The Different Kinds of Cooking TV Shows

Cooking shows have proved to be quite an effective method of driving the ratings up for a network. The premise of cooking TV shows is fairly simple. You find a great chef, create a kitchen for him or her, place the chef in the kitchen and have him or her prepare mouthwatering dishes. Many people may think that this is boring and that it'll hardly work, but numerous shows have proven them wrong.

Reality Cooking TV Shows

Cooking shows are popular. In fact, they are one of the most popular daytime shows. People generally love the idea that these shows have to offer. With the popularity of reality shows, reality cooking TV shows are inevitable. Combining reality TV and cooking is actually brilliant because this removes the boring factor associated to cooking by people who are not actually interested in the art. Reality cooking shows effectively introduce cooking to people who are looking for edgier programs. The idea is this -- even if you don't like to cook, you'd still get entertained. People get hooked, not by the actual cooking, but by the excitement the show generates. People come back week after week just to see what will happen next.

This is why people cringed at Chef Gordon Ramsey's explosive character combined with his penchant for cursing, but they cannot wait to come back for more. They generally love to watch the contestants withering under his livid stare and cringing every time Chef Ramsey opens his mouth to release a fresh string of tirades. People are ironically sympathetic at his attempts to mold the participants into professional chefs. It doesn't matter if they are learning any cooking tips. What matters is that they are entertained. Obviously, this is what you will find from every cooking show these days -- entertainment.

Competing at Cooking TV Shows

Most reality cooking TV shows take the form of a competition or contests where participants are given cooking tasks every week. The show will then eliminate the bad would-be chefs from the rest. Not surprisingly, people find themselves rooting for a contestant. Inevitably, they also find themselves returning for more.

Of course there are some people who are fascinated with cooking shows because of the meal preparation itself. Dishes are seemingly prepared with the least bit of effort exerted. There are some people who find the chef hosts entertaining while other people find themselves fascinated by the high-tech cookware and tools. Many of the chefs featured in cooking TV shows have not received formal culinary education and this effectively inspires many viewers. The idea is this -- if these chefs can create delectable dishes without formal education then people can also create amazingly delicious dishes while at home. Regardless of the reason behind people's fascination, it cannot be denied that cooking TV shows are already a part of daily television viewing.

The Regular Cook-at-Home Show

If you are not a fan of reality TV or competitive cooking shows, you can still watch the regular cooking home shows where basically the theme is all about learning how to cook basic dishes. These kinds of cooking TV shows cater to stay-at-home moms and busy people who still prefer home-cooked meals despite their busy schedules. Often, the host chef will teach you how to whip up delicious meals within minutes. Often the network banks on the personality of the host chef to attract viewers and drive ratings.

Gourmet Cooking TV Shows

If you want to learn how to cook fancy dishes, there are cooking TV shows that feature gourmet chefs who will teach you how to create simple haute cuisine dishes. This is a nice way of attracting people who would like to sample 5-star restaurant dishes, but are hesitant to waste hundreds of dollars on a meal. These kinds of shows can be complicated because the recipes are not simple. Usually, these ingredients are not easily available. You would likely wonder, "Where can I possibly get these ingredients?" However, a good host chef will give you ideas where to find the ingredients or what alternatives you can use in case you can't find a particular ingredient.

The bottom line is that there are several cooking TV shows available for everyone. You can always choose which show you prefer. One thing you are assured though from these shows is that you will learn and you will be entertained.

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The Various Kinds Of Free Outdoor Cooking Recipes

Free outdoor cooking recipes are there for everybody to enjoy and share besides providing the perfect opportunity for people to experiment and have fun while sharing jokes, recipe ideas and more by the camp-side.

While many people take up cooking as a hobby that is reserved for their spare time, others can also benefit from picking up the quick-and-easy methods of free recipes to have the confidence to participate in varied cooking events that occur on food network channels, online portals that advertise free outdoor cooking recipes besides other places. The charm of entering a cooking competition online or in person is exciting and cannot be stressed enough; however, there is definitely something for everyone as contests can include styles like grilling or Dutch oven cooking, besides free outdoor cooking recipes that are easy and fast.

In fact, much of the popularity of these recipes lies in their simple techniques of cooking that minimize preparation time and use of few ingredients that cook fast too. The menu selection and the technique of cooking one chooses for preparing outdoor meals also determines the fun, ease and simplicity factors for a great outdoor activity that can be shared and two best bets include Dutch oven cooking and grill-cooking, because they both give fast and nutritious results to whatever is cooked!

A wide array of dishes can be prepared using free outdoor cooking recipes that can include food groups like veggies, meats, breads, chicken, fish besides kebabs and sweet dishes too! Hassle-free, quick and using little heat, the appeal of free outdoor cooking recipes spreads far and wide to incorporate mealtime decisions for breakfast, luncheon and supper that can be either light or filling.

