Meal Preparation – JSS3 Home Economics Lesson Note (First Term)

Meal preparation is the use of kitchen utensils and equipment to prepare and cook food.

• Utensils: small tools such as knives and forks.
• Equipment: large items such as cookers and deep freezers.
• Cooking methods: boiling, steaming, frying and baking are examples.
• Choice of method: it depends on the food, the people and the time available.

Behavioural objectives

1. State the difference between kitchen utensils and kitchen equipment.
2. List points to consider when choosing kitchen equipment and utensils.
3. Name the types of kitchen utensils and appliances, with examples.
4. Give reasons for cooking food and name the methods of cooking.
5. Prepare egg custard.

What are kitchen utensils and equipment?

Kitchen utensils and equipment are the tools and machines used for food storage, preparation and cooking.

• Utensils: small kitchen tools, such as knives and forks.
• Equipment: large kitchen items, such as cookers and deep freezers.

What should you consider when choosing kitchen equipment and utensils?

Choose each item by its use, cost, durability, storage space and the needs of the family.

• Use: the specific use of the item.
• Cost: the money available for the purchase.
• Durability: how long the item will last.
• Space: the room available in the home for storing it.
• Family needs: what the family requires.
• Family size: the number of people to be fed.
• Savings: it should save labour, time and money.
• Ease of use: it should be easy to use.
• Ease of care: it should be easy to clean and look after.

What are the types of kitchen utensils?

There are four groups of kitchen utensils: measuring, mixing, cutting and chopping, and other utensils.

Measuring utensils

Measuring utensils are used to measure ingredients for food preparation.

• Dry measuring cups: measure dry items such as flour, sugar and rice.
• Liquid measuring cups: measure liquids such as milk, water and oil.
• Measuring spoons: measure small amounts, such as a tablespoon of sugar.

Mixing equipment and utensils

Mixing utensils are used to blend and mix ingredients.

• Mixing bowls: hold ingredients while they are mixed.
• Mixing spoons: stir and combine ingredients.
• Whisks: beat eggs and mix liquids smoothly.
• Hand grinder: grinds food into small pieces or paste.

Cutting and chopping utensils

Cutting and chopping utensils are used to cut food into smaller pieces.

• Knives: cut, slice and chop food.
• Cutting or chopping boards: give a safe surface for cutting.
• Peelers: remove the skin of yam, potato and carrot.
• Kitchen shears: cut meat, fish and herbs.
• Graters: shred food such as carrot and coconut.

Other kitchen utensils

Other utensils are used to hold, turn, drain and cook food.

• Colanders and strainers: drain or strain liquid from food.
• Spatulas and turners: lift and turn food in a pan.
• Tongs: hold or lift hot food.
• Cooking forks and spoons: stir, lift and serve food.
• Cooking pots, frying pans and saucepans: hold food while it cooks.

What are the types of kitchen equipment and appliances?

Kitchen appliances are pieces of equipment powered by gas or electricity, and they are small or large.

• Small kitchen appliances: they can be moved easily from one place to another.
• Large kitchen appliances: they are major equipment, mostly fixed once installed.

How should kitchen equipment and utensils be cared for?

Kitchen equipment and utensils last longer when they are used correctly and looked after.

• Correct use: use each piece of equipment and each utensil correctly to obtain the best results.
• Manual: follow the manufacturer’s manual for the use and care of each piece of equipment.
• Keeping the manual: keep it as long as the equipment is in use.
• Repairs: repair appliances and utensils promptly.
• Cleaning: wash and dry utensils after use.
• Storage: keep each item in its proper place.

What are the common food preparation terms?

Food preparation terms are words that describe the actions used when preparing food.

• Stir: move food round with a spoon to mix it or stop it sticking.
• Blend, mix, combine: join two or more ingredients together until even.
• Beat: mix hard with a spoon, fork or whisk until smooth.
• Cream: beat fat and sugar together until soft and light.
• Grate: rub food on a grater to make small shreds.
• Slice: cut food into thin, flat pieces.
• Coat: cover food with a thin layer, such as flour or beaten egg.
• Garnish: decorate food with small items, such as tomato slices or parsley.
• Grease: rub fat or oil on a pan or dish so food does not stick.
• Seasoning: add salt, pepper, spices or herbs to improve flavour.
• Strain: separate liquid from solid by pouring through a strainer.
• Drain: pour off the liquid from food, for example with a colander.

Why do we cook food?

We cook food to make it safe, tasty and easy to eat and digest.

• Easier to eat: cooked food is softer.
• Appetising: it makes food more pleasant.
• Easier to digest: the body breaks it down more easily.
• Safe: it makes food safe to eat.
• Appearance: it improves how the food looks.
• Taste: it improves the flavour of the food.

What are the methods of cooking food?

There are seven methods of cooking food: boiling, stewing, steaming, frying, roasting, baking and grilling.

What are the guidelines for choosing a cooking method?

Choose a cooking method by considering the food, nutrients, the eaters, facilities and time.

• Type of food: the food being cooked.
• Loss of nutrients: some methods lose more nutrients than others.
• Age and health: of the persons who will eat the food.
• Facilities: what is available for cooking.
• Time: the time available.

How do you prepare egg custard?

Egg custard is a soft, sweet dish made by mixing egg, milk and sugar and steaming it until set.

Ingredients

• ¼ litre of milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• Vanilla essence, if desired

Method

1. Put the sugar into a mixing bowl.
2. Break the egg into the bowl.
3. Add the milk and vanilla essence slowly and whisk.
4. Pour into a greased Pyrex dish or any other container suitable for steaming.
5. Place the dish in a steamer.
6. Steam for about 30 minutes or until the custard is set.
7. Serve hot.

Evaluation

1. What is the difference between a utensil and equipment? Give two examples of each.
2. State five points to consider when choosing kitchen equipment and utensils.
3. Give four reasons for cooking food.
4. List five methods of cooking food.
5. Name the ingredients used to prepare egg custard.

Assignment

State five guidelines for the use of refrigerators.