With all of the new cooking shows that continue to dominate TV and the internet, it is no surprise that many people have become consumed by the idea of being an amateur culinary creator. However, for the person who has never learned their way around a kitchen, even having all of the ingredients and instructions offered by these shows will not provide the confidence necessary to take on even the simplest recipe without concern. The first thing to understand that cooking is more about technique than a recipe.
When you are able to master some simple and basic techniques, such as how to cut and chop, or how to create the perfect pasta, then you will be able to build, add and experiment, using those techniques.
Chopping Vegetables
It is nearly impossible to find a recipe in which chopped or minced vegetables are not required. Vegetables are not only healthy, but they also provide flavor and texture to the food. When preparing to chop vegetables, there are two things that are essential to your success — a good wood cutting board and a sharp knife. Actually, sharp knives provide greater safety and precision when cutting. Wood cutting boards provide a clean cutting space that will protect the sharpness of the knife, and guard against bacteria buildup. Wood cutting boards has a reputation for providing some of the best wood cutting boards available. Whether you wish to have a walnut cutting board or you find maple cutting boards more to your liking, you will be able to find them at Wood Cutting Boards.
Boiling Pasta
Due to the fact that boiling pasta is one of the easiest things to do in the kitchen, and that it can be used in so many dishes, it is a good place to start as far as developing technique. Depending on the size of the meal, get a boiling pot large enough for the task, and fill it with water two-thirds of the way to the top, at least. The more water that you add, the less likely it will be that the pasta sticks to the pot. Bring the water to a boil before adding the pasta. Once the pasta has been added, you will need to stir it frequently. At the eight-minute mark, pull one piece of pasta out for a taste test. The pasta should be reasonably firm on the outside, while being soft on the inside.
Remember, technique is the most important element in your quest to master your kitchen. Once you develop the techniques for cooking certain foods, you will be able to experiment with all types of variations.
