Explore the kitchen

Cooking Skills

Learn the techniques and care habits behind everyday meals.

Heating a pan before adding food

Preheating depends on the pan, the food and the manufacturer's limits.

Sticking can come from moisture, timing, heat or the condition of the pan.

A little space lets moisture escape and makes browning easier to control.

A lid changes moisture and heat inside the pan, so use it deliberately.

Similar size helps, but density and shape also affect when vegetables become tender.

A secure board and a clear cutting area matter before the first slice.

A bowl, running water and a clean towel can handle a modest amount of greens.

Save the starchy liquid before the pasta reaches the sink.

Use browned residue and a little liquid to build a sauce when the ingredients suit it.

Start with the sauce's ingredients before choosing how to thicken it.

Small adjustments during cooking are easier to control than one large addition at the end.

The rice variety and the cooking method determine the water and timing.