Friendly help for everyday cooking
Cooking Basics
Need to soften an onion, make a sauce or tell when a cake is ready? These short guides explain useful kitchen skills at a sensible pace, without complicated chef talk.
When a recipe needs a little more explanation, it links straight to the useful guide. You can also browse them all here whenever you need a hand.
Everyday cooking
Savoury techniques, preparation, storage and practical kitchen know-how.
How to brown mince well
Cook mince so it separates, loses its raw colour and develops browned flavour rather than steaming.
5–10 minutes
How to cook rice properly
Cook long-grain rice until tender, then serve, cool or store it safely.
Follow the packet instructions
How to freeze leftovers safely
Cool, portion, label, freeze and reheat leftovers safely while following any recipe-specific guidance.
How to make a good jacket potato
Bake a floury potato without foil for crisp, seasoned skin and a soft, fluffy middle.
20–90 minutes
How to make a simple cheese sauce
Make a smooth flour-and-butter sauce, thicken it gently and add cheese without scorching it.
10–15 minutes
How to make crispy potato wedges
Cut, dry and space potato wedges so they become crisp in a home oven.
35–45 minutes
How to make good mashed potato
Cook, drain and mash potatoes so they stay light and fluffy rather than wet or gluey.
20–30 minutes
How to soften an onion
Cook chopped onion gently until tender and sweet without letting it burn. It often takes longer than you think.
10 minutes or more
How to use and store stale bread safely
Recognise dry stale bread, reject spoiled bread and store useful slices before they go to waste.
Baking and sweet things
Straightforward help with cakes, scones, puddings and home baking.
How to freeze cakes and home baking
Cool, wrap and portion cakes, brownies, flapjacks and cookies so they freeze and thaw well.
How to line a baking tin
Measure, fold and fit baking parchment in loaf, square and round tins or on a flat tray.
About 5–10 minutes
How to make a crumble topping
Rub cold butter into flour, add sugar and keep the mixture loose for a crisp, crumbly finish.
10 minutes, plus baking
How to make good scones
Keep the ingredients cool, make a soft dough and handle it lightly for scones that rise well.
About 15 minutes, plus baking
How to tell when a cake is cooked
Use colour, springiness and a skewer test to decide when a cake or sponge is ready.
Check near the end of the recipe time