All posts in Cooking

A Deep Fish Fryer and California Rock Cod Combine to Make a Delicious Meal

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One of my favorite fishing trips is to the north coast of California for rock cod, and one of my favorite ways to prepare it is with a deep fish fryer. The problem is you have to catch it before you can cook it, and thats why I like fishing for rock cod. If you can get your boat in the water, and you know where the reef is, you are going to catch fish. Its just that simple. And a fresh catch along with a deep fish fryer, combine to make a delicious meal.

After all, one of the reasons we fish is to put food on the table. After spending a day on the water, and the time and effort to clean and prep your catch, a tasty meal of deep fried rock cod is a nice reward.

When selecting your deep fryer, the first choice you have to make is, electric or gas. If you’re like me and do a lot of outdoor cooking with no electricity available, your only choice is a propane burner. My favorite is the Bayou Classic fish cookers. They are well built, portable propane burners, and easy to use.

To prepare your rock cod for the deep fryer you will want to fillet them. You will have to cut out the rib cage and check for any other bones you may have missed. Then cut your fillets into 2″ strips. Keeping your pieces of fish approximately the same size, helps ensure that all are properly cooked.

Next, you need to coat your fish. You can use a batter or coat it with egg and breadcrumbs. I generally prefer a beer batter, but, it comes down to personal preference. Just make sure you do coat it. This helps keep the oil out and the moisture in.

Make sure you use a vegetable oil with a high smoking point. I generally use peanut oil, but canola oil or soybean oil will work as well. You need to pre-heat the oil to 350-375 degrees F. You don’t want it to fall much under 350 degrees , or the oil will soak through the batter making the fish taste greasy.

When cooked at the proper temperature, your batter will be a crispy golden brown and the cod will be moist and delicious. So, make sure you have a quality thermometer with your deep fish fryer. If not, you can drop a small piece of bread in the hot oil, if it turns golden brown within 45-60 seconds, the oil temperature is fine.Don’t overload your fryer, as this will lower the oil temperature. Just fry 3 to 6 pieces of fish at a time, depending on the size of your fryer.

And now, it’s time to eat, and there are a variety of tasty ways to consume your deep fried rock cod. It tastes great all by itself, or dip it in your favorite sauce. One of my all time favorites is fish tacos. Whether you like a crispy shell or a soft shell, deep fried cod fits very well in either, and makes for a delicious meal.

So, if you like catching fish, give California rock cod a try. Just remember, you need to know where the reefs are, so make sure you get some local knowledge. Oh yea, and don’t forget your deep fish fryer.

Advantages of a Silicone Cooking Utensil

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In this day and age, one is not surprised to learn that silicone, which used to be a component for computers, microchips and breast implants is now a common material used for cooking utensils. A silicone cooking utensil can actually have a competitive price with cooking utensils made from metal and nylon. There are a variety of cooking utensils that utilize silicone. One common structure for a silicone cooking utensil is to have a wooden handle. This is especially true for spatulas, spoons and others.

There are also many bake ware that are made from silicone. These silicone bake ware needs a firm surface to be laid on if you wish for the cake or to maintain the square or rectangular form you put it in.

Why Use A Silicone Cooking Utensil?

Kitchenware is usually exposed to constant heat and even cold. This is one of the main reasons why a silicone cooking utensil is great for the job. Silicone can withstand heat which can be more than the average stove temperature or oven temperature. It does not lose its form when exposed to heat or cold and silicone also does not retain any smells or colors from the previous foods it has been exposed to. A silicone cooking utensil is also resilient when it comes to being cleaned or washed.

Silicone cooking utensils also have the distinct advantage of not being corrosive to ordinary pr common kitchen substances. It also does not corrode or react negatively to exposure to heat and then cold or vice versa. This means that your silicon cooking utensil will probably last longer than the other kitchen utensils you have with the right care and attention.

One advantage of using a silicone cooking utensil is its gentleness when it comes to dealing with non-stick surfaces. Silicone is softer than wood and can not scratch or damage the surface of non stick pots and pans. Bake ware made from nonstick materials are also exposed to less risk of damage and scratches when the baker uses silicone cooking utensils. Some people may not be aware of it but scratched and damaged nonstick cooking utensils need to be disposed of because exposure to the substances of the scratched surface can lead to cancer and other serious conditions.

