8 Kitchen Blunders You’re Likely Making and How to Avoid Them
8 Kitchen Blunders You’re Likely Making and How to Avoid Them
Cooking is an art that blends chemistry and physics, subjects many of us might not have paid much attention to in school. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a scientist to whip up delicious meals. Simply steer clear of these common kitchen mistakes that many of us make.
Pouring Out Wine Due to Unusual Smells
Discarding wine because of an off-putting smell is a common mistake. If you’re new to wine, remember that different varieties can have unique and sometimes unusual aromas. Some sensitive individuals might detect scents like burnt rubber, mold, or even a wet dog. Instead of focusing on these odd aromas, try enjoying the wine. To eliminate unpleasant odors, drop a clean copper coin into the glass. The chemical reaction will do the rest.
Cutting Lime Incorrectly
Extracting juice from a lime can be tricky if you’re doing it wrong. Instead of cutting the lime in half, try cutting it into quarters, leaving the center intact. This method will give you more pieces that are much easier to juice.
Overcooking Scrambled Eggs
Egg whites are sensitive to heat. If your scrambled eggs or omelets turn out rubbery, you’re likely cooking them too quickly on high heat. The key to a tender omelet is slow cooking on low heat.
Draining All the Pasta Water
Before draining the water from your cooked pasta, save half a cup. This starchy, salty water is an essential ingredient for any creamy sauce. Follow this tip, and your pasta will be perfect.
Complicating the Chicken Marinade
Forget about complex marinades for roasting chicken. All you need is salt. It’s the secret to the best roasted chicken you’ll ever make.
Not Using a Spaghetti Measurer
Ever wondered about that strange spoon with flat teeth and a hole in the middle in your kitchen set? It’s a spaghetti measurer. It helps you measure the perfect amount of spaghetti, preventing you from cooking too much. Some spoons even have multiple holes for different portion sizes.
Frying Potatoes the Same Way Every Time
While everyone loves fried potatoes, there’s no need to cook them the same way each time. Try boiling them in salted water first, then baking them in the oven until they’re soft and have a brown crust. For a twist, add some whole-grain mustard seeds before baking.
Discarding Unused Eggs
If you have eggs that you won’t use before they spoil, freeze them. This is also handy when you have leftover yolks or whites. It’s best to freeze raw eggs out of their shells. Don’t fill the container completely, as eggs expand when frozen. You can also separate the yolks from the whites, whisk them, and freeze them separately. Frozen eggs retain their properties and taste. Just make sure to thaw them properly before using.
