Wednesday, October 31, 2007
http://www.ProRestaurantRecipes.com
Before an individual gets started, there are a few steps that should be followed first. These cooking tips will prevent most disasters from happening. Always read through the entire recipe before beginning. This ensures that all necessary ingredients are on hand before starting. Check expiration dates on all non perishable supplies, so that running to the store happens in the middle of baking. Preheat the oven and check with an oven thermometer. Most ovens can run anywhere from twenty five degrees to cooler to twenty five degrees warmer. This ensures that the proper temperature is obtained for the recipe. Follow directions on adjusting oven racks, prepping baking sheets, and using the right baking pan. Measure ingredients accurately this means holding it up to eye level especially with liquids. To measure dry ingredients over fill then level off with flat edge of knife. Finally bake with love, if an individual is angry or rushed the recipe may not turn out right.
These next cooking tips are about ingredients. There are many different kinds of flour, and they are not all the same. Wheat flour is important for all yeast breads. Bread flour works for yeast loaves, however put it in yeast bread and it will turn into a heavy cake. Cake flour is very fine. All purpose flour can be used for most any baking. Bleached and unbleached flours can be used interchangeably. Make sure to store flour in an airtight container, in a spot that cool and dry for up to six months.
Baking powder and baking soda are not interchangeable. Baking powder is a combination of baking soda and an acid. Its leavening power works when mixed with wet ingredients and then baked into the oven. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. When it mixes with an acid ingredient like buttermilk, yogurt or molasses, it makes carbon dioxide bubbles that make baked goods light and airy.
Cooking tips for handling chocolate are important. First there are different types of chocolate. Unsweetened chocolate is chocolate liquor that has at least fifty percent cocoa butter and no added sugar. Various amounts of sugar added create bittersweet, semisweet, and dark chocolate. Milk chocolate is dried milk powder, cocoa butter and added sugar. White chocolate is made with cocoa butter instead of chocolate liquor. Unsweetened cocoa is made from chocolate liquor with seventy five percent cocoa butter removed and then dried and ground into a paste. When melting chocolate it is easy to burn, so always melt it over very low heat. Individuals can choose the double boiler method, the direct heat method, or the microwave oven method.
Using these cooking tips will make almost any baked goodie turn out great.
About the Author:
Greg Watson, author of "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Cooking but Never Dare to Ask" giving tip on baking.
Visit his website at www.goodcookingrecipe.com
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Cooking and Recipes
As well as many cook books and recipe books being published and available in retail outlets and television programmes and dvds being shown, the internet is a very valuable resources for chefs of any standard and also the casual and occasional cook. Many celebrity chefs have put their names and signatures to recipes and too products used in cooking.
Recipes for almost any type of food, from Indian to Mexican through to traditional English meals can be found online. For example, typing in the phrase “recipes” into Google provides 122,000,000 results.
As well as the recipes published on websites, it is also possible to purchase the cook books and recipe books mentioned in the previous paragraph from online retailers such as Amazon. Purchasing using this method allows the consumer to read reviews of the books and compare them online very easily. These sites also allow people to buy new books and also second hand books for cheaper than the new version. These books can be ordered, dispatched and received within 24 hours from some sites and this has helped see a huge surge in online book sales. E-Bay is another very useful resource for picking up recipe books, cookery books and items needed for cookery. Often very good condition, second hand and new items can be found on EBay for very good and affordable prices.
As well as these online book stores and recipe websites which can help chefs at all levels and culinary standards to achieve great results there is another aspect to the internet which can help greatly. There are many forums online which are used by people who have great knowledge and experience in cookery and food preparation. They can provide answers to specific questions if necessary or even just help with general cooking tips and ideas. These forums allow people to compare and discuss results they have achieved when cooking as well as giving tips and advice. Forum users must be wary however when taking advice and help from other users because it is very difficult to ascertain the validity of someone’s ability or expertise in the cookery world. Sometimes an element of trial and error is needed when using forums and the advice received from members of them.
Author: Adrian Lawrence
Thursday, September 13, 2007
http://www.prorestaurantrecipes.com
Does the idea that good food has to take a long time to make keep you from spending time cooking? There are many ways to help speed and efficiency in the kitchen. The arrangement of your kitchen, as well as the tools you use, make all the difference. Don't give up on trying to expand your skills and abilities. Try these suggestions to make gourmet cooking well within your time constraints.
You might have heard the old adage, "a place for everything and everything in its place." This is a great time saving practice. Put the same things in the same place in your kitchen and work area. You will not waste time trying to find things and get frustrated. Tools and items that are frequently used should be placed accessible and easy to get. The bowl or platter you only use at Thanksgiving can be placed in the basement or in the back of the cupboard. It is also worth noting that you won't know if something works until you try it and you might make changes as time goes by. Don't be afraid to reorganize or adjust.
