Carrot Cake Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Box Carrot Cake Mix
• 15 oz canned Pumpkin
• 1/2 c water

** Optional: Add in raisins, chopped walnuts and/or 1 c shredded carrots with an additional 1/2 c water or possibly 1/2 c mini chocolate chips to add to the flavor of these E-Z cupcakes

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees or according to your box directions.

2.  Combine cake mix, pumpkin and water.  Beat for 2 minutes.

3.  Line 2 muffin pans with liners and fill each cup about 1/2-2/3 full.

4.  Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the cupcakes are cooked through and spring back to touch.

5.  Allow to cool and frost.

** Frost with Homemade Whipped Cream, your favorite frosting or enjoy plain.

Makes 24 cupcakes, 2 Points+ Each

WHIPPED FROSTING

• 1/2 pint Heavy Whipping Cream (sometimes you just have to!)
• 3 Tbsp Powdered Sugar
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

Beat whipping cream, sugar and vanilla until fluffy ~ about 1-2 minutes.  Do NOT overbeat or you will end up with cream cheese.

1 Tbsp = 1 points+.

** Since you saved a little on the cake mix (omitting the oil, eggs, etc), you can indulge a little in REAL whipped frosting.  However, if you choose, you can use Fat Free Cool Whip ~ 2 Tbsp is 0 points+

Cooking Tips :

Immediately Improve Your Cooking With These Tips

Delicious food can be many things. Apply the tips that are provided here so you can elevate your cooking to a new level.

Make sure that you defrost your vegetables before you put them in the microwave if you are planning to cook them this way. This will allow you to achieve the best texture, while not sacrificing the taste of your vegetables. After cooking, add your vegetables to a main plate as a side dish.

Check what you have at home and bring any new recipes with you when you go to the store. When you have the recipe with you, you'll have a handy list of what you need to buy. If you don't check what you already have, you may ending up buying more than you need. If you don't bring the recipe, you may forget something that you won't be able to cook without!

When you are cooking a dish that requires it to be sauteed, add oil around the edges of the pan rather than directly on the food. This gives the oil a chance to heat up before it reaches the cooking food that is in the center of the pan. Hot oil will give you improved results and makes your dish taste better.

Write out a list for all of the ingredients that you will need for a recipe before you go to the grocery store. This way, you will not forget anything. Many people forget one or two important ingredients for the recipe, which causes them to not be able to make the meal.

Wooden skewers should be soaked in plain water before each use for an absolute minimum of thirty minutes. This will prevent them from burning while you are cooking. Double up on the skewers per kebab to ensure that nothing falls off of them.

Roast nuts briefly in the oven and then sprinkle some flour on them before using in a cake to prevent them from migrating to the bottom of the pan. Applying heat and coating lightly with flour keeps them in position in the cake batter and reduces the likelihood the nuts will settle before the cake is done baking.

New spices should be purchased every six months. Spices do not last forever. They will eventually lose their flavor. If you buy a certain spice and you know that you are not going to use it all before it goes bad, give half to a friend or family member.

Use fresh carrots often in your cooking. They are versatile and easy to obtain. Carrots are very rich in vitamins and minerals that can help to keep you healthy. One of the best ways to sneak there goodness into your recipes is to use carrots in place of sugar.

When you are making homemade soups that contain meat, they tend to have a lot of fat that needs to be skimmed from the top. One quick solution to that problem is dropping in a couple of ice cubes. As the ice melts, the fat will stiffen around it and you will be able to remove it with ease.

It sounds kind of funny, but to be a better cook, one should make sure they have a large enough kitchen. Some kitchens, simply put, are not large enough to accommodate a good cook. The more space you have, the more free you'll feel. The more free, then the less confined, cluttered, and un-inventive you will feel.

If you are making a recipe that contains pasta in a sauce, avoid it being too soggy by cooking the pasta few minutes less in water. Finish cooking it with the sauce. It will be the perfect consistency and not be the mushy starchy mess we all hate when eating pasta!

Get your children to eat their veggies by including them in unexpected foods. Pumpkin is great in pancakes and muffins, and pureed carrots or butternut squash pair well with tomato-based pasta sauces. Grated zucchini takes on the flavor of nearly anything in which it is used, even chocolate or spice cake.

Use nonstick cookware when you want to cook healthier. Nonstick pans have a coating on them that makes food easily slide out, even with no oil. This is great for when you are trying to control the fat in your diet. If you do use oil, you will have to use far less. What's more, nonstick pans are so easy to clean!

The secret to a great mole sauce is the cocoa powder. Take a cue from Mexican mole and try using a bit of cocoa powder in your typical Italian pasta sauces, as well. A touch of cocoa powder imparts a "been simmering for days" Flavor and complexity, while not being too overpowering.

Consider mixing flavored butter for a simple method of adding some additional flavor to your corn or rolls. First, bring some butter to room temperature, or soften it using a microwave. Then you want to add some sauce, herbs or spices to give the butter that extra kick. Try this trick with barbeque sauce or honey, as well.

It is important to keep your waffles and pancakes warm until they are ready to serve. Warm the oven so that it reaches 300 degrees. While you are cooking, put what is already finished on an oven-safe plate, and stick them in oven to stay warm.

If you do not want to be eating greasy gravy for dinner the best thing to do is make sure you skim as much fat as you can off the top while you are cooking the gravy. Or you can wait until it is cooked and do it then if you forget.

