Rebecca Gordon’s Cooking Class
Cooking Skills
Lesson No. 9
Oil
The Objective: Today’s lesson focuses on oil & the ways it may be used in a variety of cooking applications ranging from savory main dish dinner solutions, side dishes & appetizers to baked goods. Oil is available in many styles. Some are better for sauces & vinaigrettes while others make smart choices for heavy duty cooking applications such as frying & braising. Learn about a few of the most common choices available.
The Overview
Oil plays a vital role in day to day meal solutions. From dinner classics including Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Rosemary-Lemon Chicken Fricassee, Grilled Chicken & American-Style Beef Tostadas to Lasagna Bolognese, French Onion Soup With Bourbon & Lemon-Thyme Pork Loin Roast, oil plays an important role in either the cooking procedure or adding just a bit of flavor to these dishes.
The Profile
Oils may be used for a variety of recipe applications. It should be noted that those good for heavy cooking should have a high smoking point while those more delicate such as avocado oil should be saved for salad dressings & finishing uses. When oils are infused, such as in the case of truffle oil, expect the shelf life to diminish by as much as 12-months.
Vegetable Oil
Beyond cooking & food, vegetable oils are key ingredients to many consumer products such as cosmetics, candles, soaps & paints. Vegetable oil, in general, is a combination of oils including corn, safflower, canola & soybean just to name a few. Oils are pressed from seeds, nuts, fruits & grains through extraction. They are then refined further. Hydrogenation is used to create products such as margarine which brings the oil to a more solidified state whilst also reducing rancidity. When oils undergo the hydrogenation process, which may in turn produce soft to highly solid products depending on the amount of hydrogen atoms added, the smoking point becomes higher & more stable.
Canola Oil
With a smoking point of approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit, canola oil is made from rapeseed. It’s low in saturated fat & high in monounsaturated fat. Canola oil is preferred in many cooking applications due to it’s neutral flavor.
Corn Oil
Extracted from the germ, corn oil is known for a high smoking point making it a good choice for deep fat frying as well as a variety of additional cooking & baking applications. It’s also used to make many margarines. Due to it’s highly refined processing though, corn oil is not the best health choice as it contains omega-6 fats that can cause inflammation.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is made by pressing olives which are an abundant Mediterraniean based tree crop. First cold pressed refers to olives that have only been crushed one time & the temperature of them during the process. It’s important to note that depending on where the olives may have been harvested from, the temperature can vary from region to region simply based on geography so the flavor will vary accordingly. When the term virgin is used on the label, it’s an indication that heat was not introduced into the process. Expect a stronger, more pronounced taste. The term olive oil is a blend of types while industry words such as light & classic are used to describe the taste of the oil so consumers have an expectation of their purchase.
Specialty Oils
Walnut, avocado, sesame & infused oils are just some of the types available for use that are ideal as flavor components. Just a small amount of these high impact items are needed in order to bring out robust taste notes. Truffle oil is highly prized for it’s distinctive flavor. Black or white truffles are infused with most commonly extra virgin olive oil that may be drizzled over meats, risotto or even pizza for a truly distinctive taste. Avocado & walnut oil are made by extracting the oils from the fruit & nut pulps. These oils generally have a low smoking point, therefore their applications are best used for dressings & finishing applications.
A Special Note
Buttermilk Lipstick is filled with a wealth of culinary & entertaining knowledge, comprehensive information & photos that guide you through each step of the process & recipes tested in a home kitchen setting just like yours by a food professional with over 20 years of experience & expertise. Whether you have questions regarding how to cook long grain rice, roast a whole chicken or bake a batch of croissants, just know I’m here to guide you through the process. I cook, bake & consume everything you’ll find here. I want this to be an interactive e-learning experience, so please leave your questions or comments below or on my facebook page so that I may respond to your needs & so we may discuss topics together.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{helpful advice}
How To Use Oil Everyday
Oil is a vital component in the preparation of basics including Aioli & Pecan Pesto. It may be used in salad dressings & rich Classic Bolognese. Deep fried foods such as game day favorites ranging from Hot Buffalo Fried Chicken & Fried Chicken & Biscuits or summer classics including Buttermilk Fried Okra & Fried Green Tomatoes wouldn’t be possible without it. Follow the links to discover comprehensive tutorials designed to guide you in making some of your very favorite recipes featuring a variety of oils.
30 Ways To Cook & Bake With Oil Everyday
The shelf life of most oils is relatively generous depending on the type. Unopened containers of vegetable oil, for instance, may be stored in a cool, dry place up to 2 years. Once opened, store at room temperature up to one year.
The Cooking & Baking Applications
Oils can certainly fill a variety of needs ranging from traditional meal solutions to entertaining applications. Authentic Beef Enchiladas are a wonderfully satisfying meal that is good for either. The rich, Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce uses a fair amount of vegetable oil to season the spices as well as cook the garlic. Traditional Refried Pinto Beans & Refried Black Beans use it as an initial step to soften onions & considering its neutral taste, vegetable oil is also good for many frying applications including Homemade Tortilla Chips, Chimichangas, Grilled Chicken Flautas & Buttermilk Churros. Beyond authentic Mexican cuisine, a variety of oil styles play a vital role in the preparation of these classic recipes.
Apple-Bourbon Herb Roasted Turkey
Grilled Chipotle-Garlic Shrimp Kabobs
Grilled Rosemary-Dijon Chicken Skewers
Rebecca Gordon’s Cooking Class Lessons
The Gift Of Culinary Skills & Knowledge
Lesson No. 1: The Appendix
Lesson No. 5: Aromatic Vegetables
Lesson No 8: Frozen, Fresh Blueberries
The Tune
“With You Anywhere You Are” Doris Day
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