Getting Started with the Basics of Cooking

By Esterah Shergold

If you are ready to start cooking and need to learn some cooking basics, you've come to the right place. If you are able to do simple math, follow directions, and have a bit of common sense, you will be able to learn to cook. There's no reason you wouldn't be able to whip up a decent meal on your first try.

First of all, you will needs some basic utensil, pots, and pans. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on products when starting out. Regardless of the equipment you choose, makes sure the pots and pans have non-stick surfaces. Your baking pans and cookie sheets should be non-stick as well. This will make them easier to use and clean. The better the quality, the easier the food will come off the surface.

You will also need some utensils such as knives, spoons, whisks, and measuring cups. It's also a good idea to purchase a basic set of mixing bowls. Metal bowls are much easier to clean and maintain. You will need both metal and plastic spatulas, larger forks and spoons. You should have two can openers; one that removes the inner lid so you can drain things like canned tuna, and one that removes the entire top, leaving no rough edges.

Cooking 101 also includes basic staples that you will need every day, in many common cooking situations. You will need basic spices, like salt a pepper, but also things like Oregano, Cinnamon, Garlic, as well as others. You can find many basic sets at kitchen supply stores, or even with some mass marketing retailers.

You will also need flour, sugar, a light brown sugar, and even powdered cocoa. Many more detailed ingredient lists can be found on cooking self help websites. You can also use websites for basic cooking recipes, as long as you start off small. If you want to, you can also order basic cooking books that will help you out greatly.

Many people find cooking charts to be very helpful. They include the cooking times and temperatures for different cuts of meat, fish, and poultry. There are useful as a quick reference when learning the cooking basics. There are also charts that give detailed measurement explanations that include weight and volume that are very useful. You will be able to find these online and instantly download them for free. Proper measurement is critical to the taste and quality of the food you prepare.

It's really helpful to get a binder so all your cooking basics information will be organized in one place. You can include information and recipes from a variety of sources like friends, family, websites, magazines, and newspapers. This is something you could pass down to your kids if it's well taken care of.

You can find these tips for cooking basics as well as many more online. You can find them at your library or in a retail store. Most community colleges offer classes on cooking basics on up to advanced courses. Who knows, if you really fall in love with cooking you may even want to take advantage of the career opportunities in the culinary field. - 29956

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