Whether you’re an expert or novice in the kitchen, there are some things that you should know before you put your chef’s hat on.
Starting with, the FlavorStone Pan That Can. Whether you want to roast, grill, bake, saute, stir fry or deep fry, the FlavorStone from Thane is everything you need and more! You can use The Pan That Can on gas, induction, electric and ceramic hobs, as well as in your oven and on your grill. Its square shape, deep walls and diamond coating means you can cook tasty meals easily and quickly, without worrying about dirty pots and pans piling up!
We’ve put together some simple do’s and don’ts for stress-free, straightforward cooking when using the FlavorStone.
- DON’T try a new recipe when entertaining
If it’s your turn to host, you may be tempted to try that new, delicious recipe you’ve been meaning to give a go. This could be a risky move. Even if you’re an experienced cook, mistakes can happen, especially when you’re not familiar with the ingredients, method or timings. It’s also likely that you’ll be stuck in the kitchen the whole time, instead of socialising with your guests. So, next time you’re entertaining, stick to a tried-and-tested dish.
- DON’T be afraid to set off the smoke alarm
With certain meals, you have to be prepared for your kitchen to get a little smoky. This is often the case when cooking mouth-watering meat dishes, like steak. The meat has to be dry and the FlavorStone should be smoking hot, which could set off your smoke alarm! But it’s worth it to achieve true perfection, right?
- DO read the whole recipe
Just like setting up a board game or building your own furniture, it’s always important to read the instructions. And a recipe is no different. You should read it from start to finish, so you don’t miss anything. You should start by checking and collecting the ingredients and equipment. Then follow the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through each part of the recipe and help you turn those ingredients into your finished and flavoursome meal.
- DO save bacon fat
If you enjoy a bacon sandwich or fry up for your breakfast, a simple cooking hack that many people forget is to save the bacon fat. This top tip may have fallen by the wayside over the years, but it’s a great way to add flavour to your future dishes, can be used as a substitute for butter when cooking and makes cleaning your equipment easier.
We suggest waiting for the bacon fat to solidify into a pale layer of fat before you transfer it to your tupperware.
- DON’T rely on salt
Table salt has many uses and not just in the kitchen. It can also come in handy when cleaning your home.
Amateur or otherwise, any chef knows that salt makes food taste better, by reducing bitterness and enhancing sweetness. We all need salt to control the water levels in our body. But too much salt in our diet can have a negative effect on our health and lead to high blood pressure.
The good news, salt isn’t the only answer to adding flavour to your food. Instead, why not try citrus juices like lemon or lime? Or add fresh herbs, seasoning or garlic to your recipes.
- DO take care of your knives
A blunt knife can be a cook’s worst nightmare. There’s nothing more frustrating and difficult than trying to chop your ingredients with a dull-edged blade. It can affect the look, taste and consistency of your dish. That’s why it’s important to take care of your knives. You can do this by regularly sharpening your knives, cutting ingredients properly, washing your knives by hand and storing them carefully.
- DO try chicken thighs
Chicken thighs can be used in all the same ways as chicken breasts and the calories are about the same. But many of us choose the latter for our meals. If you want to switch things up, you might find that chicken thighs are juicier, more flavoursome and are often cheaper to buy.
- DO treat your herbs like flowers
If you want to make the most of your herbs and use them for longer, you should take care of them properly – just like how you treat your flowers. Don’t toss them to the back of the fridge, use twist ties or bands to keep them together, trim any stems and cut off anything that’s dead. Then place them in a jar with the ends submerged in water to help keep them fresh.
- DO toss your old spices
You wouldn’t keep any out-of-date food in your kitchen cupboards, so why leave flavourless spices in there, too? Ground spices can go bad pretty quickly (not ‘bad’ like milk goes, don’t worry). But if they don’t smell like anything, it’s most likely they won’t be adding any flavour to your food. It’s time to throw them out!
- DON’T give up
A rule of life, not just in the kitchen. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again! Whether you’re a beginner cooking for the first time or an experienced chef trying to master your culinary skills, many of us don’t get it right first time. So, take the pressure off. Enjoy what you’re doing and don’t throw in the kitchen towel!
Click here to learn more cooking tips and recipes to try with the FlavorStone.