Happy Mother’s Day!
Years ago I was asked to write about what I’ve learned from my mother about cooking.
I’m still learning from her, though now occasionally she learns something from me too.
Elise Bauer and Guy Michelier
;-)
My mother is one of those intuitive cooks in the kitchen.
Having raised six kids, she doesn’t follow recipes anymore.
If you watch her while she cooks, the timing just appears to happen seamlessly.
Elise and her mom in her mom’s kitchen.Elise Bauer and Guy Michelier
She’s always tasting whatever she is cooking, and adjusting the seasonings.
What are some of things about food and cooking my mother has taught me over the years?
Here goes:
1.
Alicia Souza
Do not be afraid of using salt, sugar, or fatin your cooking.
They’re important for flavor and everything is okay in moderation.
Taste while you’re cooking.Taste when you think it’s done.
Elise Bauer and Guy Michelier
To achieve the right balance of flavors you have to taste and make adjustments.
Same goes for salad dressings.
Remember to put plenty of salt in your pasta water!
Buy and cook what’s in season.It will taste better and be cheaper.
If you don’t know what’s in season, ask.
The people working in the produce department at grocery stores are usually more than happy to help.
Always read the ingredient labelon the box or can.
They put all sorts of junk in things these days.
That one will be the juiciest.
Do not be afraid to use these fats (in moderation, of course).
Fry foods with an oil with a high smoke point, such as rice bran oil or grapeseed oil.
Olive oil is great for daily cooking needs.
Regardless of the latest diet craze, your body needs fat to function well.
So don’t be afraid of it.
Eat fresh fish the day you buy itand keep it cold before you cook it.
Fish is best when very fresh.
If you want your meat to brown, don’t stir it, and don’t crowd the pan.
Just let it sit there in the hot pan, until it is browned on one side.
Then stir, or flip.
Buy and use apressure cooker.Don’t be afraid of them.
The new ones have all these great safety features.
You’ll save plenty of time cooking with a pressure cooker, especially when cooking dry beans.
Do not eat the same foods every day.
Our bodies are designed for variety.
This list could easily go on, actually.
My mother is beautiful, curious, kind, strong, happy and healthy.
Everything I know about food and cooking is inspired by her example.
One doesn’t get luckier than that.
Feel free to share on social media!
