Kitchen Skills

This section is packed full of information that even the most seasoned chefs will find useful!


What’s in Season?

Using seasonal fruit and vegetables is the tastiest choice, as well as being more economical – it also means that availability from your local suppliers is more likely, which all goes to help reduce our food’s carbon footprint. Search by month for what’s in season now, and then get cooking!


Step-by-Step

Methodical step-by-step instructions to show you how to take charge in the kitchen and boost your skills with topics ranging from beginner to advanced.


Conversions

Quick and easy measurement and temperature conversion charts to make life easier for you!


Ask Easy Food

Our readers ask their kitchen questions!


Glossary

Kitchen, cookery and food terms explained.

How to blanch vegetables

Blanching vegetables

Blanching is a cooking technique used to keep vegetables crisp and tender. By boiling vegetables briefly, chilling them in water, then reheating them slowly, blanching preserves texture, colour and flavour. This works great with vegetables for salads such as broccoli, green beans and peas, or to keep vegetables crispy in stir-fries and bakes. After blanching, the vegetables will be cold …

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Top Tips to Reduce Your Shopping Bill

shopping bags - 72dpi

We all give in to the impulses of shopping aisles every now and then, but here are a few pointers to help keep you (and your wallet!) happy. Plan your meals The most important step in keeping costs down is to plan your week’s meals ahead of time, rather than end up tempted by the lure of a takeaway when …

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A Slow Burn

Top tips for slow cooking success How long do I cook for? In general, one hour on high is equal to two hours on low, so you can tailor your recipes to the amount of time you have available. A recipe that needs 4-6 hours on high will usually take 6-8 hours on medium and 8-10 hours on low. How …

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How To…Skin A Tomato

How To... Skin a Tomato

When it comes to homemade pasta sauces, baby food, or a variety of other dishes, knowing how to efficiently skin a tomato is vital. Method 1. Cut a cross in the top of the tomatoes and gouge out the cores. 2. Drop the tomatoes into boiling water until the skin starts to split (about 10-20 seconds). Take them out and …

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