I now have a new GOAL for 2011!! I have never been one to read anything that was not fiction. Even after cooking for 4 1/2 years, I still only read the recipes. Any neat information I retained was from watching cooking shows. I know, I'm sick. As I move forward in my journey of cooking, I have learned that I enjoy reading the information behind the recipe. I recently read some very informative pages on cakes. I am learning that the science and reasons for the things I am doing it pretty cool. My goal for 2011 is to post more information on the "whys" of cooking and neat tips.
For example:
Fresh Herbs Versus Dry Herbs
(Information taken from: Cuisine at Home)
Dry herbs lack the moisture of fresh herbs, their flavor is more concentrated. The general rule is to use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh. Therefore, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon dried instead.
In addition, when cooking with fresh herbs, it's best to add them at the end of the recipe, so the heat doesn't destroy their bright color and flavor. If using dried herbs. add them at the beginning. This way, their flavor has time to better infuse the dish.
I was so excited when I read this little bit of information. More than a few recipes I have cooked recipes that call for fresh ginger. I have a hard time buying a root of ginger because it usually goes to waste. Now I am excited to use the "ground ginger" in a recipe. I actually know how much to use and I don't have to leave it out. I hated it when I used too much and ruined the dish! Hope this little bit of info helps!
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