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Cooking Basics

Cooking Basics

Cooking can be complex but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here you will find recipes great for those just getting started in the kitchen. Recipes like Stovetop Mac and Cheese or Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (sounds fancy but it’s super easy!).

These are basic recipes that every cook should master! Like Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits or Homemade Oven Roasted Rotisserie Chicken.

Some basic rules you can follow that will help you use recipes with success!

  1. Read the recipe carefully!
  2. Follow the directions at least the first time. Then make changes for the next time.
  3. Be prepared. Make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment before getting started.
  4. Start with fresh ingredients. Don’t expect that cake to rise with expired baking powder!
  5. Prepare the ingredients. Some recipes are fast paced so prepping the ingredients beforehand will ensure success. Also, making sure ingredients are uniformly cut, diced, and chopped so everything cooks evenly is important.
  6. Keep substitutions to a minimum. There are certain substitutions that will work and some that won’t so it’s best to stick with the ingredients call for until you become a seasoned cook/baker.
  7. Preheat your oven before starting the recipe. Most ovens take a full 15 minutes to preheat and you don’t want to be waiting on your oven after you have your cake ready to bake!
  8. Keep an eye on your dish as it cooks. Cooking times are meant to be guidelines and not concrete rules. Stovetops and ovens vary so keep that in mind when cooking.
  9. Taste the dish before serving. Most recipes will tell you to salt and pepper to taste and to adjust seasonings to suit your needs. Season lightly throughout the whole cooking process and taste at the end and add more salt if needed.
  10. Learn from your mistakes and have fun. Even experienced cooks make mistakes! The important thing is that you have fun in the kitchen and don’t give up.
Overhead picture of muddy buddies in a large bowl. Some spilled out of the bowl.

Muddy Buddies

Overhead view of scoops of chocolate ice cream in a container.

No Churn Dark Chocolate Ice Cream

Overhead view of creamy garlic chicken in a cast iron pan.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Overhead view of lemon mousse garnished a blackberry and lemon slice. Spoon in the mousse.

Lemon Mousse

Overhead view of strawberry rhubarb fool in a glass serving bowl.

Strawberry Rhubarb Fool

Overhead view of tuna patties on a white platter with tarter sauce and lemon wedges.

Tuna Patties

Overhead view of tartar sauce on a tuna patty.

Homemade Tartar Sauce

Overhead view of baked gnocchi with a spoon in the middle showing how gooey the casserole is.

Baked Gnocchi

Overhead view of pineapple upside down cake.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Overhead view of creamy lemon tortellini in a skillet with wood spatula to the side.

Creamy Lemon Tortellini

Overhead view of cookies on a plate. Cookies and red napkin in the corners.

White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies

Overhead view of Swedish pancakes on a dark plate. They have whipped cream and lingonberries inside. Fork and green napkin to the side.

Swedish Pancakes

Overhead view of sauce all mixed in the bowl. Blue napkin in the corner.

Remoulade Sauce

Overhead view of pudding in a small bowl topped with whipped cream and crushed oreos.

Dark Chocolate Pudding

Close up of pear salad with dried apricots, feta, and sliced almonds.

Pear Salad with Apricots

Overhead view of several pumpkin muffins piled together.

Pumpkin Muffins

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About Countryside Cravings

My name is Malinda, the gal behind the blog Countryside Cravings. I primarily blog about the food but I will also share little glimpses of what is going on in my life.

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