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In order to have a great meal you
will have to follow certain tips. Even world-class chefs have to follow
some tips or start somewhere. Here are some basic tips for getting off
on the right foot in the kitchen.
Choosing Recipes: Choose
recipes that aren't too complicated when you first start cooking. You
don't want to be overwhelmed by a recipe that has unusual ingredients
or difficult steps, or that is time consuming. Try one- or two dishes, and be sure to check out our recipe section for some simple meal ideas.
Read the Recipes correctly: Read the recipe through from beginning to end before you start. Do you have all the right ingredients? Utensils? Appliances? Make sure you understand all the directions.
Time: Check
the clock and make sure you have enough time to make the recipe. You
don't want to spend tons of time in the kitchen - and with the right
recipe, you won't need to. If you have to get dinner on the table by a
certain time, figure out when you'll need to start in order to have the
meal ready. Most recipe instructions include the amount of time it
takes to prepare the dish. It might be a good idea to add 10 or 15
minutes extra time when you first try to conquer the kitchen - just to
be on the safe side.
Assemble your Ingredients: Assemble
all your ingredients in one place before you start. Some chefs like to
measure out each ingredient ahead of time before cooking. Pull out the
utensils, measuring cups, and spoons you'll be using and keep them
handy so you won't need to run all over the kitchen.
Apron: An apron is a good idea if you want to keep your clothes from getting dirty. (it is better to tie back long hair.)
Washing hands: Always
wash your hands with warm water and soap before any kind of food
preparation. You may need to wash your hands several times as you cook,
especially after touching raw meat, poultry (chicken and turkey), fish,
and egg products.
Cooked foods: Never
put cooked or ready-to-serve foods on plates, cutting boards, counters,
or other surfaces where you have placed raw meat, poultry, fish, or egg
products without first washing these surfaces with hot, soapy water.
Cleanup Greasy Dishes: To cut grease and odor on dishes when doing kitchen cleaning, add a tablespoon of vinegar to your hot soapy water.
Cleaning your oven: Kitchen
cleaning help: To remove grease from inside your oven when doing
kitchen cleaning, put a small pan of ammonia in the oven in the
evening, and then close the oven door. In the morning, remove the pan
of ammonia. The grease inside the oven will wipe off very easily.
Mixing Magic: To keep a mixing bowl from sliding around when you're whisking something in it, set it on a damp kitchen towel.
Microwave cleaning: Microwave
a lemon for one minute and then whip the microwave clean. Depending on
the microwave or toughness of the stuck on food, you may need to add an
additional minute or two. Make sure you open the microwave between
minutes and check to see if it has released.
Adding Eggs to Hot Liquid: When
adding an egg to a hot liquid, some good cooking tips would involve
beating the egg in a little dish first, then add just a little of the
hot liquid to the egg and stir in. Then add the egg mixture into the
pan.
Potato ricer: Buy
yourself a potato ricer for mashed potatoes. It a great gadget to have
in your kitchen, it looks like a giant garlic press with a handle.
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