These are just several of the advantages of using a silicone cooking utensil. The price of a silicone cooking utensils may seem high but the longevity and sturdiness of the product make sit worthwhile.

Outdoor Cooking Grill Tips

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There is no better means to make food than to have it grilled on an outdoor cooking grill. The healthy mood of being outdoors also compliments perfectly the great quality of food you create when cooking outdoors. Although most people believe outdoor grilling is merely for barbecues, they are not aware of the many things you might do with an outdoor cooking grill such as baking, roasting, searing, steaming and smoking. Cooking utilizing an outdoor cooking grill isn’t only more pleasurable, but as well has a distinct outdoor cooking grill flavor.

Classic Outdoor Grilling

Out-of-doors grilling would in no way be accomplished without some foods that are typically prepared directly on the outdoor cooking grill. Direct outdoor grilling is best for cooking steaks, chops, sausages, fish fillets, kabobs and chicken cuts. Not only does grilling these things make it a lot easier for them to make, but cooking them directly would as well provide them a very agreeable zest that only an outdoor cooking grill could turn out.

As for whole fish, chicken, turkey or ribs, you can use another outdoor grilling method which is referred to as indirect outdoor grilling. This technique involves having only one side of the outdoor cooking grill turned on and putting the things on the other side of the burner that is not hot. A different method of indirect outdoor grilling would require having an aluminum foil placed on the center to regulate the temperature, moisture and adding a special flavor to the objects to be grilled. You might also place spices, lemon juice and other flavorings to improve the flavor of items on the outdoor cooking grill.

Roasting Using The Outdoor Cooking Grill

There are two main methods of roasting that you can perform on the out-of-doors grill. The first is pan roasting; this calls for having an aluminum foil pan on top of the outdoor cooking grill surface and having meats like ham, ducklings or large portions of meat. This process permits the meat to be grilled by its own juices which would drizzle to the pan while cooking and would turn into vapor during the procedure. For extra flavor, you can add spices, wine, lemon juice and additional flavorings to improve it.

The second manner of roasting on the outdoor cooking grill is called spit-roasting. This process is best utilized for poultry, meat and lamb and is known to give these meats with flavor more like themselves. The method is similar to pan roasting, except you have the item rotate over the heat having it constantly soaked in its own broth. The juices gathered here can later be collected and can be utilized as gravy.

Smoking Food Utilizing The Outdoor Cooking Grill

Whilst grilling out-of-doors most fishes, meats, turkeys, whole chicken and game tastes really excellent if smoked. Of all ways of outdoor grilling, smoking is known to have the most distinctive and agreeable flavor and it is fairly easy to achieve. The procedure of smoking calls for the use of firewood which provides that smoky taste to the objects to be grilled on the outdoor cooking grill. To prepare it, have the wood soaked all night in water. Once doing so, place the wet wood in aluminum foil and perforate a few holes on the side. Position holes facing facing up the length of briquettes and you are ready to get smoking.

Utilizing one or two of these uncomplicated secrets will help to change you from an out-of-doors cooking grill zero, to hero, in no time flat!

Flavor from the Far East-How to Add Asian Flare to Your Cooking

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Asian countries have a long and rich culinary tradition. Throughout the vast continent, it is possible to see all manner of ingredients and tastes. There is something unmistakably delicious about certain foods and flavors that capture the imagination of any cook. Dishes from Asian countries often satisfy the appetite without an uncomfortable feeling of fullness that one often finds in Western cuisine.

Every country in the continent has its own unique perspective on Asian cooking. Though the customs from different regions can seem quite different, their commonality is unmistakable. Those who would like to add some of this exquisite experience to their own dining can start by incorporating some of the most important ingredients from Asian cooking into their own kitchen.

