cooking Archives - thedancingcucumber.com thedancingcucumber.com Thu, 14 Dec 2023 10:05:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 What’s Easier for Beginners: Cooking or Baking? https://thedancingcucumber.com/whats-easier-for-beginners-cooking-or-baking/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:55:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9146 When young chefs first start out on their culinary journey, they may wonder whether or not they should start off with baking or cooking. Sure, you’re more than welcome to do both, but you obviously have to start somewhere. The question is, which one is easier? If you’re contemplating this very question, let’s dive into […]

The post What’s Easier for Beginners: Cooking or Baking? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> When young chefs first start out on their culinary journey, they may wonder whether or not they should start off with baking or cooking. Sure, you’re more than welcome to do both, but you obviously have to start somewhere. The question is, which one is easier? If you’re contemplating this very question, let’s dive into this murky topic and discuss the right answer.

It Depends on Your Preference

The truth is that whichever one is easier will be based on your personality. At first glance, we feel compelled to say that cooking is easier because it’s a lot less rigid with its rules. You can break the mold of the recipe you’re following, and more often than not you’ll probably be good to go. So in that sense, perhaps cooking is easier for beginners. However, there’s also something comforting in following a recipe exactly the way it is, and there are many chefs who find it much easier to do that.

What Do You Love More?

But ultimately, what it really comes down to is which of the two you enjoy more. When it comes to baking or cooking, which of the two excites you more? Each of these paths will be full of obstacles, so the “easier” one will be the one that you love doing!

The post What’s Easier for Beginners: Cooking or Baking? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> How to Prepare a Large Meal On Your Own https://thedancingcucumber.com/how-to-prepare-a-large-meal-on-your-own/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:49:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9003 Preparing a meal for a large group all by yourself can be an overwhelming endeavor. It’s completely natural to feel a bit stressed in such situations, especially if you’re not accustomed to cooking such big meals. But fret not, because you’re not alone in this. There are ways to make this culinary challenge more manageable, […]

The post How to Prepare a Large Meal On Your Own appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Preparing a meal for a large group all by yourself can be an overwhelming endeavor. It’s completely natural to feel a bit stressed in such situations, especially if you’re not accustomed to cooking such big meals. But fret not, because you’re not alone in this. There are ways to make this culinary challenge more manageable, and here’s what they are.

Ask For Help

Before even beginning, don’t just assume that you have to everything yourself. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. While it might seem like a deviation from the initial plan, seeking assistance can significantly ease the burden. Asking friends or family members to lend a hand with chopping vegetables, stirring pots, or setting the table can really make things a lot easier.

Write Down Every Step

A few days ahead of your cooking marathon, put your thoughts and ideas down on paper. Create a detailed plan for the entire cooking process. Start by listing every dish you intend to make and all the ingredients you’ll need. Then, take it a step further by mapping out when you’ll be preparing each dish and how long each step will take. This will give you a lot of peace of mind for your process.

The post How to Prepare a Large Meal On Your Own appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> What Does it Mean to Put Love Into Your Cooking? https://thedancingcucumber.com/what-does-it-mean-to-put-love-into-your-cooking/ Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:39:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=8800 When it comes to cooking a delicious meal, you often hear the phrase that a chef “put their love into it”. But what exactly does this mean? Is this just a goofy phrase to add a little bit of dramatic flair to the dining experience? Or is there something more to it? Here’s what it […]

The post What Does it Mean to Put Love Into Your Cooking? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> When it comes to cooking a delicious meal, you often hear the phrase that a chef “put their love into it”. But what exactly does this mean? Is this just a goofy phrase to add a little bit of dramatic flair to the dining experience? Or is there something more to it? Here’s what it means to put love into your cooking, and why it makes all the difference in the world.

The Bare Minimum

In all the different things we do in life, a person is given a choice. Are they going to do the bare minimum, or are they going to go above and beyond? The spirit behind doing the bare minimum means that a person followed the rules. They did everything they were supposed to do, right? No one can fault a person for doing the bare minimum, because they can always point to the rulebook, or the recipe book, and claim that they did their job.

