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Learning how to cook is a never-ending journey. You can't perfect it. You just get better at it. If you are willing to put in the hours and burn a few pans, of course. However, eager students of the craft often run into a big problem: inconsistent or even misleading information. What makes matters even worse is that when you're just starting out, you can't distinguish it from practices that are actually helpful and develop bad habits. So in an attempt to straighten things out, Reddit user u/Swimmin_Duck made a post on the platform, inviting everyone to share what they think is overhyped and useless cooking advice.

In order to understand how we can find our way around the pots quicker, we also spoke with Kacie Morgan, the creator of an award-winning blog called The Rare Welsh Bit, where she covers, among other things, bespoke recipes, restaurants, local cuisines, and food travel destinations.

So continue scrolling to check out how Reddit users contributed to the discussion and Morgan's thoughts on the subject.

#1

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow Measuring things like chocolate chips, you measure that with your heart, not a spoon

lysthequeen , Anton Report

"I have come across a number of instances of misinformation around cooking in the media in the past," Kacie Morgan told Bored Panda.

"Personally, I believe one of the issues that have caused this to spiral is the increasing prevalence of social media influencers claiming to be 'experts' in food or cooking, despite not having any real experience in the food and drink industry. While this certainly isn't true of all content creators and I don't wish to tarnish all of my peers with the same brush by any means, as an experienced food writer with over 11 years of experience in my field, I often pick up on flaws or inaccuracies in some of the claims made by others within my niche."

#2

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow Some people discard the whole brick of cheese when there is mold on a bit of it.

I generally chop off the chunk of the mold with some buffer and carry on.

squeevey , Alexander Maasch Report

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Bunzilla
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends on what kind of cheese it is. With a 'hard' cheese (like cheddar), cutting the mouldy area off is fine. But if it's a soft cheese? Nope. That's not going to work. Toss it if you see mould on a soft cheese. (Brie, ricotta, cream cheese, etc.)

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"Furthermore, misinformation around cooking in the media can also be linked to cultural appropriation, in the sense that an authentic dish from a given culture could lose its true essence or authenticity when prepared by a chef or cook from a different culture, who may not be aware of the traditional ingredients and cooking methods required to recreate the original dish," Morgan explained.

If you want to see this phenomenon in action, just open this YouTube video where master Italian chefs react to popular internet personalities and publishers making spaghetti carbonara. You'll immediately realize that buzzwords such as "classic" are often thrown around just to entice clicks. Viral videos produced by charismatic hosts can definitely inspire someone to cook, but they can also, for better or worse, make people form unrealistic opinions about dishes from all over the world.

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"It's interesting to hear that Jamie Oliver has recently appointed cultural appropriation specialists to advise him on his new cookbooks," Kacie Morgan continued. "Only four years or so ago (back in 2018), I was completely astounded (as someone who has spent a few months living in Jamaica and exploring the local culinary scene) to hear about the launch of his microwaveable 'jerk rice'. In actual fact, this 'jerk rice' bore very little to no resemblance whatsoever to the concept of jerk. In fact, according to this BBC article, it didn't even contain any of the ingredients found in authentic Jamaican jerk marinade."

By the way, Oliver appears in the aforementioned YouTube video as well. I'm not saying he's a lousy cook. I just want to illustrate that those with multi-million followings are making mistakes too.

#3

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow "cook onions for 3 minutes until translucent" lol ok, I'll comes back to you in 10 minutes when they start getting there

Adelineslife , Simona Sergi Report

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Lousha
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The biggest offender for cooking time in my cookbook is something we eat at Christmas with roasted duck: sauteed red cabbage with onions. Every recipe says saute it for 3-4 minutes. CABBAGE. It takes a LONG time for that to even start getting softer. In 3-4 minutes it doesn't even warm up. When I first encountered it I was sure it was a typo. But no, tons of recipes say the same thing.

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"If you want to take your home cooking to your next level — while also ensuring that the medium you're learning from is both trustworthy and authentic — I recommend reading reputable, specialist cookbooks and/or niche blogs focusing on the cuisine you're looking to cook and following trusted, experienced food and drink bloggers, as opposed to the latest trending Instagram or TikTok influencers, who are often not the people who are really 'in the know' when it comes to food preparation," Kacie Morgan said.

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"This isn't to say that you can't find trusted information around food or cooking on these platforms, but only too often, the information I come across on these channels is incorrect, poorly researched and published by people who lack any genuine credibility or expertise in what they say they do."

"If you're keen to improve your cooking skills, you could also consider enrolling in cookery classes, whether online or in person, ideally held by an experienced chef or cook within the cuisine you're looking to specialize in," the foodie added.

