HOW TO COOK MORE OF THOSE BASICS PERFECTLY AND EASILY

If you have seen the page on cooking eggs, you will know that a Mr. Michael Paterson kindly sent in lots of information on how to cook basics easily but perfectly.  Here are a few more of this recipes -

PERFECT WHITE RICE

The secret of good rice is to place it in a sieve and wash it thoroughly under the cold tap, rubbing with the fingers until all the excess starch has gone and the water runs clear.  Allow the rice to drain before putting it in a pot.   1 cup of rice to 1.1/5 cups of water, varying the amount of water slightly depending upon its origin.  American rice requires a little more water, Asian a little less.  Do not salt.

One cup of raw rice makes 1.1/2 cups of cooked rice, which will feed two people.

• Put a cup rice into a pot with 1.1/5 cups of water and bring  to boil on a high heat.
• Boil for one minute.
• Turn heat to lowest heat, cover pot tightly with lid.
• Let cook 15 minutes without uncovering.
• Remove from heat and let stand, still covered for 10 minutes.

If left covered rice will stay hot and moist for up to one hour.

Store leftovers in a fridge, covered.

"How to Cook Rice" video

• To fry when cool, heat oil to near smoking in skillet.
• Add cold rice, turn constantly.

• To reheat as boiled rice, break up lumps.
• Add 1 tablespoon cold water for each cup of cooked rice.
• Cover, simmer 15-20 minutes on low heat.
• Do not lift lid or stir until ready to serve.

EASY PLAIN CHICKEN

This is the simplest way known to cook chicken, so simple it is difficult to believe it works, but it does!  The result is plain meat which can be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste and eaten with Chicken Sauce, used for salads and picnics, or simmered as slices or chunks in other dishes or sauces.  It is ideal for invalids or people on diets.  The skin turns a grey colour and may be removed if unpleasing to the eye.  Services 2-4 people.

This recipe uses a 3 1/2 lb. fryer chicken (NOT FROZEN)

• To measure the amount of water required, put chicken in a large pan and cover with water.

• Remove chicken.

• Bring water to the boil, put chicken back in the pan and bring water back to the boil.

• Cover, turn heat off, leave 1 hour.

Chicken is now completely cooked, all fat removed.

Do ensure chicken is completely cooked (i.e. all juices are colourless) before eating.