Posted by Cynthia Buruca
HOW TO BE A BETTER COOK
As Julia Child once said, “No one is born a great cook, one learns from doing." Since the 1960s, cooking has been recognized to be an art. It involves blending ingredients to make a delicious dish; what was once an action done for necessity, has now evolved to a meal that you'd enjoy. When it comes to kitchen cuisine, the adage "practice makes perfect" is accurate. Cooking at home often will help you improve your skills and, in addition, is a healthier alternative to eating out.
In this week's blog, we've listed some tips for you to try in the kitchen to help you become a better cook this year!

POTS AND PANS
Advertising that suggests "Toss your non-stick and use cast iron for everything" or "You can cook anything on your non-stick skillet" is likely something you have seen. What if we told you that wasn't the case? Be careful not to be too inexpensive when selecting your cookware. In actuality, you only need a few high-quality ones, so make sure you invest in a few of them. Here are the justifications and ingredients for each dish:
- Cast iron skillets are fantastic for cooking at high temperatures. Perfect for the greatest crunch, browning, and searing. Remember that the benefits of their high heat become a problem for delicate meat, like fish, for example.
- A stainless steel pan regulates cooking at high and medium heat. They are excellent for delicate meat and veggies, giving you crunch and a great sear, all while ensuring that your meal won't stick or break apart. Fun fact: This pan works well with any acidic food; A typical pan's seasoning eventually breaks down due to your food's natural acid and imparts a metallic flavour to your cuisine. Stainless steel pans fixes these issues!
- Perfect for foods that require low to medium heat are Non-stick Pans. They make fantastic tools for pancakes and eggs. However, use with caution while cooking with acidic foods on this pan since they will eventually damage the coating, which is extremely hazardous and harmful.
MISE EN PLACE
Mise en place means keep it in place.
As you may have seen on cooking shows, chefs have their food already prepared before they start to cook. This step will make it easier to prepare a perfect meal. This will prevent you from running constantly to the fridge, wasting valuable time, and putting you at risk of overcooking your food.
KNOW YOUR SALTS AND HERBS
The more you look for new recipes or see cooking shows - like Gordan Ramsey's - you might have noticed that they use Sea Salt or even Kosher Salt. Have you ever wondered why?
- Large, light flakes of kosher salt help food cook evenly and don't dissolve right away. The absence of iodine makes meals less salty, which improves taste and cleans/dries away blood, making meat cleaner. Fun Fact: Iodine is an element that the thyroid uses. We as humans cannot produce iodide, so we must consume it by eating certain foods, like tuna, or use foods that contain it. Iodine can destroy fungi and other microbes in addition to reducing thyroid hormone.
- Sea salt is derived from sea water. It retains more nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and calcium. Your foods' colors and flavours become more vivid and pure thanks to these minerals. Create your main marinade once you have mastered the spices you enjoy.
- Seasoning involves more than just salt and pepper. Embrace the strength of fresh and dried spices! Spices and herbs are magical and necessary for giving any food taste and depth. Utilize all the flavour you can add to transform a bland dish into an Italian or Spanish inspired dish. By using a marinade, you may give your food a full flavour in your mouth by allowing the ingredients to penetrate it.
UMAMI
In the 1980s, a Japanese scientist came up with the name, and it was later recognized as the fifth taste on human taste buds. Along with sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, there is Umami. Nobody really understands how to explain it other than "Pleasantly delicious". Umami enhances the flavour in your dishes.
Your tongue's taste receptors detect Umami as it enters the space, and they transfer that sensation into glutamate. Our bodies synthesize the amino acid glutamate, which naturally occurs in a variety of meals; most frequent in diets high in protein. Although you can't buy Umami in a store, there are several ingredients you can add to your food to make it taste more flavourful, such as:
1. Fish sauce and Soy sauce2. Anchovies
3. Mushrooms
4. Sun Dried Tomatoes
5. Aged cheeses
6. Smoked Meats - For instance ham, bacon, sausage, and processed meat are loaded with amazing flavours.
7. Homemade broth - Don't throw away garlic peels, onion peels or any of your food scraps! Store them in the freezer and toss them into your next homemade broth!
8. Kimchi - A traditional Korean pickled dish with spicy seasoning. Not only does it enhance Umami compounds, it will bring colour, crispiness, and spice to your dish.
9. MSG - The rumours that MSG is bad for you is purely myth! Like anything else, it's only really bad for you if you over-eat it. MSG is just another form of glutamate. It boost flavours in savoury sauces, salad dressings and soups.
HEAT
You must be aware of the appropriate heat level to employ for each dish. Don't be scared to adjust the heat level here and there; certain recipes require you to do so once or twice. You should be aware of the following four types of heat:
- Low Heat - Used for simmering
- Medium heat - This is the heat you may use at all times while cooking. Used for rapid simmering or a gentle cook. Best when you want your vegetables to soften and cook all the way through. Also best to use when frying, browning and sauteing. It still cooks fairly quickly but not too much before it burns.
- High Heat - To start or finish your cooking process. Don't use it for cooking your food all the way through, it won't cook properly even if it looks cooked. High heat is for searing meat, sauteing veggies, and thickening sauces.
PROTEIN
There are a few fundamental guidelines to follow in order to achieve a good crispy, tender, and juicy sear. To remove some of the chill, leave your protein out on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes. If you toss your protein on the heat right away, it will lead to seizing and results in a tough meat.
You must remove any moisture from the meat before placing it in the pan; use a fresh towel or paper towel to pat it dry. When placed in a hot skillet with moist protein, it will steam rather than brown.
After cooking, let it rest on your cutting board so that the protein may cook more evenly away from the fire. All of the juices in a protein bubble and boil when it cooks. After it has been taken off the stove, if you cut into it, those bubbling liquids will immediately flow out. Allow the steak to rest for a bit to allow the fluids to settle and distribute throughout the protein.
Bear in mind that baking is a very different matter. Every baking recipe includes precise ingredient measurements as well as thorough instructions. It's like working in a science lab, let's face it.