The smell of bread baking alone is enough to make the senses ripple with pleasure. Don't deny your home of the enticing aromas of fresh baked goods that relax and invigorate the soul because you think they take too long. If you are among the population that think making homemade bread is a horribly long process that you do not have time for, invest in a mixer, it does all the work! While the ingredients combine you can spend your time checking a recipe, loading the dishwasher, or making a call. When choosing a mixer consider the quart size capacity of the bowl and wattage of the mixer. This is important because a smaller, less powerful machine will not be able to handle some quantity of ingredients. More time will be spent mixing by hand and cleaning up than if you would have done it without the machine to start with. Another important thing to note about a free standing mixer is their ability to do so many different tasks. Whipping, whisking, blending, and kneading, can all be done without you participating at all. Not only does this save time, but it also saves effort, freeing up up energy for other aspects of preparation.
Another time saving product that will help you cook like a pro is a food processor. Different jobs need different sizes and so it is recommended to have a smaller and larger capacity processor. Chopping onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, nuts, etc. is quick and easy. Those items you frequently use do not need to take so much time to prepare. Use the tools that speed your work and you will be more apt to do more of it.
One of the most frustrating and time taking occurrences is running out of measuring cups or spoons because they are dirty. More than one set is needed to cook efficiently. If a cup is only used for dry ingredients it is not a problem, or if you can do all the dry ingredients first and then the wet, you solve the problem, but usually they are interchanged as you cook. Two to three sets will allow you to be quick in measuring without having to stop and wash (and then thoroughly dry) measuring tools while you cook. Having a set of odd sized cups and spoons makes cooking and baking faster and easier also. A two cup, one and a half cup, 2 tablespoon, half teaspoon measures are a great time and ease saver.
These products are worth the space they take up. The time saved making delicious dinners, breads and treats will allow you to spend time that you want to working or playing without sacrificing making good food yourself. Cooking gives so much more to a person that food on the table. It allows for relaxation, contemplation, creativity and enjoyment. Free up unnecessary time spent in your kitchen and become the gourmet cook you have always wanted to be, but thought it just took too much time.
About the Author
Emma Snow is a gourmet and freelance writer. Writing for Gourmet Living http://www.gourmet-living.com and BBQ Shop http://www.bbq-shop.net .
Check out other great ideas and gifts at:
http://www.ProRestaurantRecipes.com/Gifts.htm
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Sunday, September 2, 2007
By Deborah Taylor-Hough
http://www.Copycatcookbook.com/
The idea of cooking a month’s worth of meals to store ahead in the freezer is becoming increasingly popular in this modern world of two incomes, daycare, sports, skyrocketing costs, and busy families. The following are several frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) about this time- and money-saving method of meal preparation:
Q) Are all the meals casseroles or pasta with sauce recipes?
A) You can freeze almost anything. Soups, casseroles, sandwiches, meals to serve over rice, chicken dishes, meatloaf, etc. To get an idea of the types of things that freeze well, take a stroll down the freezer aisle next time you’re at your local grocery store and notice the wide range of frozen items available.
Q) I’m a vegetarian. Any special tips?
A) There shouldn’t be any problem adapting this method to vegetarian menus. Prepare a recipe and try freezing a single portion before you attempt a larger batch of freezer meals. (This tip applies to any recipe you haven’t tried in the freezer.) You can substitute TVP (texturized vegetable protein) in many recipes calling for ground meats. Cooked beans and bean-based meals usually freeze well.
Q) Are there special pots and pans, utensils or appliances I should have on hand to make a monthly cooking marathon session go easier?
A) The following are nice to have on a big cooking day: a food processor for chopping large quantities of onions, celery, etc; good quality sharp knives; several large heavy stock pots; long handled spoons for stirring and mixing; an electric can opener; a slow cooker; a salad shooter works well for grating large amounts of cheese. If you’re cooking ahead breakfast items, you might want a waffle iron to make homemade frozen waffles (much tastier than the ones you buy from the freezer case). You don’t necessarily need to purchase all of these items. If possible, borrow some of the items. I borrow my neighbor’s large stock pot each cooking day.
The following are some frequently asked money-related questions about cooking ahead for the freezer:
Q) I don’t have much extra money but I would like to have separate freezer. Any suggestions?
A) Ask friends, relatives and neighbors to keep an eye out for people moving out of state or updating their kitchen. I’ve known several people who’ve found perfectly good freezers for free just by making a few phone calls. Check the newspaper classified ads under appliances and check the garage sale listings for any selling appliances. Check local garage sales, yard sales, appliance repair stores. Try auctions of dented white-goods.