Asian Staples

There are a few elements found repeatedly in Asian cooking that are essential to capturing the essence of the cuisine.
Most dishes include rice, because it is the main crop of many Asian countries and is used in almost every capacity. Not only steamed rice, but rice paper and noodles can be included in a meal.
Tofu is often used in vegetarian meals, because it is high in protein. It is used heavily in regions with a tradition of Buddhism.
Sauces are important to flavor rice and stir-fry. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, black bean sauce, and fish sauces are easy to keep on hand.
Tea is not only good for the body; it is the perfect accompaniment to Asian cuisine. Japanese Cooking

The island nation of Japan has an illustrious tradition. Their cuisine is full of fish and other consumables from the sea. Japanese cooking utilizes noodles made of wheat and other materials much more than other Asian dishes.

In order to add some Japanese flavor to meal, try using soy sauce or wasabi. Also, Japanese dishes are characterized by their ordered appearance. Sauces, rice, and main courses are all served in their own individual bowls. This can be seen in popular Japanese foods like sushi and tempura.

The Tastes of China

Traditional Chinese food can be quite different than what is labeled as Chinese in the United States. Many recipes contain large amounts of vegetables like corn, bean sprouts, and shitake mushrooms. Peanuts are also found in many Chinese foods.

The most distinct part of Chinese dining is the serving style. Food should be pre-cut into small pieces. Every diner should get a rice bowl, but other foods should be communal so that the diners may pick what they wish to sample with their chopsticks.

Southeast Asian Dining

Though they are often grouped together, the Southeast Asian countries include Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, and Vietnam among others. These countries all have their own strong dishes and techniques to bring to the kitchen, but have many similarities.

Cooks who want to capture the flavor of this region should look to fish sauces, lemon grass, and spices like turmeric and garlic. These elements are used all over this region because of the high concentration of fishing communities. Most dishes are served with fresh herbs, vegetables and dipping sauces.

Cooking on Your Outdoor Fire Pit

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Have you cooked on your outdoor fire pit? Get the most out of your fire pit. It is not only great for enjoying warmth and relaxation on a cool evening but it is also great for cooking.

Our ancestors have been cooking on open flames for centuries. Knowing how to cook is a necessity for all of us. Cooking on an open fire can be a great activity with your family while teaching your kids a useful skill. Whether you have a permanent or portable fire pit cooking on it makes for great food and fun. You may be having a large gathering with friends or a simple meal with your family, either one your fire pit can be a great way to add uniqueness to your meal. Contains about anything that you cook on your BBQ grill can be just as good and maybe better on your fire pit.

You can enjoy the outdoor cooking experience with any type of wood; any wood burning fire gives food a unique flavor. However, you can also experiment to get specific smoke flavors in your food. Using different types of wood can accent your food with different flavors. There are many different types of wood you can use but you need to be careful that you are going to get a flavor you like.

One key component to flavoring food when using different types of wood is the length of cooking time. The longer you cook the food the more flavors your food will pick up. If you are cooking foods for shorter periods of time the food will not pick up specific flavors. So don’t waste time trying to give specific flavor to fast cooking foods. The specific flavor is going to be dependent on the type of wood you use. Some woods will give a milder flavor while others will give stronger flavors. Woods such as almond, apple, apricot, cherry and citrus will give a milder light fruity flavor, while woods such as birch, maple, and oak give stronger but not over powering flavors. Alder is a traditional wood for smoking Salmon. Woods such as Walnut and Hickory can add strong over powering flavors.

Using a gas fire pit is another great way to cook food. You can use different types of wood chunks for different flavors. You simply moisten the wood chunks, you don’t want them dripping, then wrap them in foil. Poke 2 or 3 holes in the foil to allow smoke to escape. Lay them between the grill and burner. The foil will keep the ashes from getting into the burner and the smoke will flavor your food.

Two of my favorite recipes include:

Fresh Squash or Zucchini

Wash squash or Zucchini

Cut in half length wise

Scrape seeds out of middle

Cover with Zesty Italian dressing

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese

Wrap in foil

Cook on fire until tender

Meat and Vegetable Shish Kabobs

Marinade your favorite meat chunks

Cut up favorite vegetables and marinade – mushrooms, pepper, onion, tomatoes

Place on wooden or metal sticks
alternating meat and vegetables

Place on fire until meat is cooked
through and vegetables are tender

So whatever it may be, a quick hamburger or hot dog meal that will cook quickly or your favorite poultry, leg of lamb or steak, get started now cooking on your outdoor fire pit.