Making stock always seemed to me to be one of those things that people did when they had an abundance of time, a greater abundance of skill, and a certain touch of fussiness to their cooking preferences. The first time I made it myself, I was shocked how easy making stock really was. It came out watery and a bit weaker than I expected, but I had made it all by myself, using things I would normally have thrown away. I've learned, since that time, how to make the stock rich and full of flavor.
Read moreKitchen Basics: How to make Nut Butter.
My son is a peanut butter fiend. His current favorite breakfast is a tortilla rolled up, filled with peanut butter and either sprinkles, honey, or sometimes nothing at all added. Therefore, we go through a LOT of peanut butter in this house. (And tortillas, consequently.) One morning, while making breakfast, I realized I was out of peanut butter. Thankfully I had a bag of peanuts in the freezer that could work rather well.
Read moreKitchen Basics: How to Roast and Carve a Chicken.
I used to look at the packaged whole chickens and wonder, 'what in the world do I even do with that?' Never mind that I had no idea how to cook it, they were usually way too much meat for my family, even taking into account that the weight of the bones were factored into total poundage. Anyway, I figured, why pay for bones when I can just buy boneless skinless chicken breasts?
I have since learned that bones lend flavor, and they make wonderful stock. (More on that in another post.) What's more, one chicken doesn't just feed my family for one night, it often lasts through three nights of meals, if I don't make chicken noodle soup, and if I do, it's even more! It's worth the investment, and, frankly, it's just plain tasty.
Read moreKitchen Basics: How to read a recipe.
I know, I know. To some of you, this is silly. You know how to read, so what's the problem? Here's the thing — I know how to read, too. Yet, I've made so many mistakes that could have been solved if I had carefully read, rather than skimmed, the recipe in question.
Read moreKitchen Basics.
I'll be beginning a new series on this site called Kitchen Basics. The goal is to teach different basic skills in the kitchen that everyone should know, but perhaps not everyone does. Please let me know if you have any requests. If it's something I'm not familiar with, then we'll all be learning something! Please know that I won't be teaching how to cook fish or ham/pork, as my family doesn't eat either.
Read moreKitchen Helps. (Not a recipe.)
My mother has this list posted on the inside of one of her cabinets for emergency help, reminders, and simply good information to keep at hand. I highly recommend printing this and doing the same. Enjoy!
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