There are different kinds of potatoes, and recipes are usually designed for one particular type. There are three different classifications of potatoes, all-purpose, mealy, or waxy. If mashed potatoes are on the menu for you, try using ones with a mealy texture. Russet potatoes are considered mealy. When looking for a good potato that works in almost any dish, the Yukon Gold variety is a good choice. If you are looking for potatoes to boil or steam, then you should choose a potato that is considered waxy. The most popular waxy potatoes are red potatoes or white potatoes.

Food is amazingly powerful; it provides the roots for all life. Now that you have learned several techniques from this article, put them into practice to woo your family with home cooked meals.


Useful Cooking Tips For The Ambitious Cook

Cooking is a skill that is very difficult to master. The tips in the article will help learn to cook delicious meals in no time.

Make sure that you never give up when you are cooking, as it is going to take a lot of practice and failures before you get it right. If you burn something, keep trying. You will only become a great cook if you maintain your persistence.

Cook your pasta for one minute less than the box recommends. Look at the cook time on your box of pasta and subtract a minute. If you are including the pasta in a dish, it will cook the rest of the way when you are cooking it with the sauce.

Always add oil to the side of the pan when sautéing. If you find that you need more oil in your pan while you are cooking, never put it right in the middle. Add it to the side of your pan. That way, it will be sufficiently heated by the time it reaches the food.

The best thing that you can do when you are making hamburgers is to engage in trial and error. Instead of guessing that the meat is cooked well, make a small patty and taste it yourself. This will allow you to adjust your level of seasoning and cook your burger more if it needs it.

Do not be afraid to experiment. There is no rule that says you need to follow a recipe exactly. If you do not care for an ingredient, leave it out. If you think a different ingredient would taste better, substitute it. If you think the dish is missing a little something, add it.

Cooking a roast? Leave the bone in! By leaving the bone in, heat moves to the inside of the meat faster, speeding up the cooking process. This will, also, allow the entire roast to cook more evenly throughout the cut of meat - by leaving it in rather than removing it.

When you broil a steak, heat your broiler to the appropriate temperature before putting the steak in. The result will be a seared steak on the outside, with a very juicy inside. The broiling process should also be quick, but will vary depending on how well done you want your steak to be. Over cooking can lead to a dried out end result.

If you would like to bake a berry desert in the winter (when most berries are out of season), use frozen berries as a delicious and more eco-friendly alternative to fresh ones! Thaw your frozen berries for 45 minutes, drain the excess, then use as you normally would when making a berry pie or cobbler.

Do you have a difficult time figuring out how long you should grill your meats? You can purchase a meat thermometer to ensure that the inside of your grilled meat is cooked to satisfaction. For meat that is more than 1.5 inches thick, close the lid of the grill to decrease the amount of time that the meat takes to cook.

Write out a list for all of the ingredients that you will need for a recipe before you go to the grocery store. This way, you will not forget anything. Many people forget one or two important ingredients for the recipe, which causes them to not be able to make the meal.

When frying eggs a healthy option you should use is nonstick cooking spray. The spray will keep the eggs from sticking to the pan without the use of margarine or butter. The eggs will not stick to the pan, and they can easily be cooked to any liking. After cooking the eggs, the pan should be easy to clean, and the eggs should be delicious.

If you and your significant other love cooking, then consider taking a cooking class for couples! Couples cooking classes can help you explore new cuisines, enjoy each other's company and also learn more about working together in the kitchen. A well-kept secret is that the guys enjoy these classes as much as the ladies "
 and it often leads to the fellows taking a greater role in cooking at home.

Prepare as much of the food as you can the night before. The cooking process will go much smoother when you can concentrate on the more difficult parts of cooking instead of worrying about the mundane tasks. Many dressings and vegetables, for example, will stay in the refrigerator quite well.

Avoid overcooking pasta when you boil it. Overcooked pasta loses some of its important health benefits, as well as its flavor. When you overcook pasta, the noodles absorb too much water and become swollen and limp. It is better to slightly under-cook it to retain the best texture and flavor.

Invest in a good roll of parchment paper. When you are baking, line your pans with it and you will save yourself much time and mess. The baked goods slide right off of the paper and all your pan needs is a simple rinse in some hot soapy water!

When sauteing food, don't put too much oil in the pan. The moisture from the large pool of oil will douse the food you planned to saute and make a greasy, limp mess. This should be done at a lower temperature, too.

It is a good idea to cook your green vegetables in boiling hot water. If you place the veggies in cold water and wait for it to come to a boil you will lose a lot of the green color because the chlorophyll in them will leech into the water.

Store your cooking spices in a cool dry place. This will ensure the longevity and potency of the flavors in your herbs and spices. A dark cabinet away from the stove is the ideal storage place. Spices kept in bright, hot environments usually fail to maintain their flavor long before any expiration date comes.


By applying what you've learned from this article, you can quickly improve your cooking skills. When you have this knowledge, the next thing you have to do is get into your kitchen and start creating meals. The people in your life will be amazed at the quality of the dishes you can now serve.

Chocolate Blackberry Cupcakes

ingredients

Chocolate Cake:

1 box Devil's Food Cake mix

3 eggs

1/2 cup oil

1 cup milk

1/3 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Blackberry Buttercream:

1 cup butter, softened

3-4 cups powdered sugar

4-5 tablespoons blackberry puree, strained

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line pans with cupcake liners.

2. Sift cake mix into a small bowl and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, use a whisk to gently combine remaining cake ingredients.