Salads and desserts are included in the cooking recipes that are comprehensive meal planning tools besides also leaving enough scope for introducing the meal with a tasty starter snack like grilled salmon or tenderloins. Roast, grill or bake, there's a cooking method that is ideal for every family and outdoor cooking makes this experience even more enjoyable when free outdoor cooking recipes are shared among guests who have enjoyed the outing too! While the preferred way to have outdoor fun and meals is no doubt grill-cooking that fixes healthy and hot hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken in a jiffy, there's much more fun to be had when menu-planning is done as group activity.

Latest advancements in the products available for outdoor cooking have furthered eased the activity for many hobbyists and technology being used in barbeque-stands, cookware tools, support equipment for outdoor cooking has become safety-conscious that users can look forward to having a good time with great meals that make partying an all-time option for large families as well as small groups of friends. Thus, these easy recipes for outdoors increase the scope of creative fun for everyone!

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How to Cook Different Kinds of Ham

Ham is usually sold in one of three conditions:

1) Fully cooked

2) Partially cooked

3) Uncooked

Although the cooking techniques are similar, there are differences between a fully cooked and a partially cooked or uncooked ham. For example, a fully cooked ham should be cooked to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, while a partially cooked or uncooked one should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.

The instructions below are grouped into sections for fully cooked and partially or uncooked hams. --

Roasting or Baking--Fully Cooked

There are three basic types of fully cooked ham:

1) Wet cured or City Ham

2) Spiral sliced

3) Canned hams

Keep in mind that a fully cooked ham does not require cooking; it can be eaten as is. But cooking it can bring out the flavors of its own juices. The flavor can also be enhanced by adding other ingredients during the baking process. A fully cooked ham should be cooked to an internal temperature of 140 degrees.

Spiral Sliced Ham

This type is pre-seasoned and does not require cooking. However, if the ham is to be served warm place it in aluminum foil, cut side down and add approximately ? cup of water. Wrap ham tightly in aluminum foil and cook at 275o-300o. Allow 10 to 14 minutes per pound cooking time. Ham may be removed from oven when internal temperature reaches 135o. Allow to sit in foil for a few minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140o.

Canned Ham

Place the ham in a shallow cooking pan, uncovered. Bake at 325o. Allow 15 to 20 minutes per pound cooking time.

Wet Cured (City) Ham

This ham may be cooked either covered or uncovered.

Covered

Trim any excess skin and fat. Do not trim off all the fat as that is what produces the juices and flavor. Place ham in a roasting pan, if cut, place cut side down. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 325 degrees. Allow 15 to 18 minutes per pound for whole hams and 18 to 24 minutes per pound for half hams. Glazes, if used, should be applied during the last thirty minutes of cooking.

Uncovered

Follow directions for covered ham, except do not cover with foil. Use same cooking temperatures and times. Apply glaze in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Roasting or Baking Partially Cooked or Uncooked Ham

These hams are defined as Dry-Cured (Country) ham or Wet-Cured (City) Ham types. Remember, regardless of the type, these hams should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.

Dry-Cured (Country) Ham

These hams need to be washed and soaked for up to three days before cooking. Follow the label directions on the ham for washing and soaking instructions. This type of ham can be baked covered or uncovered.

Covered

After soaking, place it in a large roasting pan with 4 to 5 cups of water. If the ham has a skinless side and a side with skin, put it in the roasting pan skin side up.

Cover the ham with aluminum foil or a cover. Put the ham in a preheated 375 degree oven and increase oven temperature to 500o and cook at this setting for the first 10 minutes only. After 10 minutes, turn the oven off and allow the ham to set for three hours without opening the oven door. Turn the oven back on to 500o again for 15 minutes. This time, the ham needs to set in the oven, without the door being opened, for 6 to 8 hours. After setting, the internal temperature of the ham should be at least 160 degrees; if not, repeat the 500 degrees setting again for 15 minutes and check the ham after 1 to 2 hours. If desired, brush with glaze before serving.

Uncovered

After soaking, place the ham in a large roasting pan with 3 cups water. Do not cover. Put the ham in a preheated 325 degree oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. As a guide, a whole ham will need about 18 to 20 minutes and a half ham will need about 22 to 25 minutes cooking time per pound.

Wet-Cured (City) Ham

Use the same methods as the fully cooked wet cured hams, but remember to cook to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Therefore, the cooking time will be a little longer than that for a fully cooked wet ham.

Ham Cooking Tips

Baking at lower temperatures but with increased times will result in richer flavored hams. Do not use temperatures below 200 degrees.
Do not pierce the ham once cooking begins-this allows beneficial juices and flavorings to escape.
When checking the internal temperature, avoid touching the bone with the thermometer as this can cause an incorrect reading.

Learn more about how to cook a ham and about cooking in general at these links.

Ray T. Lewis thinks that if it's pork, it tastes good. And that just about sums up his ideas on food.

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