Going Above and Beyond

However, while doing the bare minimum can technically produce good results, these results are fake and devoid of love and passion. When you do a task out of love and not out of requirement, you go above and beyond. You take an interest in the little things. You put in the extra hours to ensure that the final result is exactly how you want it to be. In conclusion, putting love into a recipe isn’t something that can be quantifiably measured—and yet it’s also the very thing that makes a good recipe great.

The post What Does it Mean to Put Love Into Your Cooking? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> The Best Meal Prep Tips for Beginners That Save Time https://thedancingcucumber.com/the-best-meal-prep-tips-for-beginners-that-save-time/ Sat, 23 Jul 2022 08:02:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=7580 Meal prep is a great idea for anyone who’d rather spend one day cooking and the rest of the week enjoying more free time. Meal prep, however, can get complicated, especially if you’re a beginner. Here’s how to make it work for you and save even more time. View this post on Instagram A post […]

The post The Best Meal Prep Tips for Beginners That Save Time appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Meal prep is a great idea for anyone who’d rather spend one day cooking and the rest of the week enjoying more free time. Meal prep, however, can get complicated, especially if you’re a beginner. Here’s how to make it work for you and save even more time.

Wash Fruit Immediately

If you want to make fruit conveniently available at all times, the best thing you can do is to wash and prep it as soon as you get home with it. Separate it into containers and enjoy a healthy snack whenever you want.

Roast Veggies Together

You know how one-pan meals are amazing because you don’t have to wash a ton of dishes later? Apply the same principle to meal prepping and roast three or four types of vegetables together. Save time on cooking and on washing up!

Cook Meat In No Time

Similarly, you can cook two or three types of meat at once if you wrap each in aluminum foil. Cook chicken, pork, or fish flavored with different seasonings and you’ll have enough meat for a week’s worth of sandwiches, wraps, burritos, and salads.

Make Healthy Snack Portions

If you enjoy healthy snacks like nuts, you already know that they are dense in calories. It’s a good idea to portion them out for the week so you can have just a little and avoid mindlessly eating too much.

The post The Best Meal Prep Tips for Beginners That Save Time appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Baking Vs. Cooking: What’s Easier for Beginners? https://thedancingcucumber.com/baking-vs-cooking-whats-easier-for-beginners/ Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:25:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=8157 Baking and cooking are both two very expansive branches of the culinary arts, and neither of them should be taken lightly. However, if you’re a beginner in the kitchen and you don’t know where to start, there are easy recipes you can make in both avenues. So which one is easier to start with? There […]

The post Baking Vs. Cooking: What’s Easier for Beginners? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Baking and cooking are both two very expansive branches of the culinary arts, and neither of them should be taken lightly. However, if you’re a beginner in the kitchen and you don’t know where to start, there are easy recipes you can make in both avenues. So which one is easier to start with? There is an obvious answer… but it depends.

Baking is Precise

Most people veer towards the idea that baking is definitely harder than cooking. This is because when it comes to measurements of ingredients, baking requires a lot more precision and attention to detail. In that vein, baking is definitely harder. However, there are not-from-scratch options such as Duncan Hines and Pillsbury that allows you to bake cakes with extraordinary ease. And yes, even easier than most dishes that you’d normally cook.

Cooking Has More Leeway

As we mentioned, from a very basic standpoint, cooking is easier than baking. For most dishes that you throw into the oven, even if the recipe looks super complicated, it can be hard to really “mess something up”. You have a bit more freedom to be an artist, if you will, and have some fun with the seasonings—as opposed to baking, where if you mess up the amount of baking soda, your cake is pretty much a goner.

However, the reason we say that it “depends” is strictly because there are very easy instant cakes that you can make, such as the aforementioned Duncan Hines and Pillsbury brands, that taste pretty good. So go with what speaks to you!

The post Baking Vs. Cooking: What’s Easier for Beginners? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> What’s Walnut Oil and How Can You Use It for Cooking https://thedancingcucumber.com/whats-walnut-oil-and-how-can-you-use-it-for-cooking/ Fri, 15 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=7804 Oil is a common cooking ingredient. The most common types of oils are olive and vegetable oils, but there are other kinds you can use when you want to try something new. One of them is walnut oil and here’s what it is and how you can use it. Nuts are known for containing plenty […]

The post What’s Walnut Oil and How Can You Use It for Cooking appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Oil is a common cooking ingredient. The most common types of oils are olive and vegetable oils, but there are other kinds you can use when you want to try something new. One of them is walnut oil and here’s what it is and how you can use it.

