in a refrigerator for approximately ten hours. After this, put them in a bowl of cold water. Then finally, you can cook them in three ways: boil, griddle or bake them.

Keep in mind that one of the most common mistakes that people make is the tendency to overcook the meat, which can result in a bad taste or flavor. Make sure that you also consider some of the condiments. Ideally just after cooking you must serve the meat hot with lemon, melted butter or perhaps even mayo. Make it a point that you consider some of the other cooking tips and methods when it comes to preparing lobster tails, since variety really gives your taste buds quite an advantage.

Salmon - Cooking Tips For Cooking Salmon in the Oven

Salmon is a healthy and flavorful fish. It is rich in omega 3s, which are good for the heart and it, can be used in many different recipes. If you are looking for cooking tips for cooking salmon in the oven, read on for some handy hints about how to bake this tasty fish.

First of all, you should preheat the oven to somewhere between 350 and 450 degrees F, depending on what the recipe recommends. If you are not following a recipe, keep the temperature near to 350 degrees F because it is easier to accidentally overcook the fish if you choose a higher temperature.

Preparing the Salmon for Baking

You might like to use a store-bought salmon rub or make your own. Try a mixture of salt, chili powder, and paprika for a spicy flavor or mixed herbs for an herby flavor.

Perhaps you prefer to use an herb butter, like basil butter or dill butter. If you want to keep the flavors simple, you can use a little olive oil and some lemon or lime juice with the fish. You can prepare the fish a few hours before you cook it in the oven if you want.

Glazes are also popular with salmon and you can make a glaze for salmon by baking a sweet fruit like pineapple or peach on top of the fish. The juices will run over the fish as it cooks.

What about making your own salmon marinade recipe? Try a mixture of white wine, ginger, olive oil, lime juice, and brown sugar and marinate the salmon in this for half an hour before baking it.

How to Bake the Fish

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This is optional but it does make cleanup easier afterwards. Put the fish on the baking sheet and bake it for ten to twelve minutes, or until it is opaque all the way through. The exact timing depends how thick your salmon fillet is. Salmon usually needs ten minutes cooking time for every inch of thickness.

Salmon should be tender inside and cooked to medium rare, for the best results. Overcooking is one of the worst things you can do to fish, so keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks. Remember that it keeps cooking on the baking sheet once you have taken it out of the oven. When the fish is barely pink right the way through, it is cooked perfectly.

Another way of baking salmon is to make a foil parcel. This helps to seal the juices in and ensure the fish comes out succulent and tender. Simply add the fish to a square of foil, add some lemon or lime slices and maybe some dill, cumin, chili powder or another flavor, and then loosely twist the foil at the top to make a foil package. This cooking method is known as "en papillote."

Low Sodium Recipes - 7 Cooking Tips Offer Flavorful Low Sodium Results

Low sodium recipes can certainly be challenging. Trying to get the salt and sodium out of a recipe is hard enough, and still have flavorful results without the food tasting like it is missing the salt is the most challenging part.

Here are seven simple low sodium cooking tips to try, for more flavorful low sodium recipes.

1. Choose good quality, fresh ingredients, to start with is a must. You are not easily able to mask any off tastes when your meats or vegetables not up to par. Using the freshest ingredients makes a big difference towards achieving good flavor. Try shopping at your local farmer's market. You will find many varieties of fruits, vegetables, even herbs, that you never see in the grocery store. Locally grown will have better flavor.

2. Browning or caramelizing your food especially meats. This tip will not only give a rich look to your food but adds amazing flavor as well. Take your time doing this part. Lower your heat. You want browned not burnt. For example, caramelized onions can take about 45 minutes, but the flavor is worth it.

3. Invest in a pepper grinder or also called a pepper mill. Freshly ground pepper instead of the regular pepper in a can, gives your recipes a huge flavor boost. Add freshly ground pepper while cooking and a little more at the end or even at the table.

4. Use freshly minced parsley in most low sodium recipes. Folks usually think of fresh parsley for show, just to dress up a plate and make it pretty. It does that and more. Freshly minced Italian flat leaf parsley (not curly), adds a flavor brightness and a freshness to food. When you are cooking, add some of the freshly minced parsley towards the end of your cooking time and always sprinkle more on top of the dish before you serve. You can also sprinkle freshly minced parsley over your entire plate, over vegetables, meats, sauces, soups, salads, etc., for more added flavor.

