How to Make an Easy Recipe and Cook Fast
When you find a recipe that looks appealing, the worst part is taking that first glance at the instructions. I find they are often too complicated for what you are making. I’ve tried to simplify most of the recipes that I post on this blog, but wanted to share how I do that and how I make a recipe faster.
Look at the ingredients and the thing you are making. Have you made something similar before? That will give you an idea of what you’ll need to do. For example, if I’m making cookies, I know that I'll have to whip the butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs (the wets); I’ll have to mix the drys separately (so you don’t get clumps). If it says separate the eggs, I can expect to whip the whites. With practice, you’ll be able to recognize patterns in the directions and perfect your technique.
Start with preheating the oven. The worst thing is to have to wait for that to warm up after doing all the other steps.
Use the same measuring utensils if possible. You’ll want to brush up on your conversions and math. I can use a 1/4 cup to measure a 1/2 cup, 3/4 cup, and 1 cup. But I can also use it to be 4 tbsps. So if I need 2 tbsps, I just fill it up half-way. I’ve gotten really good at eyeballing.
Know when you can turn up the heat. Many cookie recipes call for the oven to be 350F, but often I do it at 375F for shorter. This isn’t perfect but when you’re just cooking for you and the roomies, why not? As always, invest in a meat thermometer for foods that are prove to give you food poisoning (meat).
Pull out all the ingredients you need before you start. That way you can keep eyes on the recipe without having to walk all around your kitchen. Once you finish a block of steps, put away all the ingredients that you’re done with.
Do all your chopping at once. Start with the produce, then move to the meat if there is any. That way you don’t contaminate the cutting surface and knife.
When doing multiple dishes, start with the one that takes the longest. This seems intuitive but perhaps is not. While it is cooking, then start on the other parts of your meal.
When possible, do as much as you can in the same bowl. This will save on clean up later.
These are just a few of the hints that I’ve picked up since being an adult. After a long day at the office, you’ll really appreciate the shortcuts.