With spring flavors on the mind, we’re looking back at our time with Chef Josh Swinney, who participated in our #LPCConnects series by sharing his culinary craft. Through cooking tutorials and an elevated event with dishes prepared by the chef himself, Lincoln residents indulged in his vibrant dishes in a variety of ways.
Now that we’re inspired to get cooking ourselves, we’re looking back on a few tips from Josh to implement in our kitchens. Here are a few to try out this season.
Prep & Wash Your Herbs
Mint, basil, parsley, cilantro—all of these herbs are top of mind for spring cooking. Luckily, Josh walked us through how to prepare and store these tasty leaves for use later. For mint, lightly wash and then place them upright in a vessel of water to keep them hydrated. Cilantro is best preserved when it is washed and rolled into a paper towel. Make sure to gently squeeze the towel to get rid of excess moisture.
Invest in a Stainless Steel Pan
While ingredients are typically top of mind when it comes to cooking, hardware is key too. Which is why Josh recommended leveling up your cookware with a stainless steel pan. Stainless steel is thicker and can handle higher temperatures, resulting in an even distribution of heat through your food.
When it Comes to Produce, Storage is Key
An overlooked step of cooking is how we store our food. Especially when it comes to produce, it’s important to be mindful of how to store each item in the fridge to prolong its shelf life. Now that spring has sprung, Josh’s tips on how to store cucumbers and berries are more important than ever. For cucumbers, simply roll them into a paper towel to soak up any moisture. Berries are to be rinsed and dried and then put into a vessel lined with a paper towel. This way, the towel will catch any moisture and prevent other fruits from spoiling.
To learn more about Josh, check out his latest venture, Sincère Fare, a food service consulting company that spearheaded an unforgettable dinner for residents of Alexan Buckhead Village. See below for a peek into Josh’s one-of-a-kind culinary creations and yet another amazing Lincoln experience.