Nuts are known for containing plenty of fats, so they can be pressed to release the natural oils found in them. Walnut oil is probably the best example of this and it has been used since ancient times. It’s not a great choice for cooking on high heat, but can be a perfect cold addition to many sweet and savory dishes.

Walnut oil comes with a high cost because it takes about five pounds of walnuts to make one liter of oil. The oils are first toasted and then pressed to get the oil. Some producers use shortcuts like soaking nuts in vegetable oil, which can lead to lower prices but also compromise the quality.

The flavor of walnut oil is light, delicate, and—you guessed it—nutty. It’s best to use cold-pressed and unrefined oil that kept its original nutrients and flavor. However, the processed type can handle heat easier and be a better choice for cooking and sautéing.

The post What’s Walnut Oil and How Can You Use It for Cooking appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Here’s Why Sous Vide Cooking Requires a Lid https://thedancingcucumber.com/heres-why-sous-vide-cooking-requires-a-lid/ Sun, 03 Oct 2021 09:19:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=7703 A sous vide cooker is a fun addition to any kitchen. It will make you feel like a professional chef with little effort and make your time in the kitchen a bit more exciting. Sous vide is a cooking technique that requires sealing food in an air-tight bag and cooking it in a pot of […]

The post Here’s Why Sous Vide Cooking Requires a Lid appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> A sous vide cooker is a fun addition to any kitchen. It will make you feel like a professional chef with little effort and make your time in the kitchen a bit more exciting. Sous vide is a cooking technique that requires sealing food in an air-tight bag and cooking it in a pot of water with optimized temperature. The bag helps your food cook while staying juicy and tender. This technique is great for meat, fish, and eggs.

Learning the Ropes

This all sounds easy and straightforward, but you can definitely have issues if you don’t study a bit before trying it. The details make all the difference. One of them is putting a lid on the cooking pot while the food is inside.

Completely Closed

Putting a lid on can completely change the final outcome of your meal. A lid provides the most control over the temperature of the water, so make sure it’s always closed. This way, the water will heat evenly and cook your food evenly, making sure no parts stay uncooked. It will also slow down the evaporation of the water, so you won’t have to refill the pot as often. Make sure to use the right lid for the pot for the maximum effect, because it shouldn’t be too big or slightly too small.

The post Here’s Why Sous Vide Cooking Requires a Lid appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> 3 Things You Should Know About Copper Cookware https://thedancingcucumber.com/3-things-you-should-know-about-copper-cookware/ Sun, 11 Apr 2021 11:20:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=7246 With so many different options to choose from, buying cookware is not an easy task. This is especially true if you don’t have a lot of experience, like if you’re equipping your first kitchen. If this is the case, have you considered copper pots and pans? Here’s what you should know if you’re considering it. […]

The post 3 Things You Should Know About Copper Cookware appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> With so many different options to choose from, buying cookware is not an easy task. This is especially true if you don’t have a lot of experience, like if you’re equipping your first kitchen. If this is the case, have you considered copper pots and pans? Here’s what you should know if you’re considering it.

They Heat Quickly

There’s no need to preheat the copper pan before you put food in it as it will heat up quickly and evenly as soon as you put it on the stove. Copper distributes the heat evenly and it will also cool down quickly after you’re finished.

They Aren’t 100% Copper

Copper pans and pots usually come lined with some other material, such as stainless steel. Some copper pots and pans are lined with tin, which works well but can melt at high temperatures. This is because copper can easily have a chemical reaction with food and that’s not something you want.

They’re Durable

Copper cookware requires gentle care, and in return, it will last you for years to come. Make sure to use wooden spoons when preparing food and don’t use too much heat. Minor damages can be easily fixed and you can even get a new protective layer of a durable material if needed.

