COOKING TIPS

When seasoning food to taste , I like to use sea salt and cracked black pepper . Acidulated water is a mixture is a mixture of water and lemon juice , it prevents discolouration . Non reactive bowls are made from glass, ceramic or plastic . Use these in preference to metal bowls when marinating to prevent the acid in marinades reacting with the metal and imparting a metllic taste . To blanch an ingredient , cook it briefly in boiling water, then drain it . To refresh it , plunge it in a bowl of iced water , this stops the cooking process , then drain it . To dry roast spices , cook the spices in a dry pan , stirring continuously over a medium / high heat until they are fragrant . The cooking time will vary depending on what spices you are using .