So I think I can safely assume that no one here is a trained chef. That likely means you will be using your share of recipes for your cooking and that can be a tad intimidating sometimes. There are so many incredible dishes out there just waiting to be enjoyed so here are the steps to set you up for success.
1. Pick the right recipe.
This one takes a little bit of self-awareness and a little bit of trial and error. Take into account the time and skill level required, the flavor profile, how well it will save and reheat, and how much you will have to buy. This is not meant to scare you away from something you are excited about – because I will always encourage anyone to try something new – but there’s no harm in assessing what will have the most likely positive outcome.
2. Remember that a recipe is a framework (this does not apply to baking!!).
Use your taste and your judgment to make something that you’ll be happy with. Omit or replace ingredients and spices you don’t like. I don’t like smoked paprika so I never use it. Add things from your fridge that might go bad. A stir fry dish can use any and all veggies so throw them in! Make it work for your palate.
3. Read the recipe.
And now read it again. All the way through. All the ingredients, all of the steps. If it is your first time making something, you need to know what’s coming.
4. Double the prep time.
If it’s a dish you’ve made 100 times, you’ve likely got it down to a science, but if it isn’t – hence why you are probably using a recipe – then it will take longer than you think. You need time to gather ingredients, prep them, read the recipe between every step, and second guess yourself. So don’t forget to factor that into the plan.
5. Print the recipe.
Just do it. There is nothing more annoying than trying to unlock your phone when your hands are covered in flour and your hair is falling in your face. Just print it. Keep a folder in your kitchen junk drawer. This way it won’t get lost on your camera roll, or disappear due to a dead battery, or become hard to read because the brightness auto-adjusts.
6. Gather all your tools and ingredients on the counter where you can see them.
Do this before anything else cooking-wise (except maybe preheating the oven). Here is where reading the whole recipe comes in handy. Pick out what size bowls and pans you will need, make sure your measuring cups and knives are ready to go, get the cutting board out while your hands are clean. Set all your ingredients out on the counter. You can even group/order your items by what step in the recipe it is if that helps you. We want to minimize surprises during the cooking process.
7. Dive in.
Alright, you’ve done all the prep work to help you succeed. If you see spots where you can do two things at once, then by all means, go for it. But making a dish for the first time is all about making it. Just get it on the table in an edible fashion by sticking to what’s in front of you. You can refine and optimize it when you decide that you like enough to make it again. Don’t stress, follow the steps, and enjoy your meal!!
Share your best tips below, a recipe you’re excited to try, or a word of encouragement! Xx
Katherine
I remember on food network- one show the #1 rule was to read the WHOLE recipe before starting, so you don’t miss things like preheating the oven!