The post 3 Things You Should Know About Copper Cookware appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Tips For Making Delicious Stuffed Vegetables https://thedancingcucumber.com/tips-for-making-delicious-stuffed-vegetables/ Sat, 17 Oct 2020 10:44:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=5775 A pot full of sweet red peppers, stuffed with a delicious mixture of rice, herbs, lentils, and spices on a cold fall day. What could be better than that? If you have acquired the initial skills of basic stuffed veggies, you will be soon able to stuff almost any vegetable.  The basic filling of Mediterranean-style […]

The post Tips For Making Delicious Stuffed Vegetables appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> A pot full of sweet red peppers, stuffed with a delicious mixture of rice, herbs, lentils, and spices on a cold fall day. What could be better than that?

If you have acquired the initial skills of basic stuffed veggies, you will be soon able to stuff almost any vegetable. 

The basic filling of Mediterranean-style stuffed vegetables contains half-cooked rice, lots of herbs, cooked black lentils, spices such as smoked paprika, cinnamon, white pepper, cumin, and chili.

The sauce is a velvety combination of tomato paste, fresh tomatoes, lots of garlic, onions, and water.

The best vegetables for stuffing are those that have a built-in “pocket”—like peppers, pumpkin, and squash. But almost any vegetable can be stuffed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_BEYC0pMdP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Try emptying ripe tomatoes, zucchini, or eggplant and filling them with the rice mixture. It is possible and recommended to also stuff cabbage leaves, vine leaves, and even white onions.

View this post on Instagram

Stuffed vegetables never looked so colourful than these tri-coloured capsicum! A fresh and simple recipe that pairs beautifully with a freshly cut Greek Village salad and hot crusty bread. Come join us @clarenceriverbnb and enjoy a weekend of cooking from scratch and creating delicious flavours using fresh ingredients! Check out our availabilities and prices on our facebook EVENTS page and lock in your spot! Terry Hill is ready to receive your call on 0407 440 055. Who’s joining us? . . . . . #insofiaskitchen #eattheworld #f52grams #beautifulcuisines #cntravelereats #lifeandthyme #eatmoremagic #onmytable #theartofslowcooking #nothingisordinary #makeitdelicious #forkyeah #gatheringslikethese #yahoofood #onthetable #seekthesimplicity #buzzfeast #eeeeeats #foodblogger #healthyish #madewithlove #pocketsofmyhome #flashesofdelight #mediterraneanflavours #foodie #retreats #greekflavours #italianflavours

A post shared by Sophie Stokes (@insofiaskitchen) on

Each vegetable requires a different cooking time, but the vegetables can be cooked together in a large pot over low heat for many hours. Stuffed zucchini will be especially tasty after a short time in a hot oven.

The post Tips For Making Delicious Stuffed Vegetables appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> A Basic Guide To Shopping At A Supermarket Abroad https://thedancingcucumber.com/a-basic-guide-to-shopping-at-a-supermarket-abroad/ Fri, 09 Oct 2020 10:52:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=5523 You went on vacation and are planning to cook a home-cooked meal in the apartment you rented. How fun! The journey to the perfect meal begins with grocery shopping. It is advisable to choose a supermarket that offers fresh and local merchandise—or visit the local farmers market. Purchase local produce like cheeses, pastries and bread, […]

The post A Basic Guide To Shopping At A Supermarket Abroad appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> You went on vacation and are planning to cook a home-cooked meal in the apartment you rented. How fun!

The journey to the perfect meal begins with grocery shopping. It is advisable to choose a supermarket that offers fresh and local merchandise—or visit the local farmers market. Purchase local produce like cheeses, pastries and bread, and vegetables.

Do online research and see what kind of raw materials characterize the area. If you are in Madrid, you will probably want to buy fresh octopus. If you are in France, you will surely buy a baguette and excellent cheese. If you are in Germany, you can enjoy a selection of fresh potatoes and asparagus in the spring season.

Ask your local friends where they recommend to go for food shopping, and whether certain raw materials are especially recommended this season. For example, some countries offer charming and fresh pumpkins in the fall season.

If you are sensitive to a particular food or have allergies and the components of the product are unfamiliar to you, do not take any risks.

Try to buy organic and unprocessed products, and of course—take lots of photos for Instagram!

