Prepare what you need before you start. It’s how the pros do it and it simplifies the process when you are scrambling to put it all together. This really works and you will wonder why you have not always done things this way.

When using a broiler to cook steaks, pre-heat oven until it’s really hot. This will sear the outside of the meat and keep the juices in. And don’t use a fork to turn the steaks, use thongs or a spatula to prevent juices from leaking out.

Buy yourself a potato ricer for mashed potatoes. It a great gadget to have in your kitchen, it looks like a giant garlic press, costs about six bucks, but there’s nothing better for smooth airy mashed potatoes.

A folding steamer platform that sits in almost any pot works great for your steamed veggies. Important, be careful not to overcook the broccoli, you want it to be crisp but tender. No need for an expensive steamer.

Invest in a salad spinner. They’re inexpensive and work great. A great salad can be ruin in seconds by soggy lettuce.

Justin Wilson always said, “Never cook with any wine you wouldn’t drink!”

Substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary leaves with 1 teaspoon of dried, but fresh is better. Try using a spray olive oil to coat your roasting pan.

To roast garlic, sprinkle the bulb with a little olive oil and white wine, salt and pepper, wrap it in tin foil and roast in a 350 degree oven for approximately one hour.

Try using a hand blender to puree the soup….it’s easier than transferring to food processor.

Mushrooms should be wiped off with a damp cloth and not washed under the faucet since they are like sponges and will absorb the water.

Make sure your roasting pan is the correct size and is placed on the middle rack.

When roasting, save the pan juices for your gravy.

Leeks are full of hard to get at sand and dirt, chop them first, then give them a bath in cold water and drain in a colander.

Try using carrots instead of sugar to sweeten your sauces.

When buying cabbage, look for heads that appear heavier than their size with crisp leaves.

Be sure your grill is hot enough before starting.

Grill meat and veggies about 4 inches from heat source and chicken about 6-8 inches away.

To add more flavor, try adding pre soaked chunks of natural hardwoods like Hickory.

Make sure grill is clean before cooking.

To prevent sticking, brush or spray a light coating of oil on grid.

If your grill has a top, close it to allow smoke to add it’s flavor.

To keep poultry from drying out, grill with bone in and baste continuously.

Poultry dark meat takes longer than white meat so start it sooner.

Sear chicken on the skin side first.

Keeping your kitchen cool during hot summer weather can be a challenge with all the cooking we do for our families. The range oven can generate enough heat to raise the temperature in your kitchen area and put a strain on your checkbook.

Using Alternative Cooking Appliances:

On hot days, plan meals that involve the use of different cooking appliances such as microwaves, crockpots, electric skillets, roaster ovens, grills & griddles, panini & sandwich makers, deep fryers or toaster ovens, which can either eliminate or reduce long range oven use.

A slow cooker is a wonderful way to keep your kitchen cool in the summer. With a slow cooker you can create wonderful meals without heating up your entire kitchen. Plus cooking in a slow cooker allows you to enjoy your day, rather than standing over a hot stove. A slow cooker will keep your kitchen cool in the summer.

If you want to be able to bake, but still keep your kitchen cool you may want to use a toaster oven. A toaster oven will allow you to bake just about anything, without having to use your regular oven. It’s best to have a model that’s big enough to hold regular sized pans so that you can create the same meals that you would in a regular oven.

A George Forman is a great way for you to keep your kitchen cool in the summer if you don’t have a way to cook outside. You can quickly prepare grilled meat and vegetables for a delicious meal. Also the cleanup is a snap.

Serve a Cold Buffet

Cold buffets are very refreshing on hot days and involve very little if any, cooking appliances. A great opportunity to use time-saving appliances like food processors, food choppers, deli slicers, breadmakers, and your beautiful relish and veggie trays.

Not only will these meals be refreshing, but they’ll be healthy as well. You could prepare sandwiches, salads, cold soups, etc. To add protein to your salads, buy chicken strips in the meat section of your supermarket.

Your family will love making their own cold plate from a choice of salads, greens, vegetables and dip, pickles and relishes, assorted cold cuts and fresh bread or buns.

Barbecue or Outside Grill

Barbecuing or grilling in the outdoors adds fun to any meal and keeps your kitchen cool during hot weather. You can cook almost anything on a grill.

Plan a Picnic

The whole family will enjoy a picnic at the beach, a park or in the country. You can even enjoy a picnic in your own back yard. These informal meal settings build great family memories for all involved.

Improve Kitchen Air Circulation & Cooling with a Ceiling Fan

Consider the benefits of changing your kitchen ceiling light to a ceiling fan with lighting fixture, to improve air circulation and provide a cooling breeze in your cooking area. Keep the cook cool and happy during meal preparation. I have a ceiling fan in my kitchen and would not have it any other way. It really helps keep your kitchen cooler.