How does zero waste cooking contribute to climate change mitigation?
Zero waste cooking plays a critical role in mitigating climate change by drastically reducing the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills. In the United States alone, more than 30% of the food purchased is wasted, translating to around 92 billion pounds of waste annually. This enormous amount contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions like methane, which exacerbate the climate crisis. By adopting a zero-waste strategy, restaurants, and households can collectively reduce this waste, thus cutting down the associated emissions. For example, innovative techniques such as roasting and pulverizing onion skins, as practiced by Heritage restaurant, can turn potential waste into valuable seasoning, showcasing how every part of the food can be utilized.
The approach encourages resourcefulness and sustainability, which are foundational to achieving environmental goals. Restaurants committed to zero waste, like Heritage in Long Beach, have been acknowledged for their efforts, earning accolades like the Michelin Green Star. This recognition serves as an industry standard, encouraging more establishments to adopt these practices. The cumulative impact of multiple entities making these changes can significantly curb the overall food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. This systemic change, driven by the culinary sector, aligns with broader climate solutions efforts to foster an eco-friendly food system.
What cooking techniques are key to achieving restaurant-quality steak at home?
Achieving restaurant-quality steak at home involves mastering a few critical techniques that professionals use in their kitchens. Chef Adrianne Calvo points out that one of the most important skills is knowing when the steak is perfectly cooked just by looking at it. This involves observing how the juices shine through the char, the closeness of the grain, and the overall tightness of the meat. Experience and intuition play significant roles here, as it requires a deep understanding of how different cuts respond to heat. These visual and tactile cues are vital to preparing a steak that’s cooked to perfection.
Another key aspect is the feel of the steak, which gives hints about its done-ness through its texture and resistance to touch. Calvo emphasized becoming ‘one with the steak’—a concept that resonates with understanding the meat’s characteristics profoundly. Additional techniques can include seasoning, marinating, proper searing, and resting the meat after cooking to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful. These combined practices replicate the restaurant-level precision that chefs apply, allowing home cooks to achieve similar results in their kitchens. Learning and practicing these techniques can elevate home-cooked steaks to a level that rivals those prepared by professional chefs.
What strategies does “You Gotta Eat” suggest for easy, low-effort meal preparation?
“You Gotta Eat” by Margaret Eby is designed to make meal preparation manageable, especially for individuals who are pressed for time or energy. The book starts with a reassuring mantra: “You do not have to cook.” This statement sets the tone for a collection of easy, low-effort meal ideas that work even when you’re feeling overwhelmed. The cookbook is divided by the amount of effort each meal requires rather than traditional categories. For instance, if you have the energy to open a can, you can prepare a bean salad, or if you’re up to working the microwave, a baked potato is an option. This structure makes it easy to find something that matches your current capacity.
A significant focus of the book is on utilizing what’s available and not stressing over complex recipes. Eby offers guidance on assembling meals using kitchen staples and leftovers, suggesting that even Triscuits with cream cheese and hot sauce can make for a satisfying dinner. It’s about granting permission to keep things simple and practical without sacrificing flavor. By advocating for minimal effort and maximum flexibility, “You Gotta Eat” empowers readers to nourish themselves despite the hurdles of daily life, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet even during challenging times.
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