Label
All
0
Clear all filters

How to Succeed at Cooking Without Really Trying

Appears in
I Can Cook Vegan
I Can Cook Vegan

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz

Published 2019

  • About
  1. Read the recipe from beginning to end, have a good understanding of the steps involved, and make sure you have the ingredients and equipment ready to use before starting the recipe. That includes everything from ingredients to blenders to measuring spoons. The French call this mise en place. I call it “pile of stuff.”
  2. Control your heat. Food doesn’t burn itself! Most recipes require low to medium heat, but if you are turning it up to boil, always keep a watchful eye and remember to stir. If the pot is too hot, you can turn the heat all the way off and give it a minute. Sometimes it’s the most obvious stuff that we Homo sapiens forget ever since Peking man discovered fire.

  3. Improve your knife skills. The more you prep food, the more you will get the hang of how to handle a knife. You’re not aiming to be a sushi chef here (or are you?)—the goal is to get the job done quickly and with some finesse. Watch YouTube videos of people chopping onions and garlic or any veggie that you need to dice. Watch cooking shows. Find the knife that is comfortable for you, and make sure it is always sharp. Most kitchen stores have a sharpening service you can use a few times a year.

  4. Clean as you go. I hate hearing that because I love making messes, but it’s so true. Keep a little bowl nearby for scraps. Have a clean wet towel to wipe surfaces. Don’t let all that tomato sauce you just spilled get tracked all over the house. Be aware of your surroundings. An organized environment is conducive to cooking, especially for new cooks. You don’t want to be overwhelmed with a mess when you’re done, or you might never cook again!

Part of