4. Add cake mix to wet ingredients and stir until smooth.

5. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

6. Buttercream: Beat butter for 2 minutes. Slowly add powdered sugar until the frosting becomes very thick. Slowly add berry puree a little at a time. Stop once the buttercream becomes the right consistency. If it becomes too loose, add more powdered sugar to thicken.

7. Pipe buttercream onto cooled cupcakes and top with a fresh blackberry.

Notes

To make blackberry puree, place berries in a blender or food processor and mix until smooth. Put the puree through a strainer to remove the seeds.

Copyright © YourCupofCake

Cooking Tips :

How To Improve Your Cooking Abilities With A Few Simple Ideas

Cooking is an art that many people enjoy. Many people aspire to be the next Emeril Lagasse or Julia Child in their kitchens, but lack the skills and knowledge. The following article will provide you with a myriad of cooking tips and tricks that will get you on the road to being as good as any top chef.

When cooking any recipe, use the best ingredients that you can afford. Splurge a little on imported cheeses or better quality meats when you can, so that you can experience a restaurant, quality-tasting meal at home. To enhance the experience even further, try to creatively plate up the meal with a little thought, for something different every now and then.

You can remove the garlic odor from your hands by rubbing them for thirty seconds on your stainless steel stove before washing them. Garlic adds a delightful flavor to many recipes, but the unmistakable odor can linger on your hands. Using this tip, you can enjoy your dinner without your hands smelling strongly of garlic.

Spices should be stored in an area with little light and low temperatures, like a pantry. Spices will last longer when they are not exposed to warm temperatures and moist air. Keeping your spices in darkened, cool areas will lend extra longevity and flavor. This will help every meal that you prepare taste better.

When you are cutting garlic, one of the things that you can do is to put it in a plastic bag before you cut. Then, slice the garlic cloves inside the bag to protect your board from smelling. This will help to reduce the pungent odor that garlic can give off.

Cooked turkey freezes beautifully, as does stuffing. When making a big holiday meal, be sure and make plenty so you not only have enough for turkey sandwiches, but to enjoy another turkey dinner in a month or two, without all of the work. Use a spare 9" X 13" pan that you line and divide with aluminum foil into two or three compartments. Cut some turkey for one compartment, add some stuffing in another and if you would like, leftover mashed potatoes can be put in the third compartment. Drizzle some gravy over everything you desire, cover with aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to enjoy turkey again, or perhaps when pressed for time and out of ideas for dinner, grab the pan from the freezer and place in the oven at 350 degrees. Remove the foil from the top of the pan after 45 minutes, bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes and enjoy!

It is possible to cook healthy without abandoning all of the rich, creamy dressings that can contribute so much flavor. One method is to use Greek-style yogurt as a replacement for mayonnaise. Half of the mayonnaise called for in the recipe should be replaced with the yogurt. This will give the same great taste while cutting down on the unhealthy effects of the mayo.

When you are going to fry a food, use long tongs to add food to the oil. For about five seconds, hold the food just underneath the surface of the oil and release it. By placing a food into oil this way, the exterior of the food will be sealed and it will not likely stick to the pan.

If you have a lot of pets around the house, they should not be with you in the kitchen, if the stove is near the ground. This can present a safety hazard because you want to reduce any risk of your animals getting hurt. Keep all animals and small children away from hot ovens.

You need to soak wooden skewers in water for approximately thirty minutes prior to using them. This will help to prevent burning when they are cooking. You can prevent food from sliding off skewers by using parallel skewers for twice the support of the food.

All good cooks organize their cooking supplies well for the most efficient experience in the kitchen. If you are disorganized, you won't know where to find the cheese grater or the spatula when you need them. Try to keep similar things in one place. As an example, you may want to keep all of your spices together.

After purchasing fruits that are not quite ripe, store them in a plastic bag that is perforated with holes. As the fruits get ripe, they'll give off ethylene gas. By placing them in a plastic bag with holes, air will circulate in the bag, making sure that ethylene gas is retained, and the fruit keeps its great taste.

Make sure you season your meat and fish evenly. Sprinkle your salt and pepper over the food as though it is snowing. This will make it so you avoid clumping and avoid having parts of the meat without any seasoning. This will make for a tastier meal.

Invest in high quality cooking pans and tools. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to go for the most expensive, but quality does make a huge difference when it comes to what we use to cook with. A high quality pan will be able to handle higher heats without warping. Quality tools will be able to do their job longer and more effectively than cheap brands. Check reviews before purchasing new items for your kitchen.

When cutting corn kernels on the cob, try this tip: Use the side of the knife that is not sharp to scrape the cob. This will extract the excess sweet juices from the cob, which can be applied to your corn dish and add a hidden burst of flavor to it, creating a new taste to the dish.

In conclusion, many people enjoy the fine art of cooking. They work in their kitchens with food, in the hopes of emulating successful chefs from around the world, but often lack the skills and knowledge to do so. If you use the tips from this article, you can become a master chef at home.


Excellent Tips To Take Your Cooking To The Next Level

Cooking is one of the most interesting ways that people can express themselves. Cooking lets you exercise creativity as you combine food items to create new dishes that are unique. If you wish to express your creativity through cooking, then the tips in the article below will help you get started.

You can remove the garlic odor from your hands by rubbing them for thirty seconds on your stainless steel stove before washing them. Garlic adds a delightful flavor to many recipes, but the unmistakable odor can linger on your hands. Using this tip, you can enjoy your dinner without your hands smelling strongly of garlic.