One of the joys of cooking is the thrill of eating dishes you created. But serving food to others and watching a smile take over their face feels just as (if not more) gratifying. The ability to prepare a tasty meal can take time to master but it's well worth the effort on so many levels. Setbacks are natural, but if you focus on the process, the results will eventually come. And hey, you're going through this post, so you're already on the right track!

#4

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow When a recipe calls for “two cloves of garlic” I usually add 5-10.

lavender_salamander , team voyas Report

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Lousha
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's because garlic these days is s***. I come from a country that used to be famous for its onions and garlic before our agriculture was destroyed. Now if I go to a store I have to look very closely to find garlic that did not come from f*** China. Not that I don't think China can produce some wonderful stuff but garlic sure ain't one of them. It's weak, has barely any flavour. I can't wait for the weather to let up a bit so I can plant my own and enjoy some proper garlic again.

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#5

"save the bones for stock"

Nah man, I ain't got room for that in my freezer. I like Ice cream.

DragonLass-AUS Report

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#6

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow I never ever add garlic at the same time as my onions to saute. I only saute garlic for 30 seconds.

BelliAmie , Dennis van Lith Report

#7

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow When you render fat from ground beef or something and use the same pan to cook something else, they always say "drain the fat". f**k that! fat is flavor! when I make chili I always cook my celery and onions in beef fat.

Waterstealer , Andy Melton Report

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Bunzilla
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fat is not evil. Fat is not bad for you (in moderation). Fat helps things taste better, and helps you feel fuller for longer. Fat can help you absorb nutrients. There's a reason why we crave fats.

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#8

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow Times for meat on the stovetop. "Cook the chicken for 2 minutes, then turn and cook for 2 minutes more...." What kind of stove do you have, guy? My burners at home certainly aren't going to cook a breast all the way through in 4 minutes.

9_of_wands , Krzysztof Hepner Report

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#9

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow I always use salted butter, I find that it tastes better, specially in sweet baked goods.

I always take away 1/3 of the sugar in cake recipes, i find that gives more of a balanced flavour and the finished cake is less sickly sweet so you can eat more of it

Frequent_Artichoke , Sorin Gheorghita Report

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never use salted butter for cooking. Salted butter is great on fresh bread tho...

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#10

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow When cutting onions, I do not make the horizontal cross-cuts on the “face” of each onion half. I only make the vertical cuts and then the final, perpendicular chopping cuts. I figure those face cuts are redundant because the onion is layered already. Right?

Transgojoebot , Caroline Attwood Report

#11

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow Mise En Place. I'm just going to get the water boiling/pan heating/oven preheating and then prep as I go. Separate little dishes for all of the components? Do people cook on the weekdays? Do people do dishes?

Remy1985 , Rudy Issa Report

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes mise en place is necessary. If you have a recipe that is fast and you need to add real quick.

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#12

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow I can't be bothered to rinse my rice. I know, I know, I'm going to hell.

yels0 , Quiet Hut Report

#13

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow My mom used to be the operations manager at a culinary college. They specifically told the students not to use expensive wine. They recommended boxed wine like Franzia because the wine stays sealed from the air and stays good for longer. By the time you're done cooking with it, anything that would make an expensive wine taste better will be destroyed, and your expensive wine will be ruined.

PlanetMarklar , drinkdivino Report

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Something
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You shouldn't use expensive wine, but you should use cheap wine that is drinkable.

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#14

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow Most recipes online targeted at an English audience (e.g. U.K./USA) which originate from elsewhere are extremely stingy with herbs and spices. “Half a teaspoon of oregano”, “a pinch of paprika” etc. bollocks to that. My Italian wife calls it “Italian food for English people”. It takes a lot of experience to know herbs and spices intuitively but start by increasing the amounts they suggest if they’re small and go from there.

stesha83 , Andy Holmes Report

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh yes. My grandmother taught me how to cook Indonesian food. The so called recipes are for "white" people. When she cooked she used original indonesian recipes and the taste was incredible. She herself learned in Indonesia from friends and family. Some of my best memories are in my grandmothers kitchen ...

