Cooking is the practice of using heat to prepare food for consumption. There are different methods of cooking. Baking, steaming, frying, boiling, roasting, simmering, broiling, blanching, stewing, poaching, and grilling. Food preparation and the method of cooking matter to the chef who prepares the food. Cooking has its history, civilization, and years pass by. It is not only a science but art itself. Art in the sense that the preparation varies from one person to another. Changes with different cultures, traditions, and even the country of origin. That is how diverse cooking is.
Cooking is fun and may flaunt everyone's creativity during this activity. It is our goal during cooking to please our audience. Not only to the taste of the food that we prepare but also how we prepare the food itself. We also cook not just for others but also for our family. We see to it that what you cook is not only delicious but also nutritious.
So what do's and don'ts during cooking? Whether you're an expert or a novice in this field, let us embrace and be refreshed with some cooking etiquette. Kitchen etiquette is doing the right thing at all times. This is to minimize unwanted incidences. This also includes using the proper utensils according to their uses and application.
Keep your utensils and surroundings clean. Cleanliness should always be observed. In every part of our house, especially in every kitchen. It is in our kitchen where we prepare our daily food. Every kitchen equipment must be properly washed. If this equipment is not used, then it should be kept in a secured and closed storage. If this is observed, then we are good to go in our cooking activity.
Check dry and wet ingredients for their quality. Ingredients must be checked before use. This includes texture, smell, color, and taste. As always, don't take chances on using ingredients beyond its best before dates! Always remember that there is nothing good when you're in doubt!
Keep food orientation as it is. Food temperature is critical in keeping the quality of the food. Keep cold food chilled as well as keep hot food hot. In our household, reheating food is our means of conserving food. In reheating the food, there are several factors to consider. This is to avoid food-borne diseases. During reheating, there will be a possible increase in contamination. Several factors may be considered. The food handler, the equipment used, and the utensils used to place the food. These food handlers may vary according to the venue. But in our household, it is our family members who do this. Equipment used may contribute to the contamination if not used accordingly. An example of this is if food is microwaveable to its desired temperature. Utensils, where food must be placed should be cleaned and free of foreign smell.
Give the cook ample space to move in the kitchen. In our house, we used to proceed without hesitation since it was our own. We know the placement of everything. Those things that should be in the kitchen or those things that should be in the living room. If we are the ones who cook, we don't want the arrangement to be moved. We have our own particular space where we place everything. Even the front of the view of the ingredients bottle should be readable. Not facing left, not facing right but of course, facing front. It would be best to cook when no other person is blocking your way. Aside from moving freely, it would cut the danger caused by unexpected movement. For example, you might be distracted by other matters while cooking. This may cause unwanted or not aiming the desired output. It is good to cook while you are in good condition.
Don't forget to be resourceful. If, by any chance you have missed one of your ingredients, be innovative. If the ingredient is not available, then use another with the same application. As always, there are ingredient substitutions when needed. Be careful with the measurements. It may cause an unwanted taste in the food you prepare. Or it may also ruin everything.
Enjoy the cooking experience. Whether you are a novice or an expert cook, enjoy the cooking session. Anyone can cook delicious meals if desired. If you are watching some cooking videos, then it's a good start. Anyone can be a cook, but not anyone is patient during the process. I also find cooking as my moment. It's good to cook whenever I am stressed, and fine cuisine relieves that stress. Cooking requires a step-by-step process. Skipping may be possible, but that would affect the quality of food. If you have limited time, better yet, cook something else that requires less time to prepare. Cooking requires a process. And this process requires patience. When others find cooking as a daily routine, then for some, this is a hobby. This may be a natural hobby. You can do cooking while multitasking. You can even listen to music while cooking too! You can even sing while doing it. As well as can even do slow movement dance while cooking.
It's also good to innovate and make your recipe. There is always a first time in cooking a recipe. Even if it is your first time, you can decide the taste of your output. So that the second time around, you can improve it. By doing so, you can choose what to add or to reduce. In cooking, trial and error are always present. Also, your audience’s comments are critical. It makes you do more. It motivates you to do it better. As always, you can adjust the taste of your food according to your audience. That's how versatile cooking is.
Always remember, cooking has different styles and presentations. Regardless of the food presentation, there is always a final say. It is the palate and stomach satisfaction that would define the conclusion.