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Basic Cooking Knowledge of Food Yields
Apples: 1 pound = 3 medium = 3 cups slices Bananas: 1 pound = 3-4 medium = 1 ½ cups mashed = 2 cups sliced Beans (Dry): 1 pound = 2-2 ½ cups (Dry) = 6 cups cooked Bread Crumbs: 4 sliced bread = 2 cups fresh crumbs = 1 ⅓ cups dry crumbs Butter, Margarine or Shortening: 1 pound = 2 cups Cabbage: 1 pound = 6 cups shredded = 2-3 cups cooked Carrots: 1 pound = 3 cups sliced = 1 ½ cups shredded Cheese: 4 ounces = 1-1 ⅓ cups shredded Coffee: 1 pound = 40-50 cups brewed Cornmeal: 1 pound = 3 cups (Dry) = 12 cups cooked Eggs (Medium): 1 dozen = 2 cups Eggs Whites (Large): 8 eggs = 1 cup All-purpose Flour: 1 pound = 4 cups sifted Whole-wheat Flour: 1 pound = 3 ½-3 ¾ cups Graham Crackers: 12 squares = 1 cup crumbs Ground Meat (Beef, Pork, Turkey): 1 pound = 2 cups ground Lemons: 1 lemon = 2-4 tbsps juice Macaroni, Spaghetti: 1 pound = 5 cups (Dry) = 8-10 cups cooked Evaporated Milk: 6 ounce can = 1 ½ cups reconstituted Oatmeal: ½ cup (Dry) = 1 cup cooked Onions: 1 pound = 3 large Oranges: 1 orange = 6 tbsps juice Potatoes: 1 pound = 3 medium = 3 ½ cups sliced = 2 cups mashed Raisins: 1 pound = 1 ¾-3 cups Rice (White or Brown): 1 pound = 2 ½ cups (Dry) = 7 ½ cups cooked Saltines: 22 crackers = 1 cups crumbs Sugar (White-granulated): 1 pound = 2 cups Sugar (Brown): 1 pound = 2 ¼ cups Yeast (Active Dry): 1 packet = 1 tbsp
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Knowledge of Cooking with Herbs, Spices and Seasoning
Herbs and spices can add flavor and variety to your food. Use a little at first, then add more when you're sure you like the flavor. To substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs, use ¼ tsp powdered or 1 tsp crushed powder in place of 1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs. Some herbs and spices are quite expensive. You may just want to buy some less expensive herbs and spices that you will be using. Herbs and spices will lose their flavor and may go bad or malfunction if stored in the cupboard for more than a year. If you use herbs and spices slowly, buy small containers, or store them in the fridge. Allspice: A mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Use in fruit desserts, pumpkin pie, apple cider, cakes, biscuits, chicken, beef and fish dishes. Basil: Use in tomato and egg dishes, stews, soups and salads. Bay Leaves: Use in tomato dishes, fish and meat dishes. Celery Seed: Use in juices, soups, salads, vegetables, stews, poultry, rolls, and biscuits. Chili Powder: Use in chili, bean and rice dishes. Chives: Use in potato dishes, soups, dips and sauces. Cilantro: Use in Latin American, Indian, and Chinese dishes, salsa, stir fries, bean or rice salad, hot cooked rice, grilled chicken or fish, or a plate of ripe tomatoes. Use fresh if possible. Cinnamon: Use in french toast, fruit and fruit salads, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and squash, puddings and apple desserts, ham or pork chops. Cloves: Use whole cloves on ham or pork roast; use grated cloves to flavor pear or apple desserts, beets, beans, tomatoes, squash, and sweet potatoes. Coriander Seed: Use in Middle Eastern dishes, spice cakes and cookies, soups, roast pork and salad dressing. Cumin: Use in Mexican, Middle Eastern and Indian dishes; beef and lamb, dry bean dishes, marinades, chili and tomato sauces; also use as ingredient in curry powder. Dillweed: Use in tuna or salmon salad, potato salad, pickles, dips and sauces. Garlic: Use in Mexican, Italian and Oriental dishes and in salad dressings; can be also used fresh or dried, minced or powder. Ginger (Fresh): Use in Oriental dishes, marinades for chicken or fish, fruit salad, dressings. Ginger (Ground): Use in gingerbread, spice cake, pumpkin pie, poultry or meat, soups, stews, stuffing, squash, sweet potatoes. Ground Peppers (Black, Cayenne & White Pepper): Use in meats, casseroles, vegetables and soups. Italian Seasoning: A mixture of marjoram, oregano, basil and rosemary; use in Italian dishes such as spaghetti. Marjoram: Use in egg and cheese dishes, meats, fish, poultry and vegetables. Mint: Use in fruit salads and fruit soups, melon, berries, cold fruit drinks, cooked carrots or peas, frozen yogurt soup, lamb, tabbouleh. Mustard: Sauces for meat and fish, in marinades, salad dressings, chutneys, pickles and relishes. Nutmeg: Use in cooked fruits, pies and desserts, baked goods, spinach, sweet potatoes, eggnog and French toast. Onion: Use in any dish calling for an onion flavor; can be used fresh or dried (chopped or powdered). Oregano: Use in Italian food, peppers, omelet, beef stew, meatloaf, pork and vegetables like broccoli or tomatoes. Parsley: Use in meat, soup or vegetable dishes. Paprika: Use in stew, chicken, fish, potatoes, rice and hard boiled eggs. Rosemary: Use in egg dishes, meats, fish, soups and stews, and vegetables. Thyme: Use in fish, poultry or meats, in soups or stews, vegetable salads.