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Gabby M
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cant even sighs. Mine was straight from Armenia {to US} age 16. She was the envy of all the women {church}. She worked so hard, cooked SO MUCH!! Weekends {her and Gpa} made Լահմաճիւն - Մսաշոթ A thin flatbread, topped with spiced lamb, became known as laham b'ajin (meat with dough), shortened to lahmajin and similar names. with a glass of cold "tun" (ayran). Pizza oven in the garage funded many a vacation, bills, education....sighs I miss her wildly. I digress....she had a woman writing a cook book stay with her for a month in hopes to get "actual" measurements. Which she always said....taste it you'll know

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Lousha
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to work for a British Jewish family for a short time. When I arrived I brought them some proper Hungarian paprika as a present. They politely thanked me but I could see that they were reluctant to use it because their usual spicing consisted of two tiny grains of salt and showing the pepper bottle to the dish without opening it. Then one morning the mom greeted me with a glowing face and said thank you for that paprika a million times, said she used it on chicken and it was so wonderful. I asked what sort of dish and how much she used. It was a whole roasted chicken and see sprinkled a pinch on top. I was happy that she was happy...

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deathrose
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I grew up on Cajun and Creole food. It was a culture shock for my husband.

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Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked in an Ethiopian restaurant. Servers would tell cooks if the customers were real Ethiopians, so the cooks knew to double the spice.

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Natalie Kelsey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, I measure with my heart, and my heart (and tongue) ain't British. Quadruple those measurements! Dump it all in! My parents' little spice jars lasted my whole childhood, we're replaced, then lasted my whole teenagehood lol. Mine get updated monthly to quarterly depending. Salt and a couple others I get in the giant sized jars.

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Vicky Zar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats why I like this German website where normal people write their family recipes.

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Anita Pickle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! Especially when spiced deserts are concerned. Who puts only a tsp of cinnamon in an entire pie?

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Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well as most of our herbs and spices are imported, they are expensive to use too much in a dish. If the stuff grew in our back gardens like weeds, we might use a bit more!

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Dill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know what you mean but I grow my own herbs! Spices are a bit more tricky but I'd rather pay up than have boring food!

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Daria B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not gonna lie. I gave up looking up English language recipes allthogether. Although I'm confident with my English skills, most of the time I don't actually understand these recipes. They have ingredients and technical terms that I'm not familiar with, or ingredients that are just not available where I live. So I prefer looking at Italian language recipes mostly, because Italian sites contain a lot of good information, but also a lot of Croatian and Korean as well.

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Loty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I learned to double/tripple paprika, cumin and chilies but that's just my personal taste.

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Tracy Wallick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read recipes to see which spices are in it, but I always wing the amount; the only seasonings that should be used in moderation are salt and anything adding heat.

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Evelyn Haskins
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always thought that USA and English cooking were ENTIRELY different, English food is bland, American food is greasy and far too sweet.

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Cydney Golden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I like a taste I add more of the spice/herb. I also use good dried when I don't have fresh.

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Gary Sansom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Grow as many herbs as you can. Fresh is best. And stuff a load in for more flavour!

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Mer☕️🧭☕️
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In cooking, recipes are guidelines but the 'destination' is up to the cook; cooking is art. (In baking, recipes are THE FKNG LAW, do not break them - it's science.)

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bill marsano
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh yes--online recipes always minimizes herbs and spices. Also, they often claim to be 'authentic,' 'classic,' or 'traditional'--but use non-traditional ingredients: stuff that's low-fat, gluten-free and vegan cheese, for example.

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Karis Ravenhill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My rule is if it doesn't make your face pop an expression when putting it in your mouth, it's not flavored enough. When you put a forkful of my 3-cheese elk lasagna in your mouth, I should see your eyes cross and your knees nearly buckle. THAT'S flavor.

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Tee Witt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

English people like to taste the food they are cooking, too many spices etc. and that is what you taste. Came from a time when people ate meat that had "gone off"

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Sophie Leon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mexican here... whenever I see "taco seasoning" as an ingredient in a recipe I don't even finish reading it, we don't use said seasoning here, it doesn't even exist because not all of the tacos taste the same! If you add something to a SOFT tortilla and fold it or roll it up you've made yourself a taco, it can have veggies, just salt, meat, chicken, nothing, anything, everything, and most of our tacos are made with corn tortillas, flour tortillas are mostly used for quesadillas and they're more common in the north of Mexico, and taco shells are just... they shouldn't exist to put it lightly

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Spencer McClure
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The general rule of thumb is "taste as you go." Especially for soups and such. There've been plenty of times where I'll add almost double the seasoning to a recipe because it's just too bland.

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Rei
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always wondered about that one. Like "whaat only half a teaspoon oregano? No way!" *puts in two tablespoons*

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Vex Boxx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely. Most recipes are a guideline, as far as I'm concerned.

