How to Make Your Free Cooking Recipes

If your are learning how to make your free cooking recipes, you will find that not all of them will be good. Many people will offer you recipes to try that they have never tried themselves. Although this often turns out to be good, it is best to make something which has been tried and recommended to you. These are where the best recipes come from. Some common recipes to be handed down are for chocolate cake, cookies and breads.


When learning how to make your free cooking recipes, of course it must be something that you want to make.  Perhaps, you want to make a pie, cake, cookies or homemade bread, these are the recipes you would start with. Next limit your choices to the recipes that a friend or relative has already tried and said how good it was. 


Next you must consider what ingredients and utensils you have available. Maybe you are looking for a chocolate cake. It is important to use the type of chocolate that is called for if possible. Many recipes will offer you an alternative to an ingredient or they might tell you not to substitute with anything else. 


After gaining some experience in cooking you will recognize ingredients that add pleasure to your taste buds. For instance, you might want to try different spices or combine the spices and this will change the outcome of your products. Sour cream is an ingredient which I love; in cakes it will turn out a more moist and flavorful cake. It also adds flavor and texture to many other recipes.  After learning how to make your free cooking recipes, you will find that even different brands will vary so you will need to find your favorites. 


After selecting which of your free cooking recipes that you want to make, read them all the way through. Make sure you understand every word. If you are planning to make a certain cut of beef for an example, be sure you understand what it is talking about. Check all ingredients to make sure you have everything on hand or you will be picking it up at the grocery before you make the recipe.


Many ingredients will store for a long period of time so if you do a lot of cooking you might want to keep bulk ingredients on hand; rice, flour, sugar etc. Spices and dried herbs also store for longer periods and it is hard to make recipes with out these; some of these salt, pepper, garlic, basil, etc. The dried bean is another ingredient that is very convenient to have in your pantry.  


Prior to beginning, get out all ingredients and equipment that is needed. Only after you gain experience can you take liberties with or make changes. Do as much preparation prior to combining ingredients as you possibly can. For example, if you are cooking outdoors, you must consider what type of heat you will be using; charcoal or gas and are you equipped. 


Having a clean kitchen or work area makes it a lot more enjoyable to cook. It is best to have a clear space to layout your directions, so clean as you go. Make sure your hands and utensils are always clean and sanitary. Keep a clean damp dishcloth handy to wipe up any spills. Clean the bowls, pots, pans and utensils as you use them. Cleanliness is very important when preparing food.


Use standard measuring cups and make all measurements level. For dry ingredients and fats use standardized metal cups and level with a knife. Flour should be sifted first and then lightly spooned into a metal cup and then leveled. Fats should be at room temperature, measured into a metal cup and leveled. Brown sugar should always be packed into a metal cup and leveled. When measuring any liquids, use a standard glass measuring cup. Fill liquid to appropriate mark and check at eye level. All this is very important to making your recipes turn out correct.


Finally, a word about oven temperatures; all your free cooking recipes which use an oven will tell you what degrees it should be. Today our ovens are pretty exact, but an oven thermometer is a good investment for a backup. Almost all recipes will instruct you to preheat the oven before putting in your recipe; this is very important. 

TRY THESE FREE COOKING RECIPES

EASY CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE

One of the most sought after and most handed down free cooking recipes is for a rich tasting moist chocolate cake. Many people have their favorite recipe so it will be easy for you to find many highly recommended ones.

  • ½ Cup butter
  • 4 Tablespoons dark cocoa powder (I use Hershey’s)
  • 1 Cup water
  • ½ Cup solid shortening (I use Crisco)
  • 2 Cups flour
  • 2 Cups sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ Cup buttermilk
  • 1 Teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ Teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 Eggs

Combine flour and sugar in large bowl; set aside.
Combine butter, cocoa, water and shortening in saucepan.
Bring butter mixture to a full boil; pour over flour mixture.
Add vanilla, buttermilk, soda, cinnamon and eggs to mixture; stir until blended.
Pour into greased cookie sheet with 1 inch sides.
Bake in preheated oven at 400F degrees for 15 minutes.
FIVE MINUTES before cake is done start frosting below.

Cake Frosting:

  • ½ Cup butter
  • 4 Tablespoons dark cocoa powder
  • 6 Tablespoons water
  • 1 Box (16 ounces) powdered sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 Cup chopped nuts

Combine first 3 ingredients and bring to full boil.

Add remaining ingredients: spread over cake when finished baking.

Set to completely cooled.

CHEWY OATMEAL COOKIE RECIPE

free cooking recipesChewy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

This very common free cooking recipe offers a spin on it, making it easy to bake in bars but still very delicious.

  • 1 Cup softened butter
  • 2 Cups well packed brown sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 Cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 Cup all purpose flour
  • 1 Teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 Cups rolled oats
  • 1/3 Cup wheat germ
  • ½ Cup chopped walnuts
  • ¾ Cup raisins
  • 1 Teaspoon of cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350F degrees; grease 10 ½ X 15 ½ inch jelly roll pan.
Cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until fluffy
Stir in flours, baking soda,cinnamon, oats and wheat germ; mix well.
Spread batter in pan (batter is thick); Sprinkle with nuts and raisins over top.
Bake 18 to 20 minutes until set; DO NOT OVERBAKE.
Cool in pan and cut in squares.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe Before CuttingChewy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe Before Cutting

HOMEMADE WHITE BREAD RECIPE

Everyone loves homemade bread whether you are given a fresh loaf or a friend gives you their free cooking recipe to make your own.  

  • 3 Cups flour
  • ¼ Cup dry milk powder
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Cup softened butter
  • 1 Beaten egg
  • ¼ Cup water
  • 2 ½ Tablespoons active dry yeast

Combine and mix all ingredients; knead 10 minutes.
Cover and let rise in warm place until double in bulk.
Punch dough down; shape into loaf.
Place in greased loaf pan; let rise until double.
Bake in preheated oven at 350F for 30 minutes.