There are a few kitchen basics that I thought everybody knew, but apparently I was wrong.
I realized this when I left my fiancée strict instructions for dinner, one night when I was working late. Everything was prepared, he just had to put it in the oven. So he reads the directions that says to use an oven safe SKILLET (as pictured above). Instead he used a pyrex, glass casserole dish on the stovetop. Needless to say, I came home and the glass dish had exploded all across the kitchen. This is what leads me to basic cooking rules for those who are just learning how to cook:
1. The only materials that can be used on the stove are metals, cast-iron counts as a metal. Glass and ceramic can never go on the stove top, they may be used in the oven if labled oven safe, but NEVER on the stove top
2. Metal can never be put in the microwave, glass is best for microwave. Metal also includes aluminum foil
Glass - microwave and oven only Metal - Stove top and occasionally oven (if oven safe)
3. Boiling means that the water is so hot that you can visibly see large bubbles
4. Simmering means cooking over low heat and keeping a close eye on whatever the contents are so they don't burn
5. Measuring cups are meant to be used and every kitchen needs a set. They should always be used when baking, even if you are a pro due to the chemical reactions that happen during the baking process, ingredients need to be precise.
For cooking, measuring is not always needed if you can eyeball well; however, if you are just beginning, I recommend using them.
6. Use a cook book and read the instructions FIRST before starting
7. Have fun and when in doubt, look on the internet for answers
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