To get the best sear and the crispiest crust on everything from fish to meats to other pan fried foods, the secret is a hot pan. Getting a nice brown color on your food requires a pan that is as hot as possible before the food hits its surface. Because the exterior of the food cooks first, you get only one chance to create that perfect golden color and crispy texture, so heat your pan and oil for several minutes prior.

A salad spinner can be a great addition to your kitchen. It will help to spin the water out of your lettuce so your salads aren't soggy and droopy. Salad spinners are inexpensive and can be found at most discount stores. They're also small so they store easy.

Cooking can be a joy if you invest in a good, sizable cutting board able to handle all of your cutting and chopping needs. If a butcher block table is out of the budget, look for a durable bamboo or sturdy maple for the job. A cutting board with a recessed groove surrounding the cutting surface is handy to catch juices from carving meats and makes clean up easy. If you will be using a cutting board on a smooth surface, look for one with rubber feet to avoid slipping. Maintain your cutting board with food-grade mineral oil (vegetable and olive oils can turn rancid) and make sure that you properly clean, and more importantly, dry your cutting board after each use to prevent warping.

When cooking a meal for vegetarians and non-vegetarians, make separate sauces can be the best way to make sure everyone has enough to eat and knows what they can eat. Make rice or pasta, then let guests choose from a meatless sauce and one with meat. A dish with multiple components saves you from having to make two separate meals, and it makes both meat-eaters and vegetarians happy.

If you have a lot of pets around the house, they should not be with you in the kitchen, if the stove is near the ground. This can present a safety hazard because you want to reduce any risk of your animals getting hurt. Keep all animals and small children away from hot ovens.

After finishing up your Thanksgiving dinner, don't just discard the leftovers. Instead, cut it into slices, store it in an airtight container, and place it directly in the freezer. You can use the turkey later to make into sandwiches or a casserole.

Use your hands to cook the perfect steak. Pressing the fleshy pad at the base of the thumb, when your hand is making an OK sign, will give the same resistance as steak will during cooking. Start with the index finger OK sign and the thumb base will resist at "rare" temperature. Moving towards the pinky you will register medium-rare with middle, medium with the ring finger and well-done with the pinky. Look for the resistance in your steak to match the resistance when pressing your hand.

It sounds kind of funny, but to be a better cook, one should make sure they have a large enough kitchen. Some kitchens, simply put, are not large enough to accommodate a good cook. The more space you have, the more free you'll feel. The more free, then the less confined, cluttered, and un-inventive you will feel.

When creating your next masterpiece in the kitchen, a good tip is to have all your ingredients in one place. You may want to even measure everything out ahead of time, and have all your utensils at hand, as well, so it isn't a mad dash from one part of the kitchen to another just to find something you need or forgot.

It is a good idea to cook your green vegetables in boiling hot water. If you place the veggies in cold water and wait for it to come to a boil you will lose a lot of the green color because the chlorophyll in them will leech into the water.

When it comes to baking, a great tip to follow is to be sure that you bake smaller items at higher temperatures and for less time than larger items. This is important because you will have your food quicker and it will be less dry than if you were to bake it slower.

Make your homemade dressings even healthier. When you are preparing your own creamy dressings in the kitchen, you can substitute yogurt for mayonnaise. This will make the flavor of your dressing lighter, and will have a positive impact on your health. Use yogurt in most recipes that call for mayonnaise.

Get your children to eat their veggies by including them in unexpected foods. Pumpkin is great in pancakes and muffins, and pureed carrots or butternut squash pair well with tomato-based pasta sauces. Grated zucchini takes on the flavor of nearly anything in which it is used, even chocolate or spice cake.

Go easy on the herbs and spices. Do not over-season your foods. Spices and herbs are meant to compliment your food, not overpower it. Try with the least amount, and add more only after you have tasted the effect of a small amount. Too much seasoning can easily be worse than not enough.

As stated before in the article above, cooking is an interesting way to express yourself. You can create many food combinations to create unique signature dishes of your own design. If you remember the tips found in this article, you can take the first step to creating a cooking masterpiece.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes

chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes

Yield: 1 dozen cupcakes

Prep Time: 45 min + freeze time

Cook Time: 25 min

Ingredients:

COOKIE DOUGH FILLING:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

CUPCAKES:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

COOKIE DOUGH FROSTING:
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Tips : 

How Cooking At Home Can Save You Money

The smells of cooking always bring back happy memories for many families. Learn to create meals that will have a special place in your heart, as well as your family's. There are many great cooking tips available that can help new and experienced chefs alike, learn how to cook excellent food. These are a but a few of the best tips.

If you are making a sandwich and adding mayonnaise, make sure that you spread the mayo from corner to corner to give you the ultimate coverage and a delicious taste in every bite. Each and every bite that you take should be outstanding, as spreading mayo will achieve this goal when you eat sandwiches.

Add a small pinch of sea salt to your ground coffee immediately before brewing. This will add a great punch of flavor to every cup. This process works well in either a traditional coffee maker or a french press. Don't add the salt before brewing time though, or your coffee flavor will be compromised.

When you are seasoning a salad, add a small dose of olive oil in addition to natural sea salt. This will help to give your salad a crunchy appeal even after you add the dressing. Keeping your salad as crunchy as possible will create a feeling of freshness upon consumption.