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Peter Trudell Jr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favourite dishes I've made, chicken paprikash. I had already doubled the amount of paprika in the dish while cooking... my wife came in (behind my back) and added more... then I tasted the sauce half-way through and added MORE... best paprikash ever.

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Rider
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm too lazy to measure spices. I prefer to add till it smells good, give it a taste test and adjust as necessary.

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zovjraar me
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i never follow instructions on spices... i think about the flavors of what i'm cooking and throw a bunch of stuff in that i think will fit. never had anything taste weird. i also like to use a lot! herbs and spices are so good, you want to taste them in every bite.

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Irish Lad
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was trained in Italy. No cups. Season to taste. It does become intuitive.

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Hutt'nKloas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a professional research organic/polymer chemist I hate to use any kind of fixed amounts. I adjust till the equation fits [gut feeling]. Organic/polymer chemistry is similar to cooking........the only thing is that you're being frowned upon when you want to smell, feel or taste your product 🧐 🤣

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Peter Buckley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

agree, I cook a tagine, theres a bowl of spices going in there. Pasta sauce, yep, two fists of fresh oregano.

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H Moore
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another true. a Tbsp of paprika, a handful of oregano....

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Brian Kirk
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are tasting a dish, pre cooking to see if you have enough seasoning, it has to be over seasoned. The cooking process can weaken the spices. Start with too much and it ends just right.

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KMill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I automatically double spices - and sometimes quadruple spices in a recipe

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Aliquid
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cinnamon! My god, the amount they suggest in baking recipes is pointless. I at least double or triple what they suggest.

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Susan Green
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, so many people tend to under season food, or don’t use enough spices either. I much prefer my food to have really good flavour instead of being bland.

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Summer Mason
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I go with what tastes right. No way in hell do you measure herbs and spices. You do what your heart tells you.

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September
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom used a lot of spices, always. She cooked intuitively and taught me to do the same thing. Spices never get measured. You smell the spices, sometimes taste them and know how much to add and when. I had a friend who had a favorite soup from a chain restaurant called, Olive Garden. I tried it once, told her I could make it. I made it at home, she said it was better than the original. It was just better and fresher ingredients and the perfect amount of spices. My family was 'poor when I was growing up but when you can cook with spices you eat like royalty.

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Lily Mae Kitty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I ignore what they say about herbs and spices. Those are added from the heart. Most foods are too mild for me unless I add extra.

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RoseTheMad
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I use paprika, it's never just a pinch.. it's however much comes out of the jar. I love paprika. xD

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Elaine Elder
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Granny could not read and write. So everything was from memory.

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Elaine Elder
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a saucer with spoon next to pot. Add spices accordingto directions. Taste. Rinse spoon. Repeat. I keep track of how much of each spice I add. Smoked paprika in Brunswick stew if my meat is not smoked. Savory on everything that's supposed to be Savory. Sage on pork. Mexican oregano on everything Italian. Sugar in breading for southern fried chicken.

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Allison B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do that with a lot of spices in food myself. I usually don't up it by much the first time I cook something so that next time I make it I know what I want to increase and what I dont

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#15

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow I use cornstarch as a thickener. I’m never too fancy for cornstarch.

mariners2o6 , sunny mama Report

#16

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow No use of soap on cast iron !!

That one is a classic, “no soap” thing is an old rule from way back when soap contained lye and other harsh stuff

electric4568 , Helinton Fantin Report

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Mistralok
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, it is today's hardcore rule as well. Never EVER use soap in cast iron. It will damage the seasoning and cause it to rust and stick. Proper seasoning and use of the pan will stop any sticking.

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#17

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow Most measurements, especially where garlic or salt is concerned.

And whatever color the onion needs to be since I plan on using whatever onion I have available.

Anitsirhc171 , Kelly Common Report

#18

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow "Don't cook with a wine you wouldn't drink"... honey I'll drink pruno if that's what you've got, it's not a high bar

EatBangLove , Klara Kulikova Report

#19

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow My spices get poured from the jar. Sometimes it ends up as an "oops, guess this one's gonna be extra paprikaey"

Dartser , Darío Méndez Report

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Johnny
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I pour into the lid of the spice jar first, then dump from the lid into whatever I'm cooking -- so that way if it all comes out in a clump, I can just dump it back in the jar.

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#20

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow For any spices in my dishes, a teaspoon is some in my palm, a tablespoon is more in my palm, a pinch is whatever I pinch, and anything less than a teaspoon either doesn't exist or gets rounded up to whatever I pour out into my hand.

People rave about "how well seasoned" my cooking is, so who the hell even cares. The only thing I'm careful about is salt because oversalting is a thing and will ruin a dish. MSG though...I've never heard anyone call my dishes too umami!