What Haircut to Choose
It's important to give your hairstyle serious thought because it can improve your confidence - but picking the proper cut can be challenging. The hottest hair trends are yours to choose; but all these choices may seem overwhelming and you can't try every haircut and style! You wanna look your best all the time! This week, we cover how to determine what haircut would suit you!
How to Trim a Long Beard
Is your beard getting out of control? Want to keep the length but you're having trouble managing it? Ready to tidy up your look? Well, we've got the answer to all your beard concerns! Here is our a step-by-step guide on how to trim a long beard!
How to be a Better Cook
As Julia Child once said, “No one is born a great cook, one learns from doing." Since the 1960s, cooking has been recognized to be an art.
When it comes to kitchen cuisine, the adage "practice makes perfect" is accurate. Cooking at home often will help you improve your skills and, in addition, is a healthier alternative to eating out.
In this week's blog, we've listed some ideas for you to try in the kitchen to help you become a better cook this year!

Getting Back to the Basics: What is Men's Grooming?
Whether you're starting or maintaining a healthier self - or just recuperating from the holidays - figuring out your grooming habits is always a great way to get back into the groove of things. Grooming is an important part of one's personal care and routine, helping you feel confident enough to put your best self out there!
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

How to Saber Champagne

Last but NOT Least, Save the day with THESE!

Last But Not Least: Stocking Stuffers

Gifts for the Man That Has Everything

Stocking Stuffers for the Man That Has Everything
He is the worst guy to shop for because he’s already got everything he wants! And everytime you gift him something, it’s probably something he already has. So, what do you give to the guy that has everything? Well, we have the answer! Here are 5 stocking stuffers that are guaranteed to delight the guy in your life that has everything!
Gifts for the Trending/ Dashing guy

Stocking Stuffers for the Dashing / Trending Guy

Gifts for the Patriarch
Here are our top gifts to especially cater to the patriarch in your life!These could be gifts for your father or grandfather, your boss, the friend that goes out of his way to make sure everyone is well taken care of, or the kind-hearted, older gentleman that treats you like family. These gifts are perfect for THAT guy - or any guy you want to get a gift for - and you want to get him something he will actually use!

Stocking Stuffers for the Patriarch
This week’s gift highlights will be gifts for the Patriarch: this could be your father or grandfather, your boss, the friend that goes out of his way to make sure everyone is well taken care of, or the kind-hearted, older gentleman that treats you like family. Get them something nice with a gift that especially caters to them!
Gifts that will Impress any guy

Stock Stuffers for the "Straight Shooter"

Gifts for the Sophisticated Man

Stocking Stuffers for the Sophisticated Guy

Gifts for the Young Gentleman

Stocking Stuffers for the Young Gentleman
Holidays are just around the corner and we’re kicking off our gift guide with stocking stuffers for the young gentleman in your life! This includes the guy who just got out of school and is now beginning his career, the guy who’s just begun to find his footing in this world. Some may argue that shopping for this guy could be hard, but it’s actually quite easy to find something they’ll find useful and would enjoy incorporating into their routine. Here are some gifts the young gentleman will surely appreciate.
It’s Time To Plan for the Holidays

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Living a Healthy Lifestyle
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All about The Secrid Wallet