Q) If I do a complete 30 meal cooking session, will it cost a lot for the initial investment in a full month’s worth of food?
A) It depends on how elaborate your meals and how much you cook from scratch. Convenience foods are much more expensive (and less healthy) than their home-made counterparts. It might cost a bit more the first time, but because you’ll be purchasing some items in bulk, the cost could actually be quite a bit less than you’d expect. If coming up with the initial investment for a complete month of meals is difficult, start out with twice-a-month cooking.
Deborah Taylor-Hough (free-lance writer and mother of three) is the author of several popular books including Frugal Living For Dummies(r) and Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month. To subscribe to her free email newsletter, Simple Times, send an email to: subscribe-simple-times@hub.thedollarstretcher.com Visit Debi online and read more articles dealing with simple living, frugality, parenting and much more: http://thesimplemom.wordpress.com/
Check out other great ideas and gifts at:
http://www.prorestaurantrecipes.com/gifts.htm
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Famous Secret Recipes
http://www.prorestaurantrecipes.com/
The dishes everyone loves but nobody knows how to make.
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Monday, July 23, 2007
Gifts Copyright © Susan Jennerjohn
"Amazing Discovery Reveals
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When you're struggling for a great gift idea - whether for a birthday, anniversary, Christmas or just because - gift baskets are almost always a sure bet. Sooner or later in life, everyone needs to buy a gift. But not everyone can come up with unique, cool, or even practical gift ideas. So when you're not sure what kind of gift to buy, gift baskets are a safe and sensible choice. The beauty of gift baskets is their universal appeal. Gift baskets can be given to men, women and children. In fact, they could well be the closest thing to the perfect gift, because they can be completely designed to suit the giver, recipient, occasion, time, and place.
When it comes to gift basket giving, keeping it traditional is often better. Your goal is to give gifts that someone wants or needs, right? Now imagine giving someone a whole basket full of gifts that they have no use for. Not only is this embarrassing for you - if and when you do find out - but it's extremely disappointing for the recipient.
So fuss and specialty aside, here are some traditional gift basket ideas that are sure to be hits:
Gourmet Gift Basket: The gourmet basket is the poster child of the gift basket industry. A gourmet gift basket typically includes chocolates, cookies, cheese, crackers, hard candies; nut mixes, and snacks - all presented in a beautiful wicker or reed basket. They come in various sizes, usually small to jumbo, and can range in price from thirty dollars to several hundred.
Fruit Basket: Who wouldn't want to receive a handsome wicker basket overflowing with luscious fruits such as Tangelos,
Candle Basket: It's hard to go wrong with candles. The soothing glow and refreshing aroma of a lit candle has cast a spell. In fact, according to USA Today, consumers spent more than $8.4 million dollars last year on candles and home fragrances. That's a lot of wax! Mesmerizing, candles are indeed one of life's little luxuries and a top gift basket pick. One note of caution: gift basket retailers like to pair up candles with spa products and home decor. So, if you're looking for a candle-only basket, try visiting a candle specialty shop, and creating your own candle gift basket from scratch.
If you're struggling to find the perfect gift or just plain lost for time, a traditional gift basket is the ideal solution. They are the perfect way to say, "Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Thanks or Just because."
Check out other great ideas and gifts at:
http://www.prorestaurantrecipes/gifts.htm
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Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Copyright © Susan Jennerjohn
http://www.Copycatcookbook.com/
Everyone has their own favorite restaurant. Wouldn’t it be nice to get your favorite restaurant foods at home? You can with recipes that clone professional restaurant recipes. These recipes are developed by examining the dishes at the restaurant, making notes about taste, color and ingredients. This is then turned into a basic recipe and the experimentation begins. The cook tries each recipe and makes alterations as needed until the product ends up like the professional restaurant dish. It takes a lot of trial and error, but the end result costs pennies on the dollar compared to the restaurant dish. You can make enough to feed a whole family for the price you pay at the restaurant. You can also make smaller servings at home which are better for your waistline. These clone recipes can be found all over internet recipe sharing sites and there have been books written featuring these recipes. If you can’t find the recipe you want try the process yourself - you never know what you can come up with until you try.
Many sites around the internet offer free recipes. Certain food manufacturers also give away sample recipes on their sites. These recipes are developed to give consumers different ways to use the company’s product. The idea behind these sorts of recipes is to sell their products. They believe consumers are more likely to buy their products if they can use it in many different ways. You can also find these free sample recipes in some packages or with coupons in magazines. Most of these companies have a recipe book that you can buy for a small fee or with shipping and handling costs plus UPS symbols off their products. On their website they may offer a sample of recipes from these books.
About The Author: Susan Jennerjohn
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Check out other great ideas and gifts at:
http://www.prorestaurantrecipes.com/gifts.htm
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