The post A Basic Guide To Shopping At A Supermarket Abroad appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> cooking Archives - thedancingcucumber.com thedancingcucumber.com Thu, 14 Dec 2023 10:05:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 What’s Easier for Beginners: Cooking or Baking? https://thedancingcucumber.com/whats-easier-for-beginners-cooking-or-baking/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:55:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9146 When young chefs first start out on their culinary journey, they may wonder whether or not they should start off with baking or cooking. Sure, you’re more than welcome to do both, but you obviously have to start somewhere. The question is, which one is easier? If you’re contemplating this very question, let’s dive into […]

The post What’s Easier for Beginners: Cooking or Baking? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> When young chefs first start out on their culinary journey, they may wonder whether or not they should start off with baking or cooking. Sure, you’re more than welcome to do both, but you obviously have to start somewhere. The question is, which one is easier? If you’re contemplating this very question, let’s dive into this murky topic and discuss the right answer.

It Depends on Your Preference

The truth is that whichever one is easier will be based on your personality. At first glance, we feel compelled to say that cooking is easier because it’s a lot less rigid with its rules. You can break the mold of the recipe you’re following, and more often than not you’ll probably be good to go. So in that sense, perhaps cooking is easier for beginners. However, there’s also something comforting in following a recipe exactly the way it is, and there are many chefs who find it much easier to do that.

What Do You Love More?

But ultimately, what it really comes down to is which of the two you enjoy more. When it comes to baking or cooking, which of the two excites you more? Each of these paths will be full of obstacles, so the “easier” one will be the one that you love doing!

The post What’s Easier for Beginners: Cooking or Baking? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> How to Prepare a Large Meal On Your Own https://thedancingcucumber.com/how-to-prepare-a-large-meal-on-your-own/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:49:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9003 Preparing a meal for a large group all by yourself can be an overwhelming endeavor. It’s completely natural to feel a bit stressed in such situations, especially if you’re not accustomed to cooking such big meals. But fret not, because you’re not alone in this. There are ways to make this culinary challenge more manageable, […]

The post How to Prepare a Large Meal On Your Own appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Preparing a meal for a large group all by yourself can be an overwhelming endeavor. It’s completely natural to feel a bit stressed in such situations, especially if you’re not accustomed to cooking such big meals. But fret not, because you’re not alone in this. There are ways to make this culinary challenge more manageable, and here’s what they are.

Ask For Help

Before even beginning, don’t just assume that you have to everything yourself. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. While it might seem like a deviation from the initial plan, seeking assistance can significantly ease the burden. Asking friends or family members to lend a hand with chopping vegetables, stirring pots, or setting the table can really make things a lot easier.

Write Down Every Step

A few days ahead of your cooking marathon, put your thoughts and ideas down on paper. Create a detailed plan for the entire cooking process. Start by listing every dish you intend to make and all the ingredients you’ll need. Then, take it a step further by mapping out when you’ll be preparing each dish and how long each step will take. This will give you a lot of peace of mind for your process.

The post How to Prepare a Large Meal On Your Own appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> What Does it Mean to Put Love Into Your Cooking? https://thedancingcucumber.com/what-does-it-mean-to-put-love-into-your-cooking/ Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:39:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=8800 When it comes to cooking a delicious meal, you often hear the phrase that a chef “put their love into it”. But what exactly does this mean? Is this just a goofy phrase to add a little bit of dramatic flair to the dining experience? Or is there something more to it? Here’s what it […]

The post What Does it Mean to Put Love Into Your Cooking? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> When it comes to cooking a delicious meal, you often hear the phrase that a chef “put their love into it”. But what exactly does this mean? Is this just a goofy phrase to add a little bit of dramatic flair to the dining experience? Or is there something more to it? Here’s what it means to put love into your cooking, and why it makes all the difference in the world.

The Bare Minimum

In all the different things we do in life, a person is given a choice. Are they going to do the bare minimum, or are they going to go above and beyond? The spirit behind doing the bare minimum means that a person followed the rules. They did everything they were supposed to do, right? No one can fault a person for doing the bare minimum, because they can always point to the rulebook, or the recipe book, and claim that they did their job.