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Perfect Your Holiday Feast: Expert Cooking Tips for the Season
The holiday season is a time for togetherness, celebration, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. Preparing the perfect holiday feast may seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be an enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these tips will help you create a memorable meal for your loved ones. Plus, we’ll show you how using Sensarte Cookware can elevate your cooking game and make the process smoother. 1. Plan Your Menu in Advance A successful holiday feast starts with a well-thought-out menu. Consider the tastes and dietary preferences of your guests, and aim for a balance of dishes. Include: A hearty main course (like roast turkey or glazed ham). Side dishes (think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or stuffing). A mix of warm and cold appetizers. Desserts to finish on a sweet note. With a clear plan, you can avoid last-minute scrambling and ensure every dish gets the attention it deserves. 2. Prep Ahead of Time Cooking a multi-course meal in a single day can be overwhelming. Save time and stress by prepping ingredients and dishes in advance: Chop vegetables and store them in airtight containers. Marinate meats a day ahead for enhanced flavor. Pre-bake or partially cook certain dishes, like casseroles or pies. With Sensarte Nonstick Cookware, your prep work becomes more efficient. For instance, sautéing onions or garlic in a Sensarte Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet ensures they cook evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze. 3. Invest in Quality Cookware The tools you use in the kitchen play a significant role in the outcome of your dishes. Sensarte Cookware, known for its durability and superior nonstick performance, is a must-have for your holiday feast. Here’s why: Nonstick Surfaces: Prevents food from sticking, so you can cook delicate items like crepes or fish fillets with ease. Even Heat Distribution: Ensures your dishes cook uniformly, avoiding burnt edges or undercooked centers. Versatility: With detachable handles, Sensarte nonstick pans can transition from stovetop to oven, making them ideal for dishes like frittatas or baked pasta. 4. Master Your Timing Cooking multiple dishes simultaneously requires excellent timing. Start with recipes that take the longest and work your way down. Use timers and set reminders to avoid overcooking or forgetting items in the oven. For instance, while your roast turkey is in the oven, you can use your Sensarte Nonstick Grill Pan to prepare side dishes like charred Brussels sprouts or grilled asparagus. Its efficient design lets you multitask without worrying about food sticking or burning. 5. Add a Personal Touch Make your holiday feast truly special by adding personal touches. This could be a family recipe, a unique spice blend, or a creative garnish. Sensarte Cookware helps you achieve these details effortlessly. For example: Use a Sensarte Nonstick Sauce Pan to simmer a homemade cranberry sauce, ensuring it doesn’t scorch. Create a luscious gravy in a Sensarte Nonstick Deep Frying Pan, taking advantage of its even heat distribution to eliminate lumps. 6. Keep Your Kitchen Organized A clutter-free kitchen is essential for a smooth cooking experience. Keep your workspace tidy by: Washing utensils and cookware as you go. Setting up stations for chopping, mixing, and cooking. Using Sensarte’s stackable cookware to save counter space. An organized kitchen not only reduces stress but also lets you focus on the joy of cooking. 7. Serve with Style Presentation is key to impressing your guests. Arrange dishes on beautiful platters and garnish them creatively. Even the simplest dishes can look gourmet with the right presentation. For stovetop-to-table convenience, Sensarte Nonstick Cookware shines. With its sleek design, you can serve dishes straight from the pan, maintaining their warmth and saving on cleanup. 8. Don’t Forget Dessert A holiday feast is incomplete without a sweet ending. Use your Sensarte Nonstick Sauce Pan to prepare caramel sauce for a festive bread pudding or a chocolate ganache for a decadent cake. The nonstick surface ensures even heating and hassle-free cleanup, so you can focus on perfecting your dessert. 9. Engage Your Guests Holiday cooking doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Invite family members or friends to help out in the kitchen. Assign tasks like peeling vegetables, stirring sauces, or setting the table. Cooking together not only lightens the workload but also creates cherished memories. 10. Embrace Imperfection Finally, remember that no feast is perfect. A burnt edge or a slightly overcooked dish won’t overshadow the love and effort you’ve poured into the meal. Focus on the joy of bringing everyone together and savor the moment. Conclusion Creating the perfect holiday feast is as much about the experience as it is about the food. With thoughtful planning, quality tools like Sensarte Cookware, and a touch of creativity, you can turn your kitchen into the heart of holiday celebrations. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your Sensarte nonstick pans, and start cooking up a feast that’ll leave your guests raving! Happy Holidays and happy cooking!
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