Category Archives: Cooking MiniTip

TL;DR Make a checklist (either paper or electronic) of groceries you need and cross them off as you get it at the store. This week, find a recipe that you think you can do. Take a picture and share it with me on Facebook or twitter at @ill_chef Tip Expanded Another seemingly obvious one thatContinue reading “Grocery Shopping Checklist: MiniTip XXIII”

TL;DR You can use the microwave or stove to reheat your food. A good tip is to defrost everything until it is at least cold, but not frozen, then cook each on high until they are as warm as you want. This week, find a recipe that you think you can do. Take a pictureContinue reading “How to Reheat Food: MiniTip XXI”

TL;DR Measuring your ingredients before you start cooking can relieve a lot of the stress involved in cooking. Tip Expanded So you found a sauce recipe that you want to make, but it is one where you put things into the pan one at a time. First the oil, then the onions, then the garlic,Continue reading “Measure Ingredients before You Start Cooking: MiniTip XX”

TL;DR Big batch cooking is a powerful technique you can use to optimize your time and energy. One strategy you can use is to write down the amounts of ingredients needed for your big batch meal. Tip Expanded When you are chronically ill, it is very important to optimize your time and energy when cooking.Continue reading “Big Batch Cooking: MiniTip XIX”

TL;DR Here are some tips for keeping cool when you are in the kitchen: Sit when you can Open a window if it’s cool outside Bring a fan into the kitchen and sit by it Put ice packs on your neck and wrist Tip Expanded When you are chronically ill, lots of things can goContinue reading “How to Stay Cool in the Kitchen: MiniTip XVIII”

TL;DR It is important to hone your knives when they begin to get dull because the most dangerous item in the kitchen is a dull knife. You can hone it with a honing steel. Watch this video if you need a demonstration. Tip Expanded So, if you look at some knives, they have visible serratedContinue reading “How, Why, and When to Hone a Knife: MiniTip XVII”

TL;DR The slow cooker is an amazing tool for chronically ill people and people who don’t have time to cook. You just throw a bunch of ingredients in and it cooks it all for you while you are sleeping or at work. Tip Expanded The Slow Cooker, the crockpot, the dump-and-walk-(away). It’s an amazing toolContinue reading “The Slow Cooker: MiniTip XVI”

TL;DR Some ways of remembering to turn off the stove and oven: Set an alarm on your phone that is double the cooking time. Make it a habit of taking a picture of the stove after you turn everything is off. Turning on “Cooking Time,” if your oven has it for double the time thatContinue reading “Tips to remember to turn off stove and oven: MiniTip XV”

TL;DR If you are just starting out baking or don’t know quite what is happening scientifically during baking, be wary of substituting when you bake. Tip Expanded Chronically ill people have a limited amount of energy, and busy people who work during the day have a finite amount of time, so it’s important to getContinue reading “Don’t substitute when baking: MiniTip XIV”