5. Using fresh lemons will help give a salty edge to many of your low sodium recipes. The regular Eureka lemons versus the sweeter Meyer lemons, work better for this tip. This tip can be tricky. You want the brightness of the lemon without turning your recipe into a lemon recipe. This works especially well for low sodium soup recipes. Ladle a small amount of soup into a bowl. Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice, stir, then taste. Try again if needed. A few more drops of lemon juice, stir, and taste. This will give you an idea of how much lemon juice you will need to add to the pot. Don't add too much as you can always add more but it is difficult to take a too much lemon taste away. Fresh lemon juice also works well in salad dressings and squeezed on vegetables.

6. Find a good tasting salt substitute. A salt substitute without potassium chloride, is preferable. Again most folks pick up that metallic taste in their food from the potassium chloride. You cannot really cover up this taste.

7. Use really good quality salt free or no salt seasonings. Seasonings make a big difference, probably the biggest difference, especially when cooking anything low sodium. For best results find no salt seasonings without potassium chloride, as potassium chloride can add an off metallic taste to your food. Use fresh seasonings. When seasonings start getting old, they lose their flavor, or you might get a flavor change. You want maximum flavor.

These are just a few tips that will help improve the flavor of your low sodium recipes.

Microwave Cooking - Tips For Using, Cooking, and Cleaning Your Microwave

I know this will give away my age group, but I can remember life without a microwave. My teenage daughter thinks that means we started fire by rubbing sticks together!

The microwave oven has certainly made life easier, especially for households like mine where both parents work outside the home. We want our meal times to be fast and easy, while remaining healthy and affordable. Our microwave oven is one of the appliances that help us spend less time in the kitchen.

We use ours all year long, but it really helps in the heat of summer to not use the oven as often and heat up the kitchen at the same time.

It sounds simple, but needs repeating - read and follow your microwave oven manufacturer's instructions. Here's some other safety tips:

· Remember, the food will be hot! Be careful when removing from the appliance
· Never use your microwave if the door does not close completely or there are any other defects
· If you cover the food being cooked, be sure to leave it vented so steam can come out naturally
· Don't use any metal utensils
· Use only "microwave safe" dishes
· Follow recommended cooking times. If the time is a range (5-7 minutes for example), start with the lower time

Now some general cooking tips:

· Cut food in uniform sizes for more even cooking
· Arrange evenly sized food in a circle
· Follow the recipe or manufacturer's cooking directions! Stir at stated times, turn food over when required, and let food stand as directed after cooking
· Margarine can be softened by using half power for 45-60 seconds
· Wrap left over pizza slices in damp (slightly damp) paper towels and cook for 35-45 seconds. The damp paper towels help to keep the crust crispy. Otherwise, you may have a crust that you cannot bite!
· Baked potatoes are a microwave favorite. Just remember to pierce them with a knife to release steam.
· If you are defrosting meat in your microwave (which is a great idea!), be sure to cook the meat as soon as defrosted. The meat may be partially cooked and become a home for bacteria.
· Add salt after cooking. The microwaves are attracted to the salt and can cause your food to dry out.
· Use a dish larger than your food so it won't spill over while heating.

Gotta clean it!

· Place ¼-cup lemon juice and one cup water in a two-cup container. Heat until it boils (about 2 minutes on high). Leave the lemon water in the microwave another 5-7 minutes, then wipe clean with paper towels or a clean dishtowel.
· You can also use a mixture of ½ water and ½ vinegar and do the same thing as above.

Healthy Cooking Tips For Your Home Cooking

Eating healthy is not just picking the right kind of food but also cooking them the right way. Food preparation is also important and contributes to how healthy is our diet. We often stay away from fast food and do home cooking instead, but in doing this, take time also to make sure that you get the most of your healthy food choice.
 
If you have been watching your diet and counting all those calories to reduce, here are some healthy cooking tips I could share that I have been doing as well.
 
* Choose organic. As much as possible, go for organic food, fruits and vegetables. They are not just free from pesticide residues but also contain more antioxidants than the non-organically grown ones.
 
*Choose your cooking oil. Olive oil or canola oil can be healthy choices, and make sure you drain excess oil in fried foods by draining it or using paper towels.
 
* Choose a healthy method of preparation. You can actually choose to prepare your food without draining it with its nutrients. Broiling, grilling, braising and steaming can retain the nutrients of the food. You can steam vegetables instead of boiling them to preserve its nutrients. Using non-stick pan is not just for convenience in cooking. It is also a good way to reduce the fat added to your food.
 
* Get rid or replace those high-fat, high-calorie ingredients. In some recipes, you can actually get rid of optional ingredients that contribute to the higher calorie content of the food. For instance, you can choose to omit frosting or you can use yogurt instead of ice cream for your desserts.
 
