-
Knife Materials And You
If you’re a student learning to cook online and think that all knives are the same, you might be missing out on a great opportunity to make the most out of basic cooking skills – and especially important is the the type of material you choose to use. According to Recipetips.com, the materials that make up your knife can have a direct effect on how your ingredients will look – known in the restaurant industry as “presentation.” To help out beginner chefs, […]
Read more » -
Cooking Basics: How To Crimp And Flute Pie Crusts
If you find yourself uttering the phrase “I want to learn how to cook,” basic kitchen how-to’s are the first skills you will need to master. In baking, understanding cooking tips and tricks is as important as the recipes themselves. Before you make your next pie from scratch, take a look at these two ways to make beautiful, professional-looking pie crusts: Flute the edges Fluting the edges of your pie crust will require the use of both of your hands. […]
Read more » -
How To Cook Roast Beef
Beef is a very versatile meat. Depending on the cut, method of cooking and flavors added, beef can take on many different styles. One classic that every cook should know how to prepare is a simple roast beef. Roasts are a slow-cooked dish reminiscent of traditional English cooking. Although roast beef can be enjoyed as a main dish, it is commonly used as a cold cut for sandwiches. Depending on the size and shape of this deli-style meat, it is […]
Read more » -
The Skinny On Sous Vide Cooking
If you’re beginning to learn to cook online and have been to a restaurant lately, chances are you’ve come across the phrase “sous vide” more than once. Simply put, sous vide cooking is a method that uses vacuum sealing and low heat for slow cooking, according to Douglas Baldwin’s website. Just like regular control-top cooking, sous vide machines help you control the temperature of the water – the flavors and spices you use are completely up to you. Perhaps the foremost […]
Read more » -
How To Cook Beef Stew
On a cold day, try warming up with a big bowl of the simple yet versatile comfort food, beef stew. This hearty dish is a great, no-pressure way to practice the skills you have acquired while learning to cook. You can practice your knife skills while dicing and cubing the ingredients and experiment with ingredients like root vegetables, squash, corn and celery. Choose your favorite cut of beef – like brisket – for the main ingredient, and prepare to take in […]
Read more » -
Greek Yogurt To Become Even More Mainstream In 2013
Chobani – the undisputed No. 1 brand for Greek yogurt in the United States, has enjoyed stunning growth over the past year due to the demand for more simple and pure yogurt brands, according to The New York Times. Even frozen yogurt chains like Pinkberry are catching on to the trend by selling Greek versions of fro-yo, according to The Wall Street Journal, leading many industry professionals to believe that this food craze is here to stay in 2013. If you are taking […]
Read more » -
How To Fry An Egg
If you’re taking cooking lessons, or simply want to brush up on some basic cooking skills, learning how to fry an egg is a must-do. Fried eggs are a breakfast staple and are becoming even more popular in traditional dining as well, showing up on everything from elegant plates to burgers. As simple as this food is, an over-fried or undercooked egg can turn a great meal into a bad one very quickly. Instructions: Warm a non-stick or cast-iron skillet on medium-low […]
Read more » -
How To Cook Beef Brisket
It may take patience to cook beef brisket, but this slow-cooking dish is surely worth the wait. There are many ways to cook a brisket; you can braise, roast, barbeque or smoke it and it’s a great dish to share with the whole family. Although a brisket is a tougher cut of beef, it’s tenderized by leaving on a thin layer of fat and adding liquid during the slow cooking process. As you learn to cook this traditional dish, you […]
Read more » -
Cooking 101: How To Clean and Devein Shrimp
When you’re learning to cook, basic kitchen skills are the first tasks you will need to master. For those who love seafood, knowing the proper way to peel and devein shrimp in a safe way is one of the most important parts of cooking 101 that you can try out. Follow these steps to clean your shrimp in a quick, effective manner: 1. As you’re working with them, keep shrimp in a bowl of ice or ice water. This will […]
Read more » -
Tools Spotlight: Dutch Ovens
The basic cooking vessels – a pot and a frying pan – can do a lot, there’s no doubt about it. However, as you learn to cook and develop your skill set, you’ll want to expand your collection of cooking tools, too. One of the best-loved kitchen accessories, which every cook will relish using, is the Dutch oven. Though you might associate the word “oven” with an appliance, this low-tech item will be something you reach for again and again. […]
Read more » -
Basic Balsamic Vinaigrette
Rich, tangy and slightly sweet, balsamic vinaigrette is the salad dressing of choice for many diners. Since this is one of the most popular dressings around, learning how to make a basic form of balsamic vinaigrette should be a must-do for any novice wanting to learn to cook online. Once you become more confident in your culinary academy skills, you can make more refined and unique versions of this kitchen staple – including versions with maple syrup, bacon, shallots, strawberry […]
Read more » -
Dish Spotlight: Huevos Rancheros
Eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients available. They’re equally delicious on their own or as part of a more complex dish. In one of Mexico’s most famed dishes, huevos rancheros (rancher-style eggs), eggs are the star of the show, but the supporting cast – tortillas, beans, salsa and more – bring it all together. The dish originated on Mexican ranches where vaqueros and other ranch hands needed a hearty, filling morning meal that would stand up to the […]
Read more »