Going Above and Beyond

However, while doing the bare minimum can technically produce good results, these results are fake and devoid of love and passion. When you do a task out of love and not out of requirement, you go above and beyond. You take an interest in the little things. You put in the extra hours to ensure that the final result is exactly how you want it to be. In conclusion, putting love into a recipe isn’t something that can be quantifiably measured—and yet it’s also the very thing that makes a good recipe great.

The post What Does it Mean to Put Love Into Your Cooking? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> The Best Meal Prep Tips for Beginners That Save Time https://thedancingcucumber.com/the-best-meal-prep-tips-for-beginners-that-save-time/ Sat, 23 Jul 2022 08:02:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=7580 Meal prep is a great idea for anyone who’d rather spend one day cooking and the rest of the week enjoying more free time. Meal prep, however, can get complicated, especially if you’re a beginner. Here’s how to make it work for you and save even more time. View this post on Instagram A post […]

The post The Best Meal Prep Tips for Beginners That Save Time appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Meal prep is a great idea for anyone who’d rather spend one day cooking and the rest of the week enjoying more free time. Meal prep, however, can get complicated, especially if you’re a beginner. Here’s how to make it work for you and save even more time.

Wash Fruit Immediately

If you want to make fruit conveniently available at all times, the best thing you can do is to wash and prep it as soon as you get home with it. Separate it into containers and enjoy a healthy snack whenever you want.

Roast Veggies Together

You know how one-pan meals are amazing because you don’t have to wash a ton of dishes later? Apply the same principle to meal prepping and roast three or four types of vegetables together. Save time on cooking and on washing up!

Cook Meat In No Time

Similarly, you can cook two or three types of meat at once if you wrap each in aluminum foil. Cook chicken, pork, or fish flavored with different seasonings and you’ll have enough meat for a week’s worth of sandwiches, wraps, burritos, and salads.

Make Healthy Snack Portions

If you enjoy healthy snacks like nuts, you already know that they are dense in calories. It’s a good idea to portion them out for the week so you can have just a little and avoid mindlessly eating too much.

The post The Best Meal Prep Tips for Beginners That Save Time appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Baking Vs. Cooking: What’s Easier for Beginners? https://thedancingcucumber.com/baking-vs-cooking-whats-easier-for-beginners/ Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:25:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=8157 Baking and cooking are both two very expansive branches of the culinary arts, and neither of them should be taken lightly. However, if you’re a beginner in the kitchen and you don’t know where to start, there are easy recipes you can make in both avenues. So which one is easier to start with? There […]

The post Baking Vs. Cooking: What’s Easier for Beginners? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Baking and cooking are both two very expansive branches of the culinary arts, and neither of them should be taken lightly. However, if you’re a beginner in the kitchen and you don’t know where to start, there are easy recipes you can make in both avenues. So which one is easier to start with? There is an obvious answer… but it depends.

Baking is Precise

Most people veer towards the idea that baking is definitely harder than cooking. This is because when it comes to measurements of ingredients, baking requires a lot more precision and attention to detail. In that vein, baking is definitely harder. However, there are not-from-scratch options such as Duncan Hines and Pillsbury that allows you to bake cakes with extraordinary ease. And yes, even easier than most dishes that you’d normally cook.

Cooking Has More Leeway

As we mentioned, from a very basic standpoint, cooking is easier than baking. For most dishes that you throw into the oven, even if the recipe looks super complicated, it can be hard to really “mess something up”. You have a bit more freedom to be an artist, if you will, and have some fun with the seasonings—as opposed to baking, where if you mess up the amount of baking soda, your cake is pretty much a goner.

However, the reason we say that it “depends” is strictly because there are very easy instant cakes that you can make, such as the aforementioned Duncan Hines and Pillsbury brands, that taste pretty good. So go with what speaks to you!

The post Baking Vs. Cooking: What’s Easier for Beginners? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> What’s Walnut Oil and How Can You Use It for Cooking https://thedancingcucumber.com/whats-walnut-oil-and-how-can-you-use-it-for-cooking/ Fri, 15 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=7804 Oil is a common cooking ingredient. The most common types of oils are olive and vegetable oils, but there are other kinds you can use when you want to try something new. One of them is walnut oil and here’s what it is and how you can use it. Nuts are known for containing plenty […]

The post What’s Walnut Oil and How Can You Use It for Cooking appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Oil is a common cooking ingredient. The most common types of oils are olive and vegetable oils, but there are other kinds you can use when you want to try something new. One of them is walnut oil and here’s what it is and how you can use it.