* Cook meat to its proper temperatures. This will kill harmful bacteria in the food that cause diseases. Suggested temperatures for steaks and roasts is at least 45°F, ground meat at 160°F and poultry at 165°F. Bacteria that may be spread in grinding meat can bring higher risk of food-borne diseases. You can also reheat leftovers at 165°F, and wait for the sauces and gravy to a boil if you are reheating them.
 
* Adding and including more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your recipes is one of the healthy cooking tips you can never go wrong if you want to have healthy diet. Fruits are the better choices for healthy desserts. It always helps to include vegetables in your every recipe. If you don't like them whole and in big pieces, you can actually shred or chop them finely that you won't be able to notice them and put them together in your stew or soup.
 
* Reduce salt in your food. High sodium intake has been linked to higher risk of high blood pressure and risk of heart attack. If you are staying away from the salt-overloaded restaurant food, you can also try to reduce sodium intake by reducing salt in your home recipes. You can cut on salt and add more spices to add flavor to your recipes.
 
Good choice of food and starting with these healthy cooking tips and techniques, you can indeed make a difference in your diet and your health.

Cooking Tips For Gas Grills

There are a few things every aspiring grille master out there should know when it comes to cooking tips for gas grills.

1. Make sure you give ample time to get the grill good and hot.

Once you light the grill you should always leave it on high for at least twenty minutes with the lid down. This gets the grill nice and pre-heated. This is important because the food will no stick to the grates and you will get a nice tasty char. It also adds to the experience to have nice restaurant grill marks on the food.

2. Be Patient, only flip your meat once

This step is crucial to cooking your meat nice and even. It can take a little time and practice to get right, but once you have it dialed in it makes all the difference in the world. There is nothing more disheartening then finding out that your beautiful rib eye is well done one side and bloody rare on the other.

3. Never, ever cut into the meat

This is probably the single most important thing to know when it comes to cooking tips for the gas grill. It is also the most common mistake. Do yourself a favor and learn to temp your meat without slicing into it. Once you make that incision you are just releasing all the juices. These juices are where all the flavor comes from.

*side note: The best way to learn how to temp meat without cutting into it is this: Take the tip of your thumb and touch it against each of the fingertips on the same hand. Don't push with any pressure, just touch them together. While touching each finger feel your hand at the base of your thumb (the same hand you are touching finger and thumb with). The firmness of this muscle represents a different temp for each finger. The temps are as follows:

Index Finger - Rare
Middle Finger - Medium Rare
Ring Finger - Medium
Pinky Finger - Well

4. Keep the lid closed

This also lends itself to a much more uniform temp when cooking meat. If the lid is constantly open it cools the air and forces the grates to do all the cooking. This leads to the meat becoming well done on the outside before it has a chance to cook inside.

5. Always wait 10-20 minutes after you take the meat off the grill before you serve it

This technique will lock in the juices and give them a chance to disperse back into the meat. This means when you cut into the meat to eat it, all the juices won't just flow out onto the plate where they do you no good.

If you follow these simple cooking tips for gas grills you will be the hit of the next barbeque for sure!

Cooking Tips Everyone Needs

There is not a single chef in the world that does not have some sort of special cooking tips to offer up to the budding cook. Anyone who has stepped in front of a stove has, at one time or another, needed a little bit of advice.

It may not be an entire lecture on how to cook but just some helpful ideas to make it a little bit easier and help ensure a culinary success. Here are some great tips that anyone can use.

30 minute meals are not impossible and are a great answer to the hectic pace set in our lives by work, family and other obligations. Great food does not have to take a long time to prepare.

Cooking tips to help achieve great meals quickly are to use pre-sliced vegetables from the salad bar or already washed and bagged. You would be surprised at how much time this saves.

Another tip is to use thinner slices of meat. The thinner cuts will cook in far less time. The key is to find high-quality cuts that are tender.

One tip when making food that is invaluable is to know thy audience. For example: you make a wonderful shell fish dinner for a friend. You have spent hours slaving away over a hot stove preparing this culinary masterpiece.

The guest arrives and you suddenly remember that he or she is allergic to shell fish. This might seem humorous if it were happening to someone else but unfortunately you are left with a steaming seafood dinner only to wind up serving hamburgers at the last minute. Know who is going to be eating the meal if at all possible.

Food and cooking can be as complicated or as simple as you want to make it. A sure recipe for disaster is to attempt a new recipe while under time constraints or feeling pressured.

Knowing useful tips when making food mean nothing if there is not a desire to create. Making food is an art and one that takes time and practice in order to master. The greatest tips anyone can give are ones that let you know that mistakes are inevitable but nothing is impossible.

All recipes come from one of two things: a need or a desire for that dish. Tips when making food can come from a variety of places. They can be found within the recipe, on the internet or come from family or friends.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask for some advice. Chances are that you were not the only person to fumble over that particular attempt. Have fun with it and enjoy yourself because in the end what matters most is the experience.

