Shrooms
when buying regular or exotic mushrooms, look for blemish free and firm specimens. Brush any dirt off with a soft brush. If you must wash, do so right before cooking using cold water and a pinch of flour. Swirl the mushrooms in the water for 20 seconds or so and then remove, this should do the trick.
Keep it cool?
Do not refrigerate tomatoes, it kills the flavor.
Melons, banans, and avocados will ripen at room temperature.
How to cook steak like a pro:
Buy good quality, prime if possible. Buy from a trusted source. Look for well marbled meat.
Let beef come to room temperature before cooking
Season simply, we use salt, pepper, and garlic powder at Divine Prime.
Sear at very high heat. Use sauté pan preheated to as hot as possible or heat grill to highest temperature. Coat meat lightly in oil and season before putting in pan or on grill.
Let rest for a few minutes before cutting into it.
Simple Garnishes:
Food must look beautiful as well as taste great. here are some simple ways to add a little extra beauty.
- use fresh herbs sprigs, use herbs that are in the dish
- dice red tomato or red bell pepper very small, a bruniose. Dry on paper towel.
- thinly slice scallions or chives
- zest lemons or oranges, store in ice water until ready to garnish
- edible flowers such as johnny jump ups and nasturtiams add lots of color and class
- thinly slice red onions, dresge in seasoned flour, pan fry to crisp
- slice scallions lengthwise and store in ice water for curls
- dots or drizzle of a brighlty colored ingredient can garnish a plate.
- slice and fan out for presentation of meats, fruits, etc.
- use "S" curves when plating
- when making large plates, pick a focal point and build items to that point
- alterbate colors when arranging on a platter
Picking Fruit and vegetables (Part 1)
Use all of your senses. Feel, smell, look, taste if possible when picking produce.
Honeydew pick one that is heavy for it's size, stem end should have fragrant aroma, avoid bruises and soft spots. I thump, looking for low hollow sound.
Tomatoes pick one that is heavy for it's size, stem end should smell like a tomato, avoid bruises and soft spots.
Peaches stem end should have fragrant aroma, avoid bruises and soft spots. Flesh should yeild to gentle pressure.
Strawberries should smell like a strawberry, look for even red color, avoid bruises mold.