This is NOT a recipe thread (not yet, at least : ), but a place to share cooking tips and tricks you've picked up along the way.  Here's a few:

-If you've batter-fired anything, don't drain it on paper towels. This traps the steam and runs the risk of making the bottom soggy.  Use a narrow gauge cooling rack or a sheet of slightly crumpled foil.

-Even if the recipe doesn't call for it, add a smidge of corn flour to any tempura batter. It makes the batter adhere to the food better.

-You can disinfect wooden cutting boards with white vinegar.  It's acidic enough to kill any lurking salmonella germs, and won't change the taste of the next thing you cut.

-Meat, veg and eggs should always be at room temperature before you start cooking them.

-Parchment paper is king.

Any others?

Boru

Don’t barbecue in the nude unless you want a sausage sizzle.

I'll ask my personal chef and get back to you. 

(November 7, 2019 at 8:01 pm)The Valkyrie Wrote: Don’t barbecue in the nude unless you want a sausage sizzle.

Back in my bachelor days, I was frying eggs in the nuddy. It all went grand until I dropped the hot pan on the way to the sink.  Had to call and cancel my date for that night.

And no, I didn't tell her why.

Boru

I am a big fan of the mise en place style of cooking. It also reduces the risk of burning/overcooking things.

(November 7, 2019 at 8:06 pm)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote:

(November 7, 2019 at 8:01 pm)The Valkyrie Wrote: Don’t barbecue in the nude unless you want a sausage sizzle.

Back in my bachelor days, I was frying eggs in the nuddy. It all went grand until I dropped the hot pan on the way to the sink.  Had to call and cancel my date for that night.

And no, I didn't tell her why.

Boru

I rest my case.

I've been threatened with an injunction if I'm seen within 10 feet of the kitchen.
Apparently, the dishwasher is not meant for cleaning dirty car parts and the oven is not a powdercoating oven who knew?

I'd be happy with this thread including some recipes.

However - I don't enjoy cooking and I am not adventurous or skilled as far as food is concerned.

I struggle with cooking for two after spending years cooking for five plus however many extras showed up with my kids. Not all recipes that were in my usual rotation cut down well from A LOT to dinner for two with maybe a lunch leftover.

(November 7, 2019 at 9:44 pm)ignoramus Wrote: I've been threatened with an injunction if I'm seen within 10 feet of the kitchen.
Apparently, the dishwasher is not meant for cleaning dirty car parts and the oven is not a powdercoating oven who knew?

Tell your missus that I can remove you if she want.

(November 7, 2019 at 9:44 pm)ignoramus Wrote: I've been threatened with an injunction if I'm seen within 10 feet of the kitchen.
Apparently, the dishwasher is not meant for cleaning dirty car parts and the oven is not a powdercoating oven who knew?

Other opinions aside, how is either of these activities a problem if your plates don't taste like engine oil and your roast chicken doesn't taste like enamel? Careful how you answer. Maybe your wife's cooking has those flavors already? I don't have to duck, since I'm pretty much about half way around the planet. 

In my house, I found out that I despise the stench of rosemary. Tossed the jar out. The wife was a bit upset, but I explained that I take enough other guff, rosemary is a gone spice. It stinks like reclaimed vegetation from the recycle yard.