TAGS: cooking tips, safe cooking, food preparation, basic cooking safety,

Cooking in the kitchen does not call for a calamity in convection baking. Rather, it's a celebration or ritual in food preparation. The recipe for food cooking is all in the technique and tools. But, what many people don't know about cooking is that it’s a succession of synchronized tasks. In other words, it's all in the timing. 

In order for all courses to come out simultaneously, refer to the preparation and cooking time demarcated on the recipe. When you prepare a three to five course meal, start with the dish that requires the most cooking and preparation time. Then, move on to the next course, which necessitates the most time, and so on. For example, if you're cooking spaghetti sauce, start with the sauce and boil the pasta, the last 10 minutes. Use the time that the water is boiling to cut foods, like fresh baked bread and mix other dishes together (in example: a salad). 

Aside from synchronizing the cooking time of each course, invest in quality food preparation equipment: 

Cooking utensils to invest in:

■ Cooking timers -- keep you on schedule. As an alternate use timer installed on your microwave over. (In example, most General Electric microwave ovens have cooking timers). 

■ The good chopping knife -- simplifies dicing, slicing and minimizes accidental finger abrasions. (Calphalon produces a 7” Santoku knife that does not require much sharpening and offers precision cutting, guaranteed).

 

■ A high-end cutting board -- is easy to clean and accommodates both produce and meats. (Visit Sur La Table, which has an extensive selection of high end cutting boards). 

■ Quality cookware -- free of carcinogenic bearing elements assures safe and healthy eating.

■ Instant-read meat thermometer -- ensures red and white meats are safe for consumption. 

Prior to touching any food or placing it on a kitchen surface (counter, cutting board, plate), remember to wash your hands and sanitize each surface. By making these hygienic practices a part of your food preparation regimen, you can alleviate the chances of food poisoning and other airborne bacteria.

Between timing and quality cooking utensils, you're bound for a recipe in good cooking.