Real Simple Cooking School
The truth? There’s no real magic to cooking, just some simple know-how. These videos demonstrate the basics.
The Basics
How To: Slice an Onion
Onions are notorious for making people cry. The reason? Slicing into a bulb releases enzymes, which react with the air to
form sulfuric acid that has an immediate tearing effect on our sensitive eyes. The best way to reduce tears is to handle the
onion for the shortest time possible, using this quick, efficient slicing method.
How To: Chop Rosemary and Thyme
Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme make a world of difference to the flavor of your dishes. This video shows how to prep
and chop them, quickly and efficiently.
1 Easy Technique for Hard-Boiling Eggs
How To: Cook Pasta
1 Foolproof Way to Cook Rice
How To: Measure Dry Ingredients
More Advanced
How To: Choose and Prepare an Artichoke
Artichokes are tasty, but preparing them can be daunting. With the hassle-free technique in this video, you’ll be rid of this
vegetable’s thick, thorny leaves in no time―and can move on to enjoying the fruits of your labor.
How To: Make Your Own Piecrust
Easy enough for first-timers, this surprisingly simple tutorial will make even the most reluctant bakers into believers. This
recipe makes one 9-inch piecrust with just 10 minutes of hands-on time (total time: 1 hour, 40 minutes).
Essential Ingredients for French Cooking Checklist
Stock your pantry with a few basic ingredients to create an authentic French meal.
- Bread: Ideally, serve it in baguette form. It’s definitely worth searching out at a local bakery.
- Butter: Butter is not typically offered on the table alongside the bread. However, it is a key component in French cooking and baking, so buy the best high-butterfat brand your budget permits.
- Cheese: Considered a separate course in many French meals, a selection of cheese is always good to have on hand. French cheeses are
a solid place to start (think Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort).
Related: Cheese Varieties