Slow Cooker Cooking Tips

A slow cooker is convenient, easy to use and saves time. With advanced planning, a meal can be prepared in the morning and be ready to eat in the evening. Here are a few cooking tips to help you prepare delicious meals safely.

• Keep perishable foods refrigerated until preparation time. Refrigeration assures that bacteria, which multiply rapidly at room temperature, will not get a "head start" in the first few hours of slow cooking.
• If you cut up meat and vegetables in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator.
• For a shorter cooking time and food safety concerns it is recommended to thaw frozen meat and poultry in the refrigerator before adding to cooker. You can also thaw frozen foods on the "defrost" setting in your microwave. Never thaw foods at room temperature.
• Cut meat, poultry and vegetables into medium to small uniform pieces to ensure rapid heat transfer.
• Since root vegetables such as carrots or potatoes cook the slowest, place them near the heat, at the bottom or sides. Then add meat, seasonings, and other vegetables and liquid on top of the root vegetables.
• Cook pasta by traditional methods and add near the end of the cooking time, as it may become gummy or fall apart. Small pasta shapes, such as macaroni or shells can be added to soups 20-30 minutes before end of cooking.
• Add dairy products near the end of the slow cooking period so they do not curdle.
• Fresh or thawed fish and seafood will fall apart during long hours of cooking. Add these ingredients an hour before serving.
• It is not necessary to brown meat before adding to the slow cooker, except for ground meats which need to be fully cooked before adding to the cooker.
• Do not overload your cooker. Fill to a minimum of 1/2 full and a maximum of 3/4 full. If you fill less than half full, suggested cooking times should be reduced.
• Do not lift the lid any more than absolutely necessary during the cooking cycle. Each time the lid is raised, the internal temperature drops by 10 to 15 degrees and the cooking process is slowed by 20-30 minutes.
• Cooked food can be held up to an hour on the low setting without overcooking.
• Insert a meat thermometer into roasts, hams or whole chickens to ensure meats are cooked to the recommended internal temperature. The new USDA safe internal cooking temperatures are: Whole meats (steaks, roasts, chops) should be cooked to 145 degrees F. All ground meats should be cooked to 160 degrees F. and all poultry should be cooked to at least 165 degrees F.
• Dried herbs are often better to use in a slow cooker than fresh herbs as they have a stronger flavor and will release their flavor slowly. Fresh herbs can be added about 30 minutes before the end of cooking or just before serving.

Cooking Tips

You open the cookbook and see a recipe title or a photo that tempts your taste buds. Then you start to read the recipe, realize the preparation is more difficult than you first thought, and put the book back on the shelf.

Sound Familiar? Well here's a simple cooking tip to help get you started:

1. Abbreviations for Measuring

Tsp. = teaspoon

Tbsp. = tablespoon, which equals 3 teaspoons

C = cup.

Cooking Tip:

Get a set of measuring spoons. The set will usually have 1/4 tsp., 1/3 tsp., 1/2 tsp., 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon.

Dry measure cups look like little saucepans and can be leveled off with a knife or other straight-edged tool. They come in sets like the measuring spoons. Liquid measuring cups have ounce marking lines so you can measure however many ounces you need.

Cooking Tip: Some recipes require exact measurements to turn out right so learn to measure correctly.

2. Common Ingredients

Make sure you know what you need.

Cooking Tips:

Baking powder and baking soda are not the same.

Ask the produce manager at the market about fruits and vegetables, the meat manager about cuts of meat.

When trying something new, buy ONE. You can always go back for more if it turns out well.

3. Common Terminology

Bake:

Dry heat in the oven. Set oven control to the desired temperature while you're preparing the dish to be baked. Once the light that says it's heating turns off, the oven is at the proper temperature. Then put in the food--for best results, center it in the oven.

Boil:

Heat a liquid until it bubbles. The faster the bubbles rise and the more bubbles you get, the hotter the liquid. Some recipes call for a gentle boil--barely bubbling--or a rolling boil--just short of boiling over. Watch so it doesn't boil over.

Braise:

A moist cooking method using a little liquid that barely bubbles on the top of the stove or in the oven. This is a good way to tenderize cheaper cuts of meat. The pan should be heavy and shallow with a tight-fitting lid to keep the liquid from boiling away. There's a lot that can be done for flavoring in your choice of liquid and of vegetables to cook with the meat.

Broil:

Turn the oven to its highest setting. Put the food on broiler pan--a 2 piece pan that allows the grease to drain away from the food. In an electric oven on the broil setting only the upper element heats, and you can regulate how fast the food cooks by how close to the element you place it. Watch your cooking time--it's easy to overcook food in the broiler.

