April 24, 2025
As Culinary Director at The Westbury Senior Living, I have a wealth of experience in creating meals that are not only nutritious but also delicious and satisfying. Over the years, I’ve picked up countless tricks that make cooking easier, more flavorful, and even a little more fun. I want to share my best-kept secrets—unexpected ingredient pairings, must-have pantry staples, underrated kitchen tools, and game-changing techniques that can transform the way you cook. Whether you’re a beginner looking to sharpen your skills or a seasoned cook hoping to elevate your dishes, these expert insights will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
Every cook should keep a pie cutter on hand. This underrated tool helps evenly divide desserts and gives your presentation a clean, professional touch.
To prepare quick and flavorful meals, I always keep pantry staples like rice, flour, chocolate chips, and potatoes stocked. These ingredients offer versatility and can be used to create a wide range of dishes in no time.
Beginner cooks should focus on learning knife skills and how to make stock. These two skills form the foundation of many great meals. Early in my culinary journey, I also discovered a fun and efficient trick—cooking bacon in a waffle iron. It crisps beautifully and cooks quickly without needing a pan.
Don’t shy away from surprising ingredient combinations. Some of my favorites include peanut butter with pickles, peanut butter on burgers, and pork chops paired with applesauce. These unexpected combos add bold flavor and fun to the plate.
To make the perfect steak, I marinate it overnight in homemade dressing, let it rest for 30 minutes, then cook it in a cast-iron skillet with garlic butter. I avoid over-flipping the steak to preserve its juiciness and flavor.
If you want your home-cooked meal to taste like it came from a restaurant, start with high-quality meats. Great ingredients make all the difference.
Mastering these culinary tips and tricks will elevate your home cooking to restaurant-quality. Simple techniques can turn ordinary meals into unforgettable ones. By applying what I’ve learned throughout my career, you’ll cook with more flavor, efficiency, and confidence every day.
The Westbury Senior Living in Columbia, MO offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near University Hospital and Boone Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Mizzou Tigers, Columbia Mall, The Broadway Shops, MKT Nature and Fitness Trail, Finger Lake State Park, and LA Nickell Golf Course.
The Westbury Senior Living serves and employs individuals of all faiths, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap, except as limited by state and federal law.
