Do you sometimes find yourself all in a fluster in the kitchen?
Maybe you've had a few cooking/recipe disasters?
Well, I can say for certain you're definitely not alone – I've also had my fair share of recipe and kitchen disasters and I know many others who have – I mean who hasn't? 🙂
As much as I love cooking now, believe it or not, there were times when I was so frustrated that I was tempted to resort to a life of nothing but take out! lol :p
Luckily, over time I've learned a few things that will help to ensure that those icky and frustrating recipe disasters are much less likely to happen.
In today's post, you'll learn how to make your recipe and meal making go as smooth as possible. 😀
Why I Do These 5 Things Before Making a Recipe (and Why You Should to)
To avoid those terrible cooking conundrums that we're all too familiar with, make sure to check these things off your list before you start! 🙂
1. Read the entire recipe at least twice.
Even if you're confident that you know what you're doing, please make sure to read through the entire recipe several times before beginning.
It's important to know exactly what steps you're going to be taking before you begin – that way if there's something missing, like an ingredient or a technique you're not sure about – you're not stuck with a half made “something something”. 😉
Reading the recipe instructions after you've started cooking will only set you up for trouble!
2. Preheat your oven and get all the necessary equipment ready.
Before beginning, always make sure you preheat your oven to the proper temperature (if the recipe requires it).
It can be incredibly frustrating to have all your ingredients/recipe ready to go, but the oven isn't ready. For best results when making any recipe that requires a preheated oven, always wait until it reaches the exact temperature required.
Throwing the recipe into the oven before it reaches the proper temperature will change your results – so make sure you preheat before starting!
The same goes for any equipment or tools you might need for the recipe. Make sure you have all your mixing bowls, measuring spoons, chain saws and water guns ready (that is if the recipe calls for that sort of thing! lol).
3. Get your ingredients measured & prepared (mise en place)
The French call it “mise en place” – meaning “everything in it's place” – I however call this “getting your sh*t together”! lol 😉
Making sure that you have all your ingredients measured and laid out before you begin will help prevent any issues like missing ingredients or having to rush to measure/add something during a time sensitive cooking process.
4. Read the entire recipe one more time.
Yes. you read that right. Read the recipe one more time and then refer to it as needed while cooking.
If you enjoy the recipe, chances are you'll be making it again and again… by then, you'll know it by heart! <3
5. Enjoy the process and don’t forget to season!
Don't be too hard on yourself if something doesn't turn out the way you hoped. You can always, always try again. 🙂
Enjoy the process! Have fun! You're creating something yummy!!! <3
Also – never underestimate the power of a little salt and pepper when seasoning your food!
