Cooking Habits Grandma Never Had (And You Shouldn’t Either)
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Why doesn’t your cooking quite measure up to Grandma’s? The answer often lies in our kitchen habits. Even small mistakes can have a big impact on the quality of our food. Here’s a list of 15 cooking habits to break right away. By making these adjustments, you’ll be on your way to cooking like Grandma in no time.
Overcrowding the Pan
Filling the pan with too much food can lead to uneven cooking. It affects not only the texture but also the flavor and nutritional value of your dish, making it less appealing. To fix this, simply cook in smaller batches or switch to a larger pan for better results.
Using One Cutting Board for Everything
Grandma knew better than to chop raw meat and veggies on the same board. To avoid cross-contamination, always use separate cutting boards or clean them thoroughly between uses. It’s a simple habit that can prevent foodborne illness.
Skipping the Recipe
Even if you’re in a hurry, skipping over recipe steps is a risky move. A quick read-through can prevent you from missing key instructions that could make or break your dish.
Not Tasting as You Cook
Not tasting your food as you cook means missing the chance to adjust seasoning. To avoid bland or over-seasoned dishes, take the time to taste along the way and fine-tune the flavors.
Leaving a Mess in the Kitchen
A messy kitchen can lead to cluttered thinking and increase the chances of cross-contamination. Clean as you go to keep things organized and minimize the cleanup after cooking.
Adding Aromatics Too Soon
Grandma knew the secret to perfect aromatics: timing. Tossing garlic or herbs in too early leads to burning and bitter flavors. Instead, sauté vegetables until softened, then add your aromatics on low heat for rich, layered flavors.
Not Measuring Your Ingredients
Guessing quantities, especially in baking, can lead to disappointing results. Using measuring cups and a kitchen scale ensures you’re following the recipe accurately and getting the best results.
Not Preheating the Pan
Adding food to a cold pan can cause uneven cooking and sticking. Always preheat your pan, then add oil, and wait for it to heat before adding ingredients for optimal cooking.
Using The Wrong Cooking Oil
Using oils with low smoke points for high-heat cooking can ruin your dish and release harmful compounds. Choose oils like canola, avocado, or peanut oil for cooking at high temperatures.
Throwing Out Pasta Water
That starchy pasta water? It’s liquid gold for your sauce. Grandma saved it to thicken sauces and bring the dish together. Next time, reserve a cup before draining the pasta.
Using Metal Utensils on Nonstick Pans
Using metal utensils on nonstick cookware can scratch and damage the surface, shortening the lifespan of the pan. Opt for wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils to preserve the nonstick coating.
Cutting Into Baked Goods Too Soon
Slicing freshly baked goods right out of the oven can cause them to collapse or lose their structure. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting to allow them to firm up.
Over-mixing Dough
Over-mixing dough develops too much gluten, leading to tough, dense baked goods. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated for lighter, more tender results.
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