Brown:

Cook until the food gets light brown. Usually used for frying or baking. Ground beef should usually be browned (use a frying pan) and have the grease drained before adding it to a casserole or meat sauce.

Fold:

A gentle mixing method that moves the spoon down to the bottom of the bowl and then sweeps up, folding what was on the bottom up over the top. This is used to mix delicate ingredients such as whipped cream or beaten egg whites. These ingredients just had air whipped into them, so you don't want to reverse that process by mixing too vigorously.

Simmer:

Heat to just the start of a boil and keep it at that point for as long as the recipe requires. The recipe will usually call for either constant stirring or stirring at certain intervals.

Now you are ready to do the shopping and prepare that recipe that you've always wanted to try!

Happy cooking...

Top 5 Cooking Tips For Pasta

Pasta can be a very quick and simple dish to whip together for a meal. It is especially easy to cook in high volumes and therefore perfect for feeding a large group of people. Though cooking pasta is generally a fairly fun, simple and straight forward task, there are a few pasta cooking tips which can help even the most decorated pasta veteran to improve their dishes.

The water in which the pasta is cooked can greatly impact the way the dish turns out. Make sure there is enough water in your pot because cooking pasta in too little water can cause it to stick together. If you are afraid this may be the case, add a tablespoon of oil to help eliminate sticking.

Adding salt to the water can also help with firmness and bring out the natural flavor.

Fresh pasta is a bit of a different ball game than processed pasta. Remember that when cooking pasta that is made fresh, it tends to cook quicker, so be sure to keep an eye on it. Test it frequently to ensure that it does not overcook. Do not cover the pot while the pasta is cooking as this will cause it to overcook.

To ensure that the pasta is as fresh as possible when it reaches the table, it is a good idea to serve it in a warm bowl because pasta cools very quickly. The best way to do this is by placing a bowl under the colander where the pasta is drained. After the bowl is emptied of water it can be filled with pasta and served fresh.

Though it is a simple dish to prepare, there are a few pasta cooking tips which can cause a dish to go above and beyond. Pasta can be used in a variety of dishes and making sure that it is cooked perfectly goes a long way towards creating a delicious meal. Following these simple pasta tips can help to make a dish spectacular.

A Few Cooking Tips For Newbies

As straightforward as it would sound, you might turn your whole cooking style around with two cooking tips. Cooking ideas can aid in making preparing dishes way easier and side step the various obstacles in cooking. Ideas can make a larger difference than experience, patience, and information mixed in making you seem like a master cook. Many of us put a large amount of religion in experience, patience, and data in cooking, but you will be stunned at how much difference some recommendations can make.

Always buy fresh is rule number one in getting great tasting food. It's crucial to check each item in the greengrocer or produce market to insure that it is as fresh or as ripe as you should purchase. Packed foods can be judged by an expiry date, whilst fruits and veg must be looked at individually.It's also a smart idea to familiarize yourself with general produce and the art of spotting top spec produce in your local supermarket.It is also vital to makes sure your beef purchases of meat, chickens, or fish, are fresh too. When working with beef, always keep frozen until you are prepared to be used, and always wash your implements with water and soap.

All meals that include beef should be cooked all of the way through and to a safe cooking temperature. Ensure that you cook your meats to an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.And employ a cooking thermometer to test this. Similarly , if you are cooking up a chilled food, you need to do so at a temperature that is less than forty degrees F. Correct mechanics will use correct tools to mend the precise sort of automobile they are working on.Knowing this, you most likely agree that it is a vital cooking idea to keep your kitchen stocked with items that help you make dishes quickly and efficiently. This encompasses a good set of knives, pots, pans and measuring cups so you may also need to take a position in a pleasant blender and Kenwood.

In contrast to favored belief, food does not have to sample tasteless simply because it is low-fat. However, it's been proved again and again again that low fat dishes can be made in a way that makes them colorful, colourful, and tasty. The trick is to use a selection of fresh spices, herbs, olive oil and put some thought into the dishes you choose. Use a touch of oil with lean cuts of meat and pork, and you can make just about any meal low fat.In general, chicken and turkey are sometimes fat free and fish is also a great option for any low in calorie dish. Meals contains more than simply food, and a vital cooking proposal to bear in mind is to incorporate a drink as well as food. Most meals can be improved with a careful application of a drink to your meal.The tone and flavour of your meal can be modified seriously through adding wine, sparkling mineral water, or maybe a cocktail.

