Skill
T/F: It is more important to use measuring tools for cooking than baking
False
What tool would you use to check if a baked good is done?
Toothpick or knife (comes out clean)
What is the first step in making a making a new recipe?
Read the recipe – make sure you have all of the food, equipment, and time you need.
Name 4 cooking utensils that start with “C
cookie sheet, cutting board, cooling rack, cake pan, cookie cutter, [measuring] cup, etc.
How many teaspoons are in 1 tablespoon
3
How do you know when eggs have gone bad?
they float in cold water (when eggs decompose, more of its mass is converted to gases. These gases are released since the eggshell is porous. When the gas is lost, the density of the egg is less than that of water and the egg floats.)
What tool would you use to check if a chicken breast is done?
Meat thermometer (165F)
Why do liquid measurements not work for dry ingredients?
Dry ingredients become more packed/condensed as they sit. The weight of dry ingredients is more accurate when using dry measuring cups than wet measuring cups.
What does it mean to “cream” ingredient(s)?
to stir one or more foods until they are soft
How much liquid is needed to cook 1/2 cup dry rice?
1 cup liquid (2:1 ratio liquid:dry)
What is the best place to store potatoes?
Cool, dark, dry place (temps around 50 degrees cause a potato’s starch to convert to sugar resulting in a sweet taste and discoloration when cooked)
T/F – I need to sift or fluff dry ingredients like flour, before measuring.
Bonus: why or why not?
True.
If flour has been sitting for months, it's a good idea to sift through a fine-mesh sieve. Otherwise the flour will be dense and ultimately heavier than what the recipe calls for.
Describe the difference between simmer and boil.
Simmer- to cook at a temperature that is just below the boiling point, bubbles form slowly but do not reach the surface
Boil – bubbles break the surface
What does it mean to “fold”?
To gently combine a light, airy mixture with a heavier mixture (such as beaten egg whites with whipped cream or custard) by using a rubber spatula and cutting through the two and turning the mixtures on top of each other until combined
1 standard stick of butter is equivalent to how many cups?
1/2 cup (or 8 tablespoons)
What is the best place to store meat products?
Bottom shelf of fridge where it won’t drip onto other food
What aspect of a stirring utensil is ideal for pans – think of their protection?
Metal only on metal, plastic on pans with non-stick coating
What is the difference between dice and mince?
Dice-cutting food into small cubes of equal size so that the food is evenly cooked and/or pleasant in appearance for the recipe
Mince-cut into very small pieces. This term means the smallest possible pieces; smaller than dice or chop, but not pureed
What does it mean to 'blanch' vegetables
Scalding them in boiling water then plunging them in ice water. It is done to preserve color, flavor, etc
What can I sub 1 small clove garlic?
1/8 tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp pre minced garlic
Oh no! This lunch meat does not have a date. How should I check if it is still edible?
Oh no! You and your friend are making popcorn on the stove and it catches on fire. What is your first action?
When is it more important to minimally stir a batter/dough?
Important to not overmix so batter/dough doesn’t become stiff (overdeveloped gluten matrix)
What is the Maillard reaction?
Chemical reaction that results in the browning of food, creating distinctive flavor
Name 7 herbs/spices/seasonings
allspice, basil, bay leaves, celery seed, chili powder, chives, cilantro, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, garlic, dill weed, ginger, Italian seasoning, marjoram, mint, onion, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, etc.