Keep a bowl of ice water nearby when blanching vegetables. As soon as the vegetables are done cooking, plunge them into the ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve their vibrant colour, texture, and nutrients, ensuring they stay crisp and fresh.

When cooking pasta, save some of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of your pasta sauce, making it stick better to the noodles and enhancing the overall flavour and texture of your dish.

When cooking with spices, especially ground spices like cumin, paprika, or cinnamon, consider toasting them briefly in a dry skillet before adding them to your recipe. Toasting spices enhances their flavor and aroma by releasing their essential oils, resulting in a richer and more intense taste in your dish. Just be careful not to burn them, as they can become bitter if overheated. Enjoy the depth of flavor this simple step can bring to your cooking!

To revive stale bread, sprinkle it lightly with water, wrap it in aluminum foil, and heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. The moisture from the water will help soften the bread, while the foil will prevent it from drying out further. This simple trick will make your bread taste fresh and delicious again!

When you’re sautéing vegetables, make sure your pan is hot before adding them. This helps to quickly sear the vegetables, locking in their natural flavours and nutrients while preventing them from becoming soggy.

Organize your ingredients before you start cooking. This practice, known as “mise en place” (French for “everything in its place”), involves gathering and preparing all your ingredients before you begin cooking. Chop vegetables, measure out spices, and prepare any other components needed for your recipe. Having everything ready and within reach will streamline the cooking process, reduce stress, and help ensure that you don’t forget any ingredients while you’re cooking. Plus, it makes clean-up easier since you’ll have fewer dishes to wash as you go along.

When baking, use room-temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter. This ensures that they blend more evenly into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture and better rise for your baked goods.

When cooking meats like sausages or steaks, always allow them to rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavourful final dish.