Nuts are known for containing plenty of fats, so they can be pressed to release the natural oils found in them. Walnut oil is probably the best example of this and it has been used since ancient times. It’s not a great choice for cooking on high heat, but can be a perfect cold addition to many sweet and savory dishes.

Walnut oil comes with a high cost because it takes about five pounds of walnuts to make one liter of oil. The oils are first toasted and then pressed to get the oil. Some producers use shortcuts like soaking nuts in vegetable oil, which can lead to lower prices but also compromise the quality.

The flavor of walnut oil is light, delicate, and—you guessed it—nutty. It’s best to use cold-pressed and unrefined oil that kept its original nutrients and flavor. However, the processed type can handle heat easier and be a better choice for cooking and sautéing.

The post What’s Walnut Oil and How Can You Use It for Cooking appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Here’s Why Sous Vide Cooking Requires a Lid https://thedancingcucumber.com/heres-why-sous-vide-cooking-requires-a-lid/ Sun, 03 Oct 2021 09:19:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=7703 A sous vide cooker is a fun addition to any kitchen. It will make you feel like a professional chef with little effort and make your time in the kitchen a bit more exciting. Sous vide is a cooking technique that requires sealing food in an air-tight bag and cooking it in a pot of […]

The post Here’s Why Sous Vide Cooking Requires a Lid appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> A sous vide cooker is a fun addition to any kitchen. It will make you feel like a professional chef with little effort and make your time in the kitchen a bit more exciting. Sous vide is a cooking technique that requires sealing food in an air-tight bag and cooking it in a pot of water with optimized temperature. The bag helps your food cook while staying juicy and tender. This technique is great for meat, fish, and eggs.

Learning the Ropes

This all sounds easy and straightforward, but you can definitely have issues if you don’t study a bit before trying it. The details make all the difference. One of them is putting a lid on the cooking pot while the food is inside.

Completely Closed

Putting a lid on can completely change the final outcome of your meal. A lid provides the most control over the temperature of the water, so make sure it’s always closed. This way, the water will heat evenly and cook your food evenly, making sure no parts stay uncooked. It will also slow down the evaporation of the water, so you won’t have to refill the pot as often. Make sure to use the right lid for the pot for the maximum effect, because it shouldn’t be too big or slightly too small.

The post Here’s Why Sous Vide Cooking Requires a Lid appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> 3 Things You Should Know About Copper Cookware https://thedancingcucumber.com/3-things-you-should-know-about-copper-cookware/ Sun, 11 Apr 2021 11:20:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=7246 With so many different options to choose from, buying cookware is not an easy task. This is especially true if you don’t have a lot of experience, like if you’re equipping your first kitchen. If this is the case, have you considered copper pots and pans? Here’s what you should know if you’re considering it. […]

The post 3 Things You Should Know About Copper Cookware appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> With so many different options to choose from, buying cookware is not an easy task. This is especially true if you don’t have a lot of experience, like if you’re equipping your first kitchen. If this is the case, have you considered copper pots and pans? Here’s what you should know if you’re considering it.

They Heat Quickly

There’s no need to preheat the copper pan before you put food in it as it will heat up quickly and evenly as soon as you put it on the stove. Copper distributes the heat evenly and it will also cool down quickly after you’re finished.

They Aren’t 100% Copper

Copper pans and pots usually come lined with some other material, such as stainless steel. Some copper pots and pans are lined with tin, which works well but can melt at high temperatures. This is because copper can easily have a chemical reaction with food and that’s not something you want.

They’re Durable

Copper cookware requires gentle care, and in return, it will last you for years to come. Make sure to use wooden spoons when preparing food and don’t use too much heat. Minor damages can be easily fixed and you can even get a new protective layer of a durable material if needed.

