Reading a recipe from start to finish is just as important as looking at a road map before we start a trip. The smallest mistake can affect the quality of food we make, so it’s important to pay attention to all details contained in the recipe we use, and to follow the appropriate instructions from the speed of the mixer to the oven temperature and the exact quantity of the ingredients.
Let’s take a look at the mistakes we make the most often in the kitchen.
1. Failure to set the appropriate temperature in the oven
Because of this mistake, food will either burn or come out still raw. To avoid this, use a special oven thermometer, and find out where the ‘hot spots’ are in the oven. Especially older type ovens tend to emit more heat in certain areas. Fill a pan with bread slices and place it in the oven. After a few minutes, take it out, and the color of the bread slices will indicate which areas of your oven are hotter. Once this is done, you will know which parts of the oven you should protect your food from.
2. Not measuring ingredients
One cup of flour doesn’t mean the same amount for everyone. When you measure flour this way, use a spoon to add the flour gradually, and level it with a knife – never press down the flour.
3. Overfilling the cooking pan
The result is tasteless and watery food. Ingredients let out water while cooking, so you should make sure there is space left in the pan for the steam. When we are in a hurry, we often make the mistake to stuff the pan with all sorts of ingredients, even though it’s a much better solution to use two pans instead of one.
4. Whisking egg whites the wrong way
Properly beaten egg whites should not be foamy; on the other hand, if beating is overdone, the quality of the cake will suffer. Properly beaten egg whites are creamy and glossy. For this purpose, the egg whites need to be separated from the yolks so not even the tiniest amount of yolk gets into the whites. Keep the egg whites at room temperature for a few minutes, and then start beating them with the mixer set at low speed. Once they become foamy, switch to high speed and keep beating until the whites completely harden. You need to pay close attention, as the foam will become solid if yu keep beating it after it stiffens.
5. Turning meat too often
If the meat is turned too often while cooking, it will lose its flavor. Be patient, and the end result will be much tastier.