When you are cooking for your family, try not to stick to one style. If you cook the same meal over and over, it can get boring and your family will become jaded with the dishes that you make. Change things up every night so that you can introduce new meals and cuisines to your family.

Cooking can be a joy if you invest in a good, sizable cutting board able to handle all of your cutting and chopping needs. If a butcher block table is out of the budget, look for a durable bamboo or sturdy maple for the job. A cutting board with a recessed groove surrounding the cutting surface is handy to catch juices from carving meats and makes clean up easy. If you will be using a cutting board on a smooth surface, look for one with rubber feet to avoid slipping. Maintain your cutting board with food-grade mineral oil (vegetable and olive oils can turn rancid) and make sure that you properly clean, and more importantly, dry your cutting board after each use to prevent warping.

Cooking is all about preparation. To take the edge of cooking, whether it is a small appetizer, simple dish, full nine course meal, or elegant dessert, prepare for your cooking a day or two ahead. Plan what you are going to make and for how many people you are going to make it for. Gather your ingredients ahead of time to ensure that you won't have to rush.

When making baked goods, try to get parchment paper for lining pans. By using parchment paper, your baked goods will be easier to remove and it will help to keep your food in one piece. Also, using parchment paper makes less of a mess and is much easier to clean up afterward.

When you are cooking pasta, follow this useful tip. Instead of strictly following the instructions given on the pasta box or package, try cooking the pasta one minute less than the time indicated. Then finish off the pasta by cooking it in a pan with sauce for the final minute. Doing so will give the pasta more flavor.

When you're making foods that need seasoning, use a little in intervals of a few minutes versus all of it directly at the beginning. This method will ensure that the flavoring is spread out and even, and that the ingredients are enhanced to the best they can be.

You can avoid sticky rice by removing the starch. To do just that wash the rice several times until the water coming from the rice is crystal clear. Remove all the water, and let the rice sit for 20 minutes. Adding a few drops of lemon to the water before cooking also helps to separate the grains.

Next time you make a dressing at home, swap half of the amount of mayo with an equal portion of Greek-style yogurt. This increases not only the richness of the dressing, but it gives it the creamy and smooth texture that we all love to see on our salads and other dishes.

Make the best of your baking adventures by leaving eggs and butter out at room temperature the night before. Then you do not have to go through the frustration of softening the butter to the right consistency. Also, warm eggs whisk to a greater volume, which allows the cake to rise evenly.

Acorn squash peeling made easy. The deep grooves in acorn squash make it hard to peel. First, peel the bumps. Then, slice the squash between the grooves to make wedges. Remove the seeds from the wedges and peel the skin from the outside edge. You can then cut them to the size that you need for your recipe.

Keep your pantry well stocked with a selection of canned meats. You never know when the power might go out for a day or two and you can't get to the store. Canned hams, salmon, or other canned meats can save the day. Just add a few other ingredients from your pantry and you'll have a great meal!

When you cook a steak you should prevent yourself from moving it around on the pan. By not moving the steak you allow it to get a crusty, sear quality that gives the steak a level of toughness on the outside; most steak eaters generally prefer the seared quality when compared to a homogenous inside and outside.

Now that you've read some of the best tips about cooking, you are ready to get into the kitchen and start cooking! Prepare something that will have your neighbors coming over to check out the delicious smells. New and experienced chefs can both benefit from all of the valuable information contained in this article.

Cooking Tips To Help You Improve Your Cooking

Many people are intimidated by the thought of trying new recipes and learning new ways to cook, but cooking can be fun if you know what you are doing. If you follow the tips in this article, you will be on your way to cooking gourmet food in your home kitchen.

For those dishes that have longer cooking times, you will want to add your spices and herbs about an hour or so before eating. If these spices are cooked too long, then the resulting flavors may be too strong. In addition, it's best to keep it simple by not using any more than three herbs or spices in any dish.

To maximize the efficiency of the cooking that you do, always make your food in large quantities and when you are finished with the meal, store the meats in freezer bags. This will allow you to create a meal the next day for your family that is still fresh and tastes great.

Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in creamy salad dressings. If you are on a diet or just trying to eat healthy, you can still make creamy salad dressings with healthy ingredients. Just substitute the mayonnaise in them with a low-fat Greek-style yogurt. This will make the dressing much healthier.

To keep your cakes from falling flat, mix dense batters by hand with a wooden spoon. Electric mixers beat too much air into the batter, causing the cakes to fall when they are baked. Meanwhile, by using a wooden spoon to gently mix thick batters like carrot cake you protect the consistency of the batter from absorbing too much air.

Cooking a roast? Leave the bone in! By leaving the bone in, heat moves to the inside of the meat faster, speeding up the cooking process. This will, also, allow the entire roast to cook more evenly throughout the cut of meat - by leaving it in rather than removing it.

To reduce the fat and calories in a recipe that calls for a lot of mayonnaise, simply replace half the mayonnaise with sour cream. Since mayonnaise serves primarily a textural purpose in many of these recipes, replacing it with similarly textured sour cream gives you the same texture with a lighter, healthier taste.

Unleash the tremendous flavor power of Mediterranean cous-cous by using this cooking tip. Pour your dry cous-cous in a pot filled with boiling chicken stock instead of water. Mix for ten seconds, then turn off the heat and cover for five minutes. The cous-cous will absorb the tasty flavor of the chicken stock. This effect can also be achieved with vegetable or beef stock.

