10 Cooking Tips for the Home Cook

I have always loved to cook.  Since becoming a stay at home mom,  I have really had time to perfect the favorite recipes of my family, and create many new ones.  I have also streamlined the process of meal preparation.  I decided to share a few of my favorite cooking tips and tricks with you.  I have found they help my kitchen run smoother, make cooking more pleasurable, and often save money.

1. Get a kitchen measure conversion chart and post it in a convenient location.  I have a chart which is actually a magnet, so mine is right on the refridgerator, but you can just print one out from online and tape it inside a cabinet door.  It will come in very handy when doubling or reducing recipes.  If you are like me and write your own recipes it is an invaluable helper.
2. Stock up on storage containers or get one of those meal saver systems, so that you can plan for leftovers and be able to store them properly.  Cooking less often, means you have more time to focus on each meals preparation.  In the end you will have just as much variety, and better results.
3. Steam ready frozen vegetables, are your friend, while they won’t work for everything, but they certainly cut down on prep and clean up time where they do.   I keep long string beans, corn, broccoli and spinach on hand at most times.
4. If you don’t have it in your kitchen already, pick up some parchment paper.  Lining baking sheets with it to not only save time on clean-up, but your recipe results will be better, as well.  No sticking, and reduced likelihood of burning baked goods.
5. If you always seem to be pressed for time, consider purchasing a pressure cooker.  New models are not the dangerous contraptions grandma used.  They have plenty of safety features, and the reduction in cooking times are quite amazing.
6. Buy a second set of measuring cups.  I have twins of all my measuring cups and spoons, and can’t tell you how worthwhile this inexpensive kitchen addition has been, for me.  If you are concerned about the extra space they will take up, I have another kitchen tip for you: dispose of a few of the tools/utensils you own but never use.
7. Store whole grain flours and oily seeds such as flax and sesame in the freezer.  Many people do not realize that these products are prone to spoilage.  Just place them in a freezer bag, and they will maintain their quality of nutrients and flavor.
8. Place pizza, breads or grilled sandwiches on papertowels or a kitchen towel when you finish cooking.  This easy trick, will avoid condensation building up under the hot food, so that it will remain crisp.
9. Powdered or jarred bouillon.  I always keep these on hand.  Even though nothing beats a stock made from scratch and slowly reduced to create a flavorful broth, most home cooks do not have the time to do this on a regular basis.  Boxed broth is fine also, but takes up more storage space.  Avoid cubes, and look for jarred bouillons that do not list salt as the number one ingredient.
10. Buy quality items when it comes to cookware.  A cheap set of non-stick pans, will not last, they will not brown your food properly and the non-stick surface will end out sloughing off into your families food.  Quality pans will save money in the long-run, since they will not have to be replaced.  The better cooking results you get from good pans will inspire you to prepare meals at home more often, which saves money, as well.

As I finish this post up a few more things, just came to mind.  I guess there will be a part 2 coming up sometime in the future.  In the meantime, do you have a great cooking tip you would like to tell me about?  I would love to hear about it.