Basic Cooking Tips

Gourmet cooking is an art form, and some people just have a natural knack at making food fabulous. Anyone can become a decent cook, however, with just a few simple cooking tips:

Don't Rush Through With The Cooking Process

Most cooking errors come when people get in too big of a hurry. Give yourself plenty time to cook, especially when you are cooking a dish for the first time. Making sure you have ample time will help ensure that each dish can be tended to properly and will all be at the perfect temperature when the meal is served. Often food isn't at its very best because it is slightly undercooked. Allow yourself enough time so that everything is browned properly and cooked through. Nothing will turn guests away from your food like a cold spot!

One Thing At A Time

While you may have no choice but to multi-task a bit when preparing an entire meal, try not to get too many complicated things going on at the same time. This is a sure fire way to get food stuck to the pan or dry it out. Paying too much attention to one dish while ignoring another is a definite recipe for disaster. Plan ahead and consider which items will take the longest to cook and which items need the most attention while cooking. This will help you determine what order to prepare each dish so that each gets the time it requires.

Always use a timer! Rarely does an item take exactly the amount of time the recipe says it will, but that is usually at least a good place to start! Try setting your timer 5 or 10 minutes before the recipe says the dish should be done and check it. If it still isn't finished, you will have a good visual way to estimate how much more time is required. If it is done, you just saved yourself from burning it!

Steak Cooking Tips

These great steak cooking tips will help you cook the sort of steak that you thought only professional chefs could create!

· One of the most important steak cooking tips is to start out with a good steak in the first place! A poorly cooked steak that is of prime grade will still likely taste better than a low grade steak that is cooked well.

· Look for a steak with marbling throughout. This will ensure that it is flavorful and remains juicy.

· For a great steak, get a great cut of meat like top loin or filet mignon.

· Refrain from cutting open your steak to see if it is done! Doing so will release valuable juices.

o To see if your steak is done, touch it! A firm steak is well done, a springy steak is medium, and a soft steak is rare. The more often you cook your steak, the more obvious this will be.

o If you have a meat thermometer, use it! A medium rare steak will be about 145 degrees.
· Ditto on turning your steak with forks - you want to keep all of the juice and flavor contained in the steak. Instead of using a fork, use tongs (long-handled ones are best... then you do not have to get too close to the heat).

· Realize that if you have a large and thick cut of meat, it will continue to cook, even after you have removed it from the oven. Therefore, take it off a little early or serve them immediately!

· Do not be worried about cooking and serving a rare steak. Once you have browned all sides of the steak, you have effectively killed off any bacteria. This is because the steak can only be contaminated with bacteria on the outer service. Therefore, you simply need to make sure that the outside of the steak has been thoroughly cooked.

· Use seasonings and marinades to enhance the flavor of your steak, not to mask it. You may find that you do not need any seasonings beyond salt and pepper! A good steak will already be tender.

· When grilling, be sure that the grill is extremely hot. When it is very hot, it will sear the outside of the meat and lock in the juices. (For the same reason, preheat your broiler if you are cooking your steak in it).

· If cooking your steak in a pan, be sure to oil your steak rather than the pan.

· Once you are done cooking your steak, take it off the heat source and let it "rest" for at least five minutes. This will allow the juices to spread out.

General Cooking Tips for Novice

Working in the kitchen table for the first time may be quite a thrill. Cooking is something that you should take seriously. Here are some basic cooking tips that everyone should know before putting on an apron.

Preparation is the key

Prepare the things that you need to work with before cooking. Purchase all the ingredients that you need and make a checklist of the tools and equipments that you will use. Proper preparation is one of the key things that separate the professional from the novice.

Food hygiene

When preparing to cook, always wear clean clothes and put on an apron. Briskly wash your hands before and after working with raw meat and other food items. Pull your hair back to prevent any loose hair to come in contact with your food. Wash all meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables before cooking them. Avoid handling food when you are sick or feel ill.

Frying

Frying is one of the most common cooking procedures. Cool and dry places are the best storage for oil. It is not advisable to deep fry salted or moist products. Fry in small portions of food so that the oil would not cool down fast. Frying pans should be heated up with just the right temperature so that food would not stick to the pan.

Baking

Make sure that all ingredients are pre-measured. Temperature is very important in baking. Always follow temperature recommendations as indicated in the recipe. The mixing process in baking should be followed precisely. Over-mixing or under-mixing can alter the taste of your finished product adversely. Do not overcrowd your oven and avoid opening the oven door every so often.

On cooking pasta

Remember that fresh pasta cooks quickly. Cooking pasta in plenty of water and constant stirring can prevent them from sticking together. To prevent mushy pasta, make sure not to allow your pasta to stay in water longer than it should. Salt does not only bring out the flavor of pastas but it could also add to its firmness.