Always continue to taste test all of your food as you cook them. Cooking a sauce, and you're not sure if it needs more salt? Just taste it and you'll know right away. Getting into a habit of testing all of your foods will keep you from accidentally over-spicing or under-spicing it.

Beans stored for a longer period of time need to be checked for insect damage or mold. Instead of visually looking at each bean put them in a bowl of cold water. Use only the ones sinking to the bottom as those floating are either suffer from insect damage or mold.

Plan your meals in advance. One of the biggest time wasters is engaging in the "what am I going to fix for dinner?" debate. Often, we could have dinner on the table by the time we fuss with examining the options. Over the weekend - or whenever your free time occurs - think through the upcoming week and loosely plan four or five meals you know your family will enjoy. This advance planning allows you the time to stock your fridge and pantry with the items you need.

Before grilling any foods, make sure your grill is clean. A dirty grill surface can cause many problems. Excessive smoking, soiling of flavors, potential for bacterial illness, not to mention being a fire risk, are all side effects of a filthy surface. Clean your grill with a wire brush often for best results.

Use fresh carrots often in your cooking. They are versatile and easy to obtain. Carrots are very rich in vitamins and minerals that can help to keep you healthy. One of the best ways to sneak there goodness into your recipes is to use carrots in place of sugar.

Make sure that you let cookies cool down completely - at least 15 minutes - before removing them from the cookie sheet. Otherwise, they are more likely to stick to the sheet and break apart. Also, by eating them while they are still hot, you could possibly burn your mouth.

As was stated in the beginning of this article, cooking gourmet food at home is really just a matter of proper education and practice. Anyone can cook tasty, healthy food if they can follow directions. Apply the tips in this article and soon you will be known as the neighborhood's gourmet chef.

Milkshake, Popcorn, Burger Cupcakes

Popcorn Cupcakes
makes 12

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup popcorn kernels, popped and unsalted (you’ll use 3 cups of popped popcorn for the cupcakes and reserve the rest for the top of the frosting)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with baking cups.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.

3. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined. Add milk and stir until it’s completely incorporated. Gently fold in 3 cups of popcorn (it’s okay if the popcorn breaks up into smaller pieces).

4. Fill baking cups 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Caramel Frosting
from Freutcake

for the caramel
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine light brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stirring constantly, continue to boil for three minutes.

2. Remove from heat and carefully stir in vanilla extract and salt. Allow to cool to room temperature. Beat with a whisk until smooth before adding to buttercream.

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add vanilla and salt.

2. Slowly add the cooled caramel, stirring until completely incorporated.

Cooking Tips : 

Try These Tips To Learn How To Be A Good Cook

Do you ever wonder how they are able to create such masterpieces? The following article can turn anyone a better cook.

Your spices and herbs should always be stored in a cool and dark area. If they get exposed to any light, humidity or heat, or light they may lose their flavor. Most ground spices will retain their flavor for about a year. Spices that are not been ground may still be worth using for 3 to 5 years. Storing your spices in glass containers with a

Apples are very popular in cooking in fall and winter, but they will spoil fast if incorrectly stored. Apples will be ruined if they are stored in a warm place, warm air. One rotten apple can actually spoil the bunch so make sure you keep a close eye your apples.

Try adding cauliflower to your mashed potatoes to cut some calories and fat. The taste of cauliflower will blend nicely with your potatoes while picking up the potatoes. Cauliflower has the same texture and color as potatoes, while lowering calories from classic mashed potatoes.

Always use an airtight containers to store baking ingredients such as sugar or flour. Keeping your ingredients in airtight containers will keep them from spoiling or being infected with bugs. These containers can be purchased at almost any store and are definitely make for a good investment.

Plan on preparing a big pot of stock so you can freeze and store it. Good homemade chicken stock is a wonderful base in soups, casseroles, stews and other dishes.

Beans and tofu are excellent sources of protein if you need to add some to your diet. Both are available in grocery stores. Try frying tofu with some interesting seasonings and you will have a tasty alternative to meat. Beans can always be cooked with herbs is a flavorful source of flavor and protein.

Always properly measure your cooking oils!This will help you lower the fat is present in your foods while cooking. This will enable you to carefully watch how much oil you are cooking with.

Always select fresh garlic for it. A rule of thumb is that fresh garlic will have a sweet taste to it. Fresh garlic will have firm skin and lacks bruises.

If you are about to serve salad to multiple guests, be sure to serve the salad dry and serve the dressing on the side. Let people add what they want to their own dressing. Make sure you have a selection to choose from as well.

It is important to buy new spices around every six months. The flavors of spices diminishes if they sit around for too long.If you know you will not use the whole spice bottle, give it as a gift to someone who will use it.

Follow the recipe exactly when you cook macaroni and cheese. The macaroni will be perfect and is to die for once the nice velvety cheese is melted over the noodles. Use a solid spoon to serve macaroni and cheese. Spice up with a bit of salt and black pepper.

This allows you to economize on the amount of gas or electricity used when cooking, including flare-ups from overheated oil or choosing the wrong temperatures for your needs.

If you're going to be barbecuing, make sure you prep the grill beforehand so it's ready for use when you need it. The charcoal will need to burn about 30 minutes before it is used for cooking. The coals need to be around medium heat and they should be ash covered. This is the optimal temperature to grill.

It is important to properly care of wood cutting boards. A wood cutting board can warp or split by too much exposure to moisture, heat and dryness.You should never put the board fully underwater, rather apply a wet sponge to clean it.You can find oil designed for this purpose.Make sure it is completely dried before using.

