Unforgettable Cooking Lessons from Mom: Advice That Backfired
As an experienced SEOer at Google, I've learned a lot about effective content writing by focusing on reader engagement and valuable insights. In this article, I'll share some of the cooking advice from my mother that I later realized were not so great. These lessons, learned the hard way, offer some valuable perspectives on cooking and meals that will help you avoid similar pitfalls.
1. Add a Lot of Salt
When it comes to seasoning, mom's advice of adding a lot of salt to ensure food is properly seasoned rings true. However, this advice is not universally applicable. If you're like me, someone who is not a fan of a highly salty flavor, too much salt can be a problem. It's important to remember that taste is subjective, and it's always better to add a little at a time as you go rather than adding it all at once and risking overpowering the dish.
2. Submerged in Oil for Proper Cooking
A common assumption my mom held was that for food to cook properly, it must be fully submerged in oil. This blanket statement applies to various dishes, from frying chicken to sautéing vegetables. She served dishes with large portions of oil in the serving dish as if it was a necessity. While a bit of oil can add flavor and keep food moist, too much can make the meal greasy and unappealing. It's a lesson in moderation and understanding the nuances of flavor and texture.
3. Taste Before Serving
My mom's advice that you should taste the food before serving it taught me to trust my own palate. if you want to impress someone with your cooking, it's crucial to ensure the dish is enjoyable. If you're not thrilled with the taste, it's best to adjust and serve food that you know your guests will enjoy.
4. Using the Right Utensils for the Job
Another lesson from my mom is that you shouldn't use every utensil and cooking apparatus you own. In my early cooking days, I mistakenly followed her lead and piled my kitchen counter with a mishmash of ingredients and equipment. I learned that simplicity is key to making cooking efficient and manageable, making it easier to focus on achieving the best results.
5. Overdoing Oil
The opposite of the earlier lesson is when the food seems to be swimming in oil. In these cases, your cooking was excessively oil-soaked, and you have surely overdone it. Calm yourself and realize that less is often more in this regard. A little oil goes a long way in adding flavor without overwhelming the dish.
6. Simplicity vs. Complexity
When learning to cook, things don't have to be complicated. My mother thought that using a wide range of spices and ingredients always made a dish better. However, I've since learned that simplicity is often more appealing, especially for beginners. Keep your recipes straightforward, and don't be afraid to ask for advice or follow a trusted recipe to ensure success.
7. Raw Chicken No Good
Another lesson learned the hard way, I wanted to impress my new girlfriend by making a traditional Greek taramasalata. My mother told me to use three "clove" of garlic, which, in her mind, referred to an entire garlic bulb. I made the fateful decision to use whole garlic bulbs instead of cloves, resulting in a dish that was completely inedible. This incident taught me that raw chicken is definitely not a good idea, and since then, I always make sure to ask for clarification whenever a recipe calls for specific measurements.
8. Proper Pan Maintenance
Thoroughly cleaning your pans can prevent food from sticking, making cooking much easier. According to my mom, I was always using harsh cleansers and scrubbers, which I learned can damage the non-stick coating and shorten the lifespan of cookware. Now, using gentle methods and proper seasonings ensures my pans last longer and keep food from sticking.
9. Clean Kitchen Matters
A clean kitchen is not just about hygiene; it's also about creating a comfortable space to cook in. A cluttered and messy kitchen can be discouraging and make cooking enjoyable. Taking a few minutes to clean up as you go can make the cooking experience much more pleasant and efficient.
10. Basic Ingredients
Baking a basic meal should not take all your utensils. My mom often used all the available equipment, but I now understand that a few key tools and understanding how to use them correctly can go a long way in cooking. For example, mastering the art of slicing a potato correctly is essential, and focus on that, rather than cluttering your workspace with unnecessary tools.
Conclusion
mom's advice sometimes has its merits, but it's also essential to apply common sense and personal experience. As I look back, these lessons have taught me to be more mindful of the food I prepare and to take pride in the quality of what I cook. These experiences have shaped a more refined and thoughtful approach to cooking, which I now share with you, my dear readers.