When To Use a Brush And When To Use a Comb
It is important to adopt the right tools that will cater to your hair because doing so would promote healthy hair and avoid any unnecessary breakage. Believe it or not, your brush and your comb are tools that should not be used interchangeably. There are a bunch of different hairbrushes and combs out there - all made with different materials and with different builds, and each of them have their own respective use. Let us help you determine when to use a hairbrush and when to use a comb!
The Pocket Square
Tired of blending in with the crowd or wanting to spice up your look. No worries, this blog is all about how you may give your formal attire a little personality. With the help of this blog, modern men will be able to express themselves and change up their appearance without having to spend money on many outfits, only a stylish pocket square.
How to Keep Your Beard Hair Straight

The Best Haircut for your Face Shape
We've come up with some styles that would be best according to your face shape. Finding the perfect haircut and style can be hard - but finding the perfect cut and style that suits your face shape is a lot more easier!
Growing Your Beard
Whether you’re anxious to grow a beard for the first time, trying to fill in a patchy beard or just wondering how to grow a beard fast. Here is the secret recipe you're looking for.
How to Style Colourful Socks

What to Expect from a Foot Detailing
Our Never Say De-Feet service is a great way to pamper yourself! Here’s what you could expect from a foot detailing.
How to trim your beard neck line
After shaping your beard, you notice that your neck hair is returning after a week.Learn how to recognize your beard neckline, how to shave it, and what tools will give you the greatest finish.

How to Cook the Perfect Steak
Summer is here and so is patio season, so why not impress your guests with a steak dinner! Whether you choose to use the grill or a skillet, here are some tips and tricks on how to cook the perfect steak.
How To Choose and Wear Cologne

How to trim your eyebrows
Your hair game's on point, sideburns are trimmed and your facial hair looks prestige. However, it may seem we may be forgetting something. Let's talk about trimming your eyebrows.

How to Find The Right Beard Style
Picking out the right beard style is like picking out your haircut - it's an expression of yourself! If you're still trying to find your signature beard style, we've come up with some ways on how you can find the right beard style for your face!
All about SPF
If you’re not already wearing sunscreen each and every day - this is your sign to do so, keep reading to learn what SPF truly is about and how to avoid looking like a tomato.

How To Use a Safety Razor
Picking up that safety razor can be a little intimidating - it may look the same as the disposable blades, but it's definitely a lot sharper. Here are some beginner steps on how to use a safety razor!
Fathers Day Gift Guide: Last Minute Life Savers

Father's Day Gift Guide: Unexpected Gift Ideas
While Father’s Day gifts have been on our minds and shopping lists for weeks now. Some of us are still having trouble finding the best gift, or you may want to add an unexpected gift with your main gift for your dad, husband or grandpa! Here are our top unexpected gifts they might enjoy.
Father’s Day Gift Guide: Top Picks For The Classic Dad
Does your father enjoy the finer things in life? Still trying to find him the perfect gift for him this Father's Day? Well look no further! Our Top Picks For The Classic Dad has got you covered!
Father’s Day Gift Guide: Top Picks For The Trendy Dad
Father's day is less than a month away! Here are our Top 5 Picks for the Trendy Dad in Your Life!
Manscaping
If you no longer want to look like a hairy caveman, you probably would want to start grooming your body hair. After all, this is the twenty-first century, and having a full body of hair is no longer a trend. Mastering the art of manscaping-can be difficult at times. We’ve structured our guide accordingly by providing some tips and tricks for grooming your body. Here is our detailed approach to manscaping.
How to take care of your Face
Skipping out on skin care? Or not sure how to take care of your face? Don't you worry, we're here to help. No need for a big routine, we recommend the most basic adjustments for long-lasting results. Keep reading to learn how to combat breakouts, shaving irritations, and those fine lines that'll creep out of nowhere.
How Can I Get Rid of Razor Burns?
More often than not, razor burn goes away on its own, but fortunately, there are a handful of remedies that could help quicken the healing process.
How Often Should I Change My Razor Blade?
Razor looking a little dull? Not sure whether or not it’s time to switch out that razor you’ve had for - god knows - how many weeks? Well, question no more! Here are some notes that will help you determine how often you should change your razor blade before it causes any irritation or damage to your skin!

Black Heads
Black heads are one of those things that are difficult to get rid of in life. Of course, you can easily remove them with a nasal strip, but did you know that they can harm your skin and refill with bacteria where it once was? Leading you to the same spot you were two weeks ago. Let's talk about our strawberry nose for a moment, shall we?

How to be a great Host
“Mi casa es su casa '' - here are some tips that you will want to keep in mind if you are having people over for Easter!
Entertaining can be difficult, but here is the basic information that will make you shine as the "host with the most".