Cooking vegetables

It is advisable to scrub vegetables rather than to peel them. Most nutrients can be found in the skin of the vegetables. To get the most out of your vegetable, you can steam your veggies or put them on a microwave oven rather than boiling them.

Finish up with a good presentation

With a nice presentation, you would definitely entice anyone to have a taste of the food you prepared. It is a good idea to decorate your food only with things that are edible. Edible garnishing should always go with the food that you prepared. One tip: use the similar ingredients that are dominant in your food for garnishing. For instance, you can create chocolate curls to top of a delicious chocolate cupcake.

Grilling

The marinade is the key to a good grilled food. Put a generous amount of marinade to the food that you are about to grill. The best cut for marinated food should at least one inch thick. When cooking directly from a charcoal grill, sufficient amount of coal can add to the quality of your food.

With these basic tips in mind, you are sure to make your way to a delectable and satisfying meal!

Penny Pinching Cooking Tips

Stop going out to dinner! Period! - O.K. if you're family is screaming at you then take them out maybe once a month. Make it an occasion. Most of us get caught up in fast paced living and eat out more frequent then we really should. It's just an insane waste of money. Remember that the cost of dinner for four at a nice restaurant can feed the family for a week or more.

So what is the first Penny Pinching Cooking Tip? That's it, COOK!

Cooking can be a problem when you don't have all of the right ingredients but there are penny pinching substitutes. You can still cook like a pro and use what's available.

What I am trying to do is show you how to save money and give different cooking tips. Looking on the web, everybody and their brother has recipes. I have put in a few recipes, but mostly cooking tips to pinch those pennies and stretch those dollars.

Some substitutions and varying ways to save money, still serving your family tasty and healthy food. How to use what is on hand in your kitchen if you don't have the exact item.

ROAST BEEF cooking tip

Easy, use your crock pot. Place your potatoes carrots and onions in the bottom and put your roast on top. Pour a pkg of onion soup mix over and add a cup of water. Turn on low and by the time you get home from work you will have a deliciously cooked meal to serve.

o Don't have onion soup mix, substitute!!
Crush a couple beef bouillon cubes and add some dried onion flakes, you will never know the difference.

Want a little different flavor? Instead of water, pour in a cup of bourbon or a cup of wine (any kind). The alcohol cooks out, so don't let that be a worry.

STROGANOFF

Now that you have leftover roast beef, you can make stroganoff. Cut your beef into small cubes, heat through with a can of mushroom soup, stir in a cup of sour cream and if you want add a little bit of red wine; serve over hot buttered noodles.

o Don't have any sour cream? Substitute!!
Do you have a cup of cottage cheese? Place I cup of cottage cheese, 5 Tbs of milk and 1 Tbs of lemon juice in the blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

CHICKEN AND GRAVY

Use your crock pot. Place your chicken pieces (any pieces will do, drumsticks, thighs or whole cut up) in the crock pot. Add a can of cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, cream of celery, or creamy tomato. You could even use bar-b-que sauce. Cook on low and when you are ready to eat, serve over rice or noodles. Your family will love you.

o Don't have creamy tomato, but have a can of regular tomato soup? Make your own, simply add a half can of milk and blend together. You could even make it spicy by adding some salsa or Tabasco.

POTATO PANCAKES

Don't know what to do with that little bit of mashed potatoes? Make potato pancakes. Stir the potatoes with some milk and baking powder. The consistency of regular pancakes. Fry in a little bit of butter or margarine, making them about the size of dollar pancakes.

If you wish add some onion or grated cheese or both. Serve with sour cream or spread cheese. Delicious!!

GREAT GREEN BEANS

Want a change from ordinary plain green beans? Take a can of green beans and drain. Cook until heated through in a pan or in the microwave, add a little butter to coat and add garlic salt or garlic powder and sour cream or mayonnaise. Tasty!! Even my children who didn't like vegetables loved them this way.

CHOPPED ONION

Use chopped onions all the time, but tired of chopping every time you need them?

Prepare ahead. Buy that bag of onions and chop all of them to the size you like. Spread out on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer. After they are frozen, put into a zip lock bag and put back in the freezer. Ready to use anytime you need them.

I believe in the saying that a penny saved is a penny earned and if you want to learn more penny pinching tips check out Grandma's web site at: http://www.pennypinching-grandma.com

Try Out These Great Cooking Tips Today!

There are always new things to learn about cooking, even if you are just cooking for your family. Knowing the right methods and techniques could turn ordinary or bland meals into spectacular feasts you will be remembered for. Get some tips like these together, so you can get a great flavor going in the kitchen.

