Transform yourself from an anxious amateur to a confident cook with food editor Nadine Brown’s top kitchen tips
With its many twists and turns, 2020 has seen us all become more acquainted with our kitchens in one way or another. Yet for every person knocking out artisan sourdough bread or Instagram-worthy banana loaves, there are those who have rarely felt the urge to even turn on their ovens.
The reasons why people shy away from the stove range from a lack of confidence or know-how to the convenience of takeaways. According to a survey by Kitchen Stories, 21% of people in the UK cook for their families once or twice a week or less – only 43% cook meals every day. But cooking from scratch not only saves us money and brings us closer to our loved ones, it’s a great way to track our eating habits too. Knowing exactly what goes into our food makes it easier to stay on plan – especially if we have an arsenal of healthy recipes at the ready.
If you feel apprehensive about rolling up your sleeves and pulling on an apron, these easy tips are here to help you master the basics. Whether it’s chopping an onion or saving an oversalted dish, you’ll soon have everyone shouting ‘Yes, chef!’ So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cracking!
GET STARTED
Kitchen confidence isn’t just about how you cook but the space you’re cooking in, too. Get prepared with these game-changing tips, advice on the right tools, and ways to get organised so your kitchen runs like a restaurant
HOW TO SEASON A PAN
We’re not talking a sprinkle of salt and pepper here. ‘Seasoning’ means applying a thin layer of oil to your frying pan in order to fill small pores in the surface coating and prevent food from sticking. Typically done with cast iron pans, you can also do this with nonstick pans as it helps the longevity and effectiveness of the surface. Plus, a properly seasoned nonstick pan can help reduce the need for excess fat. Win-win. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1 Wash your pan with soapy water.
Step 2 Once dry, lightly coat the surface of the pan with vegetable oil.
Step 3 Heat the pan over a medium heat for 1-2 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step 4 Once cool, wipe away any excess oil. That’s it!
KNIFE KNOW-HOW
A good knife is probably the most important item in your kitchen as it’s sure to reward you with the easiest and safest chopping experience. But looking after your right-hand