Spices rapidly lose their flavor and aroma if they are kept in areas that are bright, humidity, or heat. This only exposes the spices to the elements which make them lose their flavor.

Try not over or under cook it. The time recommended on the box or in a recipe is a guide to be used with caution, because many factors, like elevation, can have an effect on the actual time needed. A better idea is to insert a toothpick in the center of the cake.If it removes cleanly, more baking is needed; when the toothpick stays clean after insertion, the cake needs to be baked longer.

Learn about any vegetables or fruits you haven't cooked with before. You may find that your research leads to many great new ways to use the possibilities you will learn about for food.

Cooling racks that stack can be a handy thing to have in your kitchen. Stackable cooling racks help you use the available space more efficiently. Stacking cooling goodies up instead of out makes sure you need to work in.

You can also use bouillon cubes if you do not have any stock handy as a substitute. Your food will get the moisture and have a good flavor.

Red potatoes don't have the skin is too thin.

Those of you who like making fish should try taking DIY to the next level and do some fishing to get their raw ingredients.

Cut the cinnamon rolls easily. Cinnamon rolls can be difficult to slice before they have been baked. You can make this simpler by using a piece of thread or clean fishing line to slice wherever you wish to cut the roll. Doing so will make sure that you have the perfect cut!

Fresh fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches, peaches and pears are likely to turn brown when sliced and exposed to air. Lemon or salt water can do an adequate job of staving off the browning process, but the best flavor to use to stop the browning is by dipping the fruit in pineapple juice. A brief submersion will be effective, so there is no need to soak the fruit.

Make sure to use of the tips in this article. Your loved ones will be asking to know some of your cooking secrets in no time.


How To Make The Kind Of Food That Gets Talked About

Most people see view cooking as a menial chore. It can also help to contribute towards a means to a healthier life. A good chef constantly learns new things; hopefully, and the following information will help you learn more about cooking as well.

Keep herbs and spices in a dark space that stays room temperature. If they get exposed to any light, heat, their flavor will begin to weaken. Ground herbs and spices can retain full flavor for around a year. Whole spices might retain their robust flavors for around 3 to 5 years. Storing spices in glass containers with a longer shelf-life for your spices.

Bake pie crusts a little longer than you would think is really necessary. They should be golden caramel color instead of pale blonde. The golden color indicates that the sugar from the crust has caramelized and this will have a sweet and crisp flavor.

Cut meat thinly across the bias when you are stirfrying. This can sometimes be a tricky undertaking and be tricky.

Oil and butter add more fat that is often unnecessary. You can use a low-fat non-stick cooking spray as an alternative to get the same results without the extra fats.

If the recipe has called for water, switch it up by using a broth, beef broth, or juice when suitable. You can substitute buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream instead of milk.Using different liquids can increase nutrition and give a standby dish a new flavor.

Don't mix unfamiliar wine in your food. There are cooking-specific wines available.

Make sure that you do not dispose of your Thanksgiving dinner. Cut the leftover meat and freeze it in an airtight container. Turkey will stay fresh for a couple weeks after being frozen.

Many veggies and herbs have a scent that can remain on cutting boards even after use. Use indelible ink to mark one end of the cutting board to identify which side to use for each purpose.

Always follow instructions to the directions for cooking mac and cheese. The macaroni turns out perfect and delicious because the great looking cheese is melted on top of the noodles. Use a solid spoon to serve up the finished product. Use a dash of pepper as the dish!

Allow the food to sit for a moment before serving it. Many home cooks do not realize the importance of letting their cooked food rest. It can be tempting to serve up a meal as it comes right off the grill. If you serve immediately off the grill, you will really be missing out.Always allow your meat sit for a little while.

This will prevent you from wasting resources or overcooking your food, and will also give you an extra safety level if you are using oil on a hot pan or other dangerous cooking techniques.

If you plan on using your barbecue, make sure the grill itself is prepped beforehand. The charcoal will need to burn about 30 minutes before it is used for cooking. The heat and covered in ash.This is the optimal temperature to grill.

Exposure to humidity, heat and humidity can cause them to lose a lot of their flavor very fast.This will keep them to the elements and other unfavorable conditions that zap all of their flavors.

Do your prep work to save time when cooking.You can get many of the ingredients for upcoming meals a day or two in advance. There are many occasions where longer prep times actually lend a wonderful meal.

Don't try out a new recipes when you are cooking for someone you want to impress. Whether it is for friend, in-laws or a boss, it is not the time to be daring. Impress them by cooking a meal that you already know you are good at making.

There are a variety of great ways to cook oysters. You can prepare oysters in other ways rather than just raw with lemon juice. Sprinkle Parmesan and pepper over the top and broil until oysters bubble. You can also choose to saute oysters for a different technique. You can bake your oysters right in their shells. Put them in a deep baking dish, add a bit of butter and freshly-made breadcrumbs to every oyster, and bake for 4 to 5 minutes. Serve hot on toast points or a baguette when your oysters once the butter is bubbling.

Set a watch timer that you can easily carry with you as well.

While dark, dark greens are quite nutritious, it can be inconvenient to prepare them. The most difficult to deal with. Make it easier by folding the leaf lengthwise in half and breaking the stem. You can also cut the stems of the folded leaves with a knife.

Cooking oil helps you measure out a product that is sticky. Before you measure, lightly coat the spoon with a cooking oil which has little flavor, such as canola, then the sticky substance you are measuring will glide off much easier, so that way you won't have any waste and cleaning up is easier. This works well for things like peanut butter and honey also.

