Your Best 'Secret' Cooking Tip...

[OllieMartin]

Leave it on the floor for the dog!

(PS I don't own a dog!)

That's the stage i'm at at the moment as there's no room left on the side

[Flummery]

You'll have to think of something - unleash your creativity!

[RobintheBobin]

When boiling off jelly or jam add a teeny bit of butter to get rid of the white scummy stuff...

[DeanRIowa]

Adding real butter to almost every soup gives them a rich flavor.

Dean

[dexterdoglancashire]

I add varying amounts of whatever chutney I happen to be eating to any stews/casseroles Im making. Mmmmm nice!

[Janna]

Oooh, I like this thread!
Another one is to put a spoonful of chutney into a pan of frying onions, amazing instant relish for burgers and sausages.

[binley100]

For a quick white sauce for lasagna use low fat creme fraiche with grated mozzerella mixed in.

[Newbie]

I was quite proud of the squishing of an Oxo cube before removing the foil bit, but it's not exactly "secret" it would seem.

It was a secret from me, you have since revolutionised my kitchen!

[pigletwillie]

An item that lots of people miss when they are cooking,

Season your food properly and if you can, use sea salt.

[zazen999]

I made a pretty disappointing chilli last night. Might have to try one of these to 'perk it up a bit'.

Ok - did you also add cumin to your chilli?

[OllieMartin]

Ok - did you also add cumin to your chilli?

Can't remember, don't think so. Will definately add some now.

Think the problem was, because I was making quite a bit, I did it in a high-sided pot rather than a shallow pan. It always makes the mince a bit 'squidgy' rather than browning it off properly.

[COMPOST CORNER]

Well I've learned more than I already knew just from reading this thread.

Similar to a few other suggestions, I add either Mango Chutney or Balsamic Vinegar to a bolgnese. The Mango gives it a fruity sweetness, the Balsamic gives it a rich depth, but I wouldn't do the two together.

Anyone got a secret to make all the washing up clean itself? That's my least favourite job and I've still not convinced myself to buy a dishwasher.

I got Married to solve the washing up problem
Seriously though, If I cook Mrs CC washes, If she cooks, I wash up. I enjoy cooking more than Mrs CC so do less washing up.

[zazen999]

Think the problem was, because I was making quite a bit, I did it in a high-sided pot rather than a shallow pan. It always makes the mince a bit 'squidgy' rather than browning it off properly.

Aah yes - that happens. I do most of my sauces/chillis/curries/pasta sauces in a good quality wok.

If I was making alot, I'd start it off and get the onions and stuff all browned in the wok; and then when the watery stuff was being added, then transfer to a big pan.

[HayleyB]

I love this thread, some of these ideas I'd never thought of before, and I thought I was a good cook too

Low fat Cream cheese with milk works well as a white sauce substitute for lasagna...

[Nicos]

If you over cook a soft boiled egg- add a tiny blob of butter onto the yolk!