To help you cook the best meals, it is important to pick recipes that excite you. Cooking can be stimulating when you select recipes and ingredients that expose you to new cultures and flavors. Instead of ordering fast food open up a cookbook and you will be on your way to great tasting meals.

When you are cooking pasta you should cook it about 60 seconds less than the cooking time that is printed on the package. You can then put the pasta in whatever sauce you have prepared with it and let it complete its cooking process while it soaks up all of the flavors of the sauce.

Carrots are a tasty and inexpensive staple that can be used in many ways. Raw carrots cut into strips of convenient sizes are great snacks and popular with many kids, but can also be baked in popular dishes like carrot cakes, tossed into salads, or blanched and glazed with honey.

Cook a hard boiled egg properly. It is very simple to cook the perfect hard boiled egg if you follow these simple instructions. Pierce the raw egg at its rounded end,where there is a little air space. This will make the egg easier to peel. Lower the egg into hot water and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes at a gentle boil. When they are done, drain the water and shake the pan. This will crack the egg shells. Fill with cold water, and allow to stand until the eggs are completely cold.

Are you looking for an easy way to peel chestnuts? Cut an x in the flat side of the chestnut and place them in a shallow pan. Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast for 20 to 30 minutes on 450 shake the pan twice. Remove and peel while hot. If they become to cool to peel place them back in the oven for a minute

To remove the hard core from a head of iceberg lettuce, whack the bottom of the lettuce head on the counter to loosen the core from the rest of the leaves. You should be able to pull it out easily, leaving you with lettuce that's ready for sandwiches, shredding, or chopping.

Buy fruit when it is at its peak at your local farmer's market. Use airtight containers, and then freeze it so you can use it to cook or bake with all year long. Not only will this save you from having to buy pre-packaged frozen fruit at the supermarket, but also you will have the items on hand when they are not in season.

When it comes to cooking, be sure that you know the allergy concerns of all of those who will be eating your meal. This is extremely important because the effects of food allergy can range anywhere from mild discomfort to death - both of which you want to avoid at all costs.

Cook fish on a plank! Use a cedar plank to replicate the taste you get in expensive restaurants right on your campfire. Clean your freshly caught fish and split them open so they are less than one inch thick. Tack the fish to the board and position it beside the campfire so it absorbs the heat of the fire but is not so close that the whole thing catches fire!

If you want to get a better hand in cooking, you have to use the advice and tips that are offered to you. The cooking tips in this article are a great example of things that could help you cook better for yourself, your friends, your family, or even for the crowd.

Top Meat Cooking Tips And More To Help You Improve Your Cooking

Novice cooks need lots of cooking tips to help them in the kitchen and even the most experienced cooks could always use a little extra help. Here are some of my favorite cooking tips, which you may know or may be new to you. So for come top cooking tips, read on.

Always leave the bone in when you roast a meat joint if you can. Not only does the bone have a lot of flavor which will ensure the meat it really tasty, but the bone actually helps to transfer the heat throughout the roast, making cooking more even and reducing the cooking time.

Never overload the pan with food if you are sauteing food. This is because moisture will get trapped between the foodstuffs and your food will end up being steamed (and soggy) instead of sauteed (and crisp).

For the same reason, make sure you remove excess water from ground meat before pan frying, by blotting with a kitchen towel. If you don't your meat will steam rather than sear in the frying pan and the texture of your dish will be ruined.

If you like to cook with a grill, make sure that the it is hot before you put the meat onto it. If you don't, rather than having those attractive sear markings, your meat will stick to the grill. Not great! And if you have a counter top grill, make sure you use as non-stick spray!

If you want to add more flavor to soups, stews and mashed potatoes, used beef or chicken stock instead of plain water. And because you can do so much with chicken and beef stocks, always make big portions up when you have the opportunity. You should aim to make enough for whatever you need it for now, AND have enough left to freeze some for another day's cooking. Always allow your stock to cool before freezing it. This will allow any excess fat in it to congeal so you can remove it.

Always prepare as much of the meal's ingredients as you can in advance if you want to stay organized. Do all of the prep work the night before if you are cooking a big meal for guests. Always work out when you need to begin cooking each part of the meal by starting with the deadline to finish and calculating backwards. This will ensure that your meat and vegetables are ready at the same time - and remember to let the meat "rest" before carving or it will bleed meat juices which are best kept inside the joint!

If you are stir frying, prep your meat by slicing it into thin strip on the bias. This will give you the largest surface area for best and quickest cooking. However it is difficult to do. To make it easier, pop your meat into the freezer until solid (not frozen). Then, with a sharp knife, cut at 45 degrees across the grain of the meat. Perfect!

Remember, it is easy to learn new cooking tips and skills. You just need to want to! Use these tips to help you.