How to Be a Better Cook Part 2

I find that many people are amazed when they successfully complete a recipe from start to finish. Anyone can be a good cook. By following these few tips and suggestions, you can amaze your family and friends with your ever expanding prowess in the kitchen.

6. Measure your items carefully. Use glass measures for liquids and metal or plastic cups for dry ingredients. I base my recipes on standard measurements and I always try to keep them simple and uniform.

7. You will get your best results by following the recipe instructions exactly. You can substitute ingredients that don't interfere with the basic chemistry of the recipe, but be sure to leave key ingredients alone. The recipes on my web site are always tested for accuracy, taste, and finished product.

8. Clean your cooking area as you go. It is much easier to wash or clean a few items at a time than to face a mountain of dirty dishes later. This also applies for counter and floor spills.

9. Be careful about doubling or halving a recipe. You may successfully alter a recipe to serve more or fewer people, but this is not the case with all recipes. There are some recipes that you cannot change. This is especially true with spices and liquids. I suggest increasing spices or liquid by 1 1/2 times when doubling a recipe. If it tastes bland, you can increase the spice to 1 3/4 times the original amount the next time you prepare the recipe. You can always add more, but you can't take it out after it's been stirred in.

10. Create a cooking journal and write down your reactions next to each recipe once you've served it. Ask yourself: Did everyone like it? Did I have to add another half teaspoon of seasoning to make it better? What did I do right or wrong? You my even want to rate the recipe on a scale of 1 to 4. 4 would be the best. Writing down your comments while they are fresh in your mind will help you personalize the recipe and allow for greater success next time you try the same recipe.

Be sure to read part 3 of my series on how to be a better cook, Visit our web site for more wonderful recipes, cooking tips, and general food creation ideas.

I am the editor of a website devoted to all aspects of food and the creation of great food. You can find recipes, articles, cooking terms, and numerous other food related topics by directing yourself to my website, http://www.foodcreate.com If you have recipes to share, comments, or questions, email me at info@foodcreate.com.