subject: Five secrets for improving your cooking [print this page] If you don't have a natural flair for cooking, it may seem daunting to even step foot in the kitchen, let alone try making something new. However, even if your skills are rusty, there are a few tricks of the trade that will help you make massive strides.
Here are five...
1. PRESSURE
The biggest hurdle you may have to overcome could be your own expectations. If you put pressure on yourself to reach a standard you're not yet ready for. Likewise, don't feel under pressure to create world class dishes for friends and family. Just have fun and your confidence will increase naturally along with your cookery skills.
2. RECIPES
Seek inspiration from every source available - TV shows, books, magazines, restaurants, friends and family, etc. Source recipes from everywhere you can and develop a real passion for food. Find dishes that you know you'll like and give them a go.
3. INGREDIENTS
Great food begins as ingredients and the better they are, the nicer the meal is likely to taste. Sometimes cooking can be let down by poor ingredients and you'll be disappointed with your efforts without knowing what was wrong.
4. COOKER
Older cookers sometimes don't perform as accurately as you need them to, particularly when it comes to temperatures. So if your cupcakes are burnt, despite you following the recipe and cooking instructions to the letter, it could be time to update your cooker. If that is not an option, then learn where the inaccuracies are and manage your cooking accordingly. The best cooks adapt to their surroundings.
5. COOKWARE
Like your cooker, you may want to upgrade your cookware. If it no longer sparkles, it could be doing your dishes and disservice. Quality cookware will help give you more confidence in the kitchen and making cooking a more enjoyable experience. Like I've already said, it's time to have fun!
If you are reading to invest in a new cookware set, then look for a good manufacturer. Meyer Cookware, for example, could be the ideal set for you.
