Here are a few tips to make your cooking experiences not only successful but enjoyable. If you enjoy cooking, you will most likely do it more often. Nothing makes the home feel cozier than a fresh baked loaf of bread or a warm batch of chocolate chip cookies.
Baking
When baking anything, ALWAYS preheat your oven, unless the recipe states otherwise. If the oven temperatures are uneven and will cause your baked goods to not only look bad, but they will not cook properly either.
Baking is precise. Measure accurately. You can’t “eyeball it” when baking, especially when measuring your baking soda, salt, yeast, or baking powder.
Always allow your baked goods to cool on a wire rack so that air flow will get to the bottom of whatever you are baking. If you don’t, the bottom of your goods will be soggy.
Have several whisks, rubber spatulas, and sets of measuring cups on hand. You will appreciate having more than one if you are going to be doing a lot of baking/cooking. Having the right equipment will make cooking less frustrating.
Cooking is also an investment. Purchase high quality bakeware and cookware. If you purchase high quality things, they will last you a long time and you will spend less money replacing them. Coupon Dad thought I had lost my mind when I asked for a a $200 stock pot one year for Christmas but I have had the pot for over 10 years now and it still looks brand new.
If you are just starting, try a recipe that only has a few ingredients. Save the more complicated dishes for when you are more comfortable in the kitchen.
With these tips, you will be baking like a pro in no time at all.
