[entwisi]

Rule I was taught in catering college(god what was teh blokes name, lanky stroppy guy who had a really dry sense of humour????)

If it grows in the dark(i.e underground) cook in the dark, if it grows in daylight, cook in daylight.

Things that have fast cooking times where 1 minute can make all the difference between properly cooked (a la dente) or mush then cook from already boiling water. if they are long 'stew' type veg then cook from cold.

Frozen veg are best done in boiling water as you want to cook as quick as possible to preserve vitamins etc.

You should also try to use any cooking liqued to make gravy etc as you get all teh goodness back in teh meal rather than down teh sink.