Straydapp , Karin Hiselius Report

#21

The number of servings. As I usually cook one main dish, if the recipe says it serves 4 people, it usually serves 2, if it serves 6 and we're 3 there might be a chance of "some" leftovers... sometimes.

Yupyup_o_O Report

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Loty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do the same thing. I always double all the measurements. Worst case scenario I'll have leftovers to eat for lunch tomorow.

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#22

Adding oil to your pasta water will not prevent the noodles from sticking. The oil will remain separated from the water instead.

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Jaguarundi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found that adding oil kept the sauce from clinging to the pasta properly.

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#23

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow Salad dressing recipes will tell you to stream in the oil while whisking. Nah, just throw it all in a jar and give it a shake

prawn69 , Alexis Antoine Report

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#24

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow I rinse my mushrooms with water

(Comes from prep in commercial kitchens. If you are using them right away, rinsing with water is fine. If they’re going to sit in a pan for hours or days before being used, they’re going to get slimy and gross.)

ow_my_balls , Waldemar Brandt Report

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Lousha
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm with the op on this one. Wash them in running water quickly, wash off any dirt, job done, into the pan they go. No water sucked up unless you let them sit in water for a long time. When I was a kid I was also taught that you're supposed to peel them. As in break off the stem, then with the back of a knife hold a piece of the their outer layer to your thumb, and peel it off. Repeat until all the "skin" is off. My mom hated doing it because it takes forever so I was the "lucky" one to always get this task. When I started cooking myself I got brave one day and said fudge the peeling! Nobody noticed the difference. So I never peeled again and later started thinking my mom actually got this wrong, misunderstood something when she started learning to cook or something. But no, I recently asked a bunch of people who are my mom's age and they all peel to this day. Some of them were quite socked when I told them it's totally unnecessary.

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#25

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow I’ve heard to never wash your mushrooms in water and instead wipe off the dirt. I also know that mushrooms are grown with animal feces… I always wash my mushrooms.

Superb_Geologist_474 , Joanna Kosinska Report

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Mistralok
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Contrary to popular belief mushrooms are not grown in manure. ... Mushrooms are in fact grown in a pasteurized substrate, which yes does contain manure, but once the whole process is finished it is not even close. But yes, always wash them and all fruits and vegetables before use.

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#26

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow Using pre-shredded cheese isn't always going to ruin whatever you're making.

allmilhouse , Willis Lam Report

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Mistralok
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just remember that pre-shredded cheese has been tossed with cornstarch to keep it from sticking together. Keep this in mind when doing sauces.

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#27

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow Follow the recipe. My opinion: it only really matters in beginners baking. Once you get the feel for the food and how you want it to taste, the rest is up to you.

wordsinverse , Dan Gold Report

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Mistralok
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Baking is a dramatically different art than cooking. Measurements must be absolutely precise, even taking in account temperature and humidity.

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#28

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow Sugar measurements. I routinely use half or a third of what is called for and NEVER miss it.

Mezcalier , Sharon McCutcheon Report

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Mishte Tine
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Baking is chemistry though, no? I don’t bake because ima clutz and favor savory over sweet, but sugar is n a ton of non-baked foods. I love food.

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#29

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow I refuse to omit salt, ever.

I know every baby boomer mom and cardiologist is probably frowning at this comment too.

kimberdots , Anastasia Zhenina Report

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Johnny
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife and I rarely add salt when cooking, and now restaurant food always tastes too salty.

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#30

30 Cooking Tips These People Refuse To Follow I rarely bother making my own stock. It's just not practical for me; I don't have the space to freeze big batches of it and I don't have the time to regularly make smaller batches of it.

Most of the time, I find stock cubes work fine. They taste fine in most applications. The only thing I tend to miss in stock cubes is the gelatin, but in cases where I want that I just sprinkle some powdered gelatin into the stock.

ConsiderablyMediocre , Tom Small Report

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Jacqui Howe
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never seen stock cubes with gelatin, why is it in there? I make my own stocks usually overnight in a slow cooker. Meat bones from a roast, bacon rind, washed veg peels, water and seasoning. Slow cook overnight, strain and freeze. Old leftover bagged salad like coleslaw is perfect for this and better than throwing it out. If I have some, I'll chuck in leftover wine. I keep veg peelings, bacon rind, meat fat etc in small food bags in the freezer just to make stock. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I also buy reduced veg when I can and blanch and freeze them for winter soups. Saves me lots of money and I know what's going in my meals.

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