Does cooking seem like it is a chore to you? Cooking is a task that should be enjoyable, and not one that you dread. Here you will find some excellent cooking ideas that will help you remove the stresses of not knowing where to begin. Make mealtime a source of enjoyment, not exasperation.

Is fresh basil something you cook with often? Try placing clumps of fresh basil into a clear, glass container. Fill the glass with water till the stems are covered. Basil will stay fresh in bowl of water for up to four weeks. Many times the basil will root if the water is changed regularly. By picking leaves you will encourage the basil to put out new growth. This will ensure that you have fresh basil on an ongoing basis!

All of the prep work can be done ahead of time. It is important to have all the prep work done before you start cooking. Trying to prepare a meal without handling the preparation beforehand can get stressful, especially if you need to finish your cooking in a set amount of time. Having as much prep work done as possible will save you both time and frustration!

If you need to reheat a dish that is made with oil, bake it in the oven instead of the microwave to avoid a huge mess. Oil heats more quickly than other ingredients, and the strong heat that a microwave has will cause it to separate from everything else. However, baking reheats the entire dish, retaining the flavors and keeping the ingredients together.

A meat thermometer should be used to ensure that meat is being cooked properly. All kinds of meat have a minimum internal temperature that is recommended for safe consumption. Meat that has not been cooked sufficiently can have bacteria growing in it, and these can cause illness if eaten.

Try new methods of preparing oysters. Oysters are typically eaten raw with maybe a splash of lemon, but there are other ways to prepare them. Place halved oysters, still in their shells, onto a broiler pan, and then cover them with a dollop of cream. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and some freshly grated pepper and the broil until they are bubbling. A second, more popular method is known as saut oysters. Season some plain white flour, coat your oysters in the mixture, and then lightly fry them in butter or vegetable oil for a few minutes. Cook oyster's right in their shells. Put them in a dish in the oven with a bit of butter and breadcrumbs on top and bake them for around 5 minutes at 425. Serve hot on toast points or a baguette when your butter is bubbling.

Use leftover meats and vegetables to cook up a quick stir-fry at the end of the week. You can even use leftover rice, but if you need to make some, use slightly less water so that the rice is a little drier. The main ingredients should be fried in oil. Afterwards, you should toss in the rice and add plenty of seasonings and soy sauce.

Make sure to implement the given tips if you would like to see improvement in your cooking. Delight your friends and family by utilizing the tips from this article the next time you prepare a meal.