Mastering the Art of Cooking Without Recipes

To prepare foods without following specific recipes, you may find it helpful to keep a few points in mind.

Creating Your Own Stew

• Always remember to brown the onions and meat first.
• Add water and vegetables according to their cooking times:
  • Carrots and potatoes first.
  • Celery later.

Cooking Pasta and Rice

• Pasta: Use about two times as much water as pasta.
  • Bring salted water to a boil before adding pasta.
  • Add butter or oil to prevent water from boiling over and pasta from sticking.
  • Cover and cook at a low, bubbling temperature.
• Rice:
  • For precooked rice, add it to boiling water.
  • Allow the water to return to a boil.
  • Remove from heat and let it stand for about 5 minutes to swell.

General Cooking Rules

• Salt: Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt for each pound of meat.
• Baking Powder: Use 1 tablespoon for every 2 cups of flour.
• Flour: Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of flour.
• Thickening: Use 2 tablespoons of flour for each cup of liquid (medium thickness).
• Powdered Milk: Use 1/3 cup of instant powdered milk for each cup of water.

Final Tip for Creative Cooking

Never be afraid to try something completely different in your cooking—indoors or out!