The post 3 Things You Should Know About Copper Cookware appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Tips For Making Delicious Stuffed Vegetables https://thedancingcucumber.com/tips-for-making-delicious-stuffed-vegetables/ Sat, 17 Oct 2020 10:44:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=5775 A pot full of sweet red peppers, stuffed with a delicious mixture of rice, herbs, lentils, and spices on a cold fall day. What could be better than that? If you have acquired the initial skills of basic stuffed veggies, you will be soon able to stuff almost any vegetable.  The basic filling of Mediterranean-style […]

The post Tips For Making Delicious Stuffed Vegetables appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> A pot full of sweet red peppers, stuffed with a delicious mixture of rice, herbs, lentils, and spices on a cold fall day. What could be better than that?

If you have acquired the initial skills of basic stuffed veggies, you will be soon able to stuff almost any vegetable. 

The basic filling of Mediterranean-style stuffed vegetables contains half-cooked rice, lots of herbs, cooked black lentils, spices such as smoked paprika, cinnamon, white pepper, cumin, and chili.

The sauce is a velvety combination of tomato paste, fresh tomatoes, lots of garlic, onions, and water.

The best vegetables for stuffing are those that have a built-in “pocket”—like peppers, pumpkin, and squash. But almost any vegetable can be stuffed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_BEYC0pMdP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Try emptying ripe tomatoes, zucchini, or eggplant and filling them with the rice mixture. It is possible and recommended to also stuff cabbage leaves, vine leaves, and even white onions.

View this post on Instagram

Stuffed vegetables never looked so colourful than these tri-coloured capsicum! A fresh and simple recipe that pairs beautifully with a freshly cut Greek Village salad and hot crusty bread. Come join us @clarenceriverbnb and enjoy a weekend of cooking from scratch and creating delicious flavours using fresh ingredients! Check out our availabilities and prices on our facebook EVENTS page and lock in your spot! Terry Hill is ready to receive your call on 0407 440 055. Who’s joining us? . . . . . #insofiaskitchen #eattheworld #f52grams #beautifulcuisines #cntravelereats #lifeandthyme #eatmoremagic #onmytable #theartofslowcooking #nothingisordinary #makeitdelicious #forkyeah #gatheringslikethese #yahoofood #onthetable #seekthesimplicity #buzzfeast #eeeeeats #foodblogger #healthyish #madewithlove #pocketsofmyhome #flashesofdelight #mediterraneanflavours #foodie #retreats #greekflavours #italianflavours

A post shared by Sophie Stokes (@insofiaskitchen) on

Each vegetable requires a different cooking time, but the vegetables can be cooked together in a large pot over low heat for many hours. Stuffed zucchini will be especially tasty after a short time in a hot oven.

The post Tips For Making Delicious Stuffed Vegetables appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> A Basic Guide To Shopping At A Supermarket Abroad https://thedancingcucumber.com/a-basic-guide-to-shopping-at-a-supermarket-abroad/ Fri, 09 Oct 2020 10:52:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=5523 You went on vacation and are planning to cook a home-cooked meal in the apartment you rented. How fun! The journey to the perfect meal begins with grocery shopping. It is advisable to choose a supermarket that offers fresh and local merchandise—or visit the local farmers market. Purchase local produce like cheeses, pastries and bread, […]

The post A Basic Guide To Shopping At A Supermarket Abroad appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> You went on vacation and are planning to cook a home-cooked meal in the apartment you rented. How fun!

The journey to the perfect meal begins with grocery shopping. It is advisable to choose a supermarket that offers fresh and local merchandise—or visit the local farmers market. Purchase local produce like cheeses, pastries and bread, and vegetables.

Do online research and see what kind of raw materials characterize the area. If you are in Madrid, you will probably want to buy fresh octopus. If you are in France, you will surely buy a baguette and excellent cheese. If you are in Germany, you can enjoy a selection of fresh potatoes and asparagus in the spring season.

Ask your local friends where they recommend to go for food shopping, and whether certain raw materials are especially recommended this season. For example, some countries offer charming and fresh pumpkins in the fall season.

If you are sensitive to a particular food or have allergies and the components of the product are unfamiliar to you, do not take any risks.

Try to buy organic and unprocessed products, and of course—take lots of photos for Instagram!

The post A Basic Guide To Shopping At A Supermarket Abroad appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]>