Those who enjoy cooking fish dishes should try taking DIY to the next level and do some fishing to get their raw ingredients.

Make a flavored butter to add to your dinner rolls or corn for an exciting experience. Then mix in some herbs, herbs or spices to give the butter that extra kick. Some great things to try are honey, lemon juice, chipotles or BBQ sauce.

Put heavier, then put the lettuce and other ingredients that wilt easily on top.

Learn how to use color in your cooking.Colorful additions to your meals will add both nutrition and tend to be very healthy. Put some creativity into your color combinations, and watch how quickly those meals disappear.

As this article stated, a great cook is constantly looking for new ways to improve their culinary skills. The best part about cooking is not simply meal preparation, but learning about all the kinds of foods, ingredients and techniques. It's also about sharing what you know with others. Cooking tips should be shared, not only learned.


Cooking Tips, Hints, And Tricks For Chefs Of All Skill Levels

Learning the basics of cooking can make it a drag into an enjoyable activity. This article will allow you more confidence in the kitchen.

Bake pie and tart crusts a longer than you would think they should be baked. They should be golden caramel color instead of pale blonde. The golden color indicates that the sugar in the pie crust has caramelized and will have a much sweeter and crisp flavor.

Cut meat thinly across the grain when you are stirfrying. This can be a very time consuming and be hard to do.

Partially frozen meat so it becomes easier to cut into thin strips. This is ideal for meals like Chinese or Thai dishes. However, so they are evenly cooked, so it cooks evenly.

Avoid cooking all of it after seasoning the meat.Cook a small amount in the shape of a patty first.

It is important to have sharp knives whenever you cook. Dull knives can be dangerous to use and they also make cutting things hard.

Quickly cooking vegetables makes them to retain much of their nutritional value. Vegetables that are cooked slowly lose a lot of their taste and valuable nutrients. These speed-cooking techniques usually produce vegetables that are more healthy overall. Cooking vegetables for the least amount of time is essential.

Are you cooking using basil? Place a few fresh sprouts in a jar or glass. Add some water until the stems are covered. You could let it sit on the kitchen counter and it will stay fresh for weeks. The basil can actually grow roots if you keep the water regularly.Trim or cut the basil once in a while so it grows even more and stays fresh.

They behave like sponges and just soak up a lot of that water. Wipe them off with a damp cloth that is damp.

Always use an airtight container to store sugar or flour in the kitchen. Keeping your ingredients in sealed containers will stop them from spoiling or being infected with bugs. These containers are carried in many stores and will be worth the money invested.

Add chicken broth to your pan when cooking vegetables. Chicken broth is a great way to add flavor to your vegetables and prevents them from getting stuck to the bottom of the pan.

You should always look at the product labels before purchasing ingredients for a recipe. Many common ingredients can contain unhealthy and unnecessary additives. You want to ensure that anything you buy is not high in sugar or sodium.

When cooking a whole pumpkin, first set the pumpkin upright; then slice it down the center, then cut directly down its middle to create two halves.Place both halves cut side down on a baking sheets with the cut side facing down.

Prepare things the night before if you cannot handle doing everything in one night. Cut up veggies and make marinades or sauces before going to bed at night. You will feel less stressed when you wake up.

Always begin your utensils that are spotlessly clean. Any leftover food post-washing can spoil the dish you plan on cooking next. This can be costly because it might allow harmful bacteria to spread.

Blot raw meat before you brown it. It helps to blot away moisture from any type of ground meat. Any moisture left on the meat will be released during cooking. This will then sizzle off.This makes it unlikely that the meat from searing as you intended; it will steam instead.

Use salt in the water when you are cooking pasta. This is the seasoning will set into the pasta. Salting after boiling your pasta will not have the same effect of absorption.

Learn a little bit about any new foods that you haven't worked with before. You might be surprised how much you can do with that new ways to use the food.

Brine is a method that is great cooking method. Soak your poultry in the brine mixture for at least an hour prior to cooking to get a great taste out of it.

Consider using ketchup to add to your battering ingredients that you are going to fry.Ketchup isn't just for dipping; when frying veggies or chicken, but it can also be used to dip chicken or vegetables into before dipping in breadcrumbs.

Use cooking oil for measuring sticky messes. Before you measure, lightly coat the spoon with a cooking oil which has little flavor, like canola oil, and the thing being measured will fall off the spoon easier, preventing waste and making clean up much easier. This method works for honey and peanut butter as well as honey.

Learn to use color as a guide to cooking. Colorful foods appeal to your eyes and visual appeal. If you are creative with the colors of your meals, people will want to eat your foods.

Make sure you preheat your oven at 300 degrees.

The fat will float to the top and congeal. You can then easily pluck the hardened fat from your soup and discard it prior to eating. This can save you to remove hundreds of calories easily.

Avoid adding salt and garlic to dried beans until they have softened. Both garlic and salt can prevent the beans from getting softer while they cook.

One effective way to create new flavors in your food is by simply changing the spices and marinades you will use. Something that people do not think of is shopping at ethnic food store for new spices.

As this article has shown, it is easy to start learning how to cook. It is also easy to continue improving your cooking ability. You just need to want to get better and be willing to put in the effort that it takes. Using the advice from this article can give you the knowledge you need to become an expert in the kitchen. With the right attitude, cooking can be much fun.