FOOD
In our last Skill-It we brought you the resources to become a pro with a chef’s knife in the kitchen. Obviously you’ve been chopping anything and everything in sight with all your fingers still intact. So, you’re welcome. We have to be honest, this next one has been simmering for a while. We’ve really wanted to boil it down for you, but we’ve been afraid we’d be in hot water if we led you astray. Alas our desire to share has bubbled over and we’re bringing you a guide to a kitchen essential: boiling.
Humans have been boiling their food for thousands of years – seriously, there’s research out there. And look, if Neanderthals from 20,000 years ago could do it, so can you. Apparently it’s a really efficient way of cooking due to direct heat transfer because the food is in direct contact with the water on all surfaces. Go figure! We break it down into technique and tips for three main areas;
Boiling pasta: Quick and straightforward from Greatist with some tips at the end. TL;DR?
- Use a large pot
- Fill with cold water
- Lid ON helps to boil faster
- Salt generously when it’s coming to a boil (big bubbles)
- Lid OFF, drop pasta in
- Stir, taste (use package guideline for cooking time), done.
Boom, next.
Boiling vegetables:
(don’t do this)
This article fairly well sums it up. There’s a lot of debate about nutrient loss while boiling vegetables and it’s definitely not the most nutritious method, but it’s not terrible if you do it right. The article clearly defines between hot- and cold-start vegetables and the real key is to not use too much water, and not boil too vigorously. Simmer according to the times given or until it’s soft enough for you (although if it’s mushy, you’ve gone too far). Also, save the water for a soup or stew to retain the nutrients that seeped out while boiling.
Boiling meat:
So it really seems like there are no hard and fast rules to boiling meat. On the surface it’s a simple operation: place meat in water, bring to boil, eventually it’s cooked. From reading different sources though, boiling is definitely suited to larger and tougher cuts of meat than say, a sirloin steak. Some tips picked up include:
- Season the water for more flavour
- Skim the top of the water when the foam rises
- Low and slow makes the meat more flavourful and tender
- Time to cook really depends on the type of meat, the cut, and the size
- Save the water for a soup or stew base!
It’s hard to find one link that covers boiled meat adequately so if you’re curious I’d encourage you to search around for a recipe that piques your interest!
Obviously this list barely covers a fraction of the possibilities with hot water and there are lots of ways to be innovative and creative with it. We just hope you got something useful from this and it helps in your kitchen, it’s definitely valuable to have in the back pocket to use it when you need it. I mean, winter is pretty much here. Put it all together and whip up a hearty Irish stew.
(worth a shot?)
Final kitchen boiling hack.. (keep in mind we are not recommending this...) I do know a genius and/or madman who, quite often, used to boil his eggs in the kettle. Just throwing that out there.
MONEY
Last week while browsing some of my favourite podcasts I came across an episode of the Art of Manliness podcast titled “do you want to be rich or wealthy?”
To me the answer was obvious. Both of course. But I was intrigued because AoM generally puts out solid and useful content and I’ll absorb anything personal finance-related. It was an interview with Morgan Housel about his new book about the psychology of money (I can only guess he’s doing the rounds promoting the book), and it’s definitely worth a listen (and the book is probably worth a read if you’re into it).
“It’s not what you know but how you behave”
The key argument Morgan makes is that getting rich isn’t just about numbers, income, budgeting and spreadsheets, but in large part your mental attitude and approach to money.
(brain + one money = three moneys. it’s that simple)
To demonstrate he uses the example of the janitor who lived within his means and invested his whole life who became a millionaire, and the Wall Street banker who retired in his 40s and ended up destitute. Some of our favourite key points from the conversation:
- Expectation plays a huge role in our wealth and sense of having “enough”. Is your expectation of what you should have, do, or earn growing faster than your income? Is it level with it, or actually shrinks?
- Everyone is an individual and should act like it. There’s only one Warren Buffet, and he has his own life and experiences. If you follow his exact lead it more than likely won’t work for you since you’re not Warren Buffet. Learn what works for you, in your life, in your situation and given your experiences through your life.
- Realistic Optimism: Believing the long term outlook is positive but accepting that today will be hard.
There’s a whole lot more information even in the podcast so check it out for the full effect. I enjoy the distinction between rich and wealthy but still, in my ideal world I’m both. Unrealistic expectations?
MAKING
I have to share something with you. Nay, confess to you my readers. Even I have been afflicted, and become a victim of IKEA madness. Let me try to justify though. While I’m a true believer in DIY, sometimes you’re overcome with the urge for.... convenience. And when that convenience comes at an insanely low price, say, $27, it becomes irresistible.
My point is this bookshelf.
Look, it’s not going to make James Krenov smile but it’s simple, it works, and is obviously a breeze to assemble, and costs $27. Cheap convenience, friends.
Anyway, my repentance for my sins comes in the form of watching DIY bookshelf videos (the woodworkers Hail Mary). And to vaccinate my community of readers I’m sharing some of my favourites here today in the hopes that satisfaction and good old fashioned hard work can overcome your IKEA madness.
Chris Salomone builds this simple multi-purpose shelving unit with limited resources.
Ana White holding it down for the cost conscious. Bonus: some beautiful Alaskan scenery.
Ok I’ll admit it, this is almost identical to the IKEA bookshelf… And costs less than $30…
If you’re going all in, check out this build video of a gorgeous cherry bookcase from King’s Fine Woodworking.
Happy making!
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