Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
How to Halve and Core an Apple
If you use the correct technique and equipment for preparing fruit, no matter how simple these are, you are more likely to get a professional finish. ⇓ You may also listen to the instructions by pressing the play button below INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: With the point of a small, sharp knife, cut around the stalk…
How to Core, Deseed, and Chop hot Chillies
Be sure to wear rubber gloves and avoid contact with eyes; hot chillies can burn hands and eyes. ⇓ You may also listen to the instructions by pressing the play button below INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: Cut the chillies lengthwise in half with a small knife. Cut out the core and fleshy white ribs. STEP 2:…
Bay Leaves
Taken from the bay shrub or tree, these are widely used to flavor slow-cooked recipes like stocks, soups and stews. They are also added to marinades, threaded on to kebab skewers, thrown on the barbecue to invigorate the smoky flavor, or used for decoration. One or two young bay leaves, infused with milk or cream…
Bouquet Garni
A collection of herbs that classically includes parsley, thyme and bay; although other herbs like rosemary and marjoram can be added, different regions vary the combination of herbs. Bouquet garni is available dried, tied in muslin bundles or in “teabag-like” sachets. Fresh bouquet garni can be tied together with string for easy removal from the…
Chervil
This delicate gentle herb with its lacy leaves, tastes rather like a mild parsley and needs to be used generously to impart sufficient flavor. Widely used in French cooking, it works well in herb butters and with eggs and cheese. NUTRITION FACTS Amount per 100 grams of dried chervil Calories 237 kcal (12%)Protein 23.2 g…
Cooking Fish in a Parcel
⇓ You may also listen to the instructions by pressing the play button below INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: Cut out a double sheet of greaseproof paper or kitchen foil large enough to enclose the fish. Place the herbs and flavourings on the paper. STEP 2: Sprinkle the cleaned fish inside and out-with salt and pepper and…
How to Prepare Mussels
Before cooking, mussels must be carefully scraped and washed to remove barnacles, sand, and the “beard” that attaches them to the poles or ropes on which cultivated mussels grow. ⇓ You may also listen to the instructions by pressing the play button below MATERIALS NEEDED Small knife Brush INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: With a small knife, detach…
How to Dice Carrots
Root vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, and potatoes, are often diced before cooking. The size of the dice depends on the thickness of the initial slices. ⇓ You may also listen to the instructions by pressing the play button below
How to Remove Skin From a Fish Fillet
In many recipes, dark or tough skin is removed from fish fillets before they are cooked. ⇓ You may also listen to the instructions by pressing the play button below INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: Lay the fillet skin-side down on the work surface with the tail end towards you. Holding the tail end firmly with your…
How to Make Pasta, Flavoring and Shaping Pasta and Pairing Sauces with Pasta
Want to know how to make home-made pasta? In this post you will find everything you need to prepare your own batch of fresh pasta, how to pair it with different sauces. You will also learn how to color them using different ingredients, different pasta varieties to choose from and great tips to cook a…
Got any book recommendations?