Confidence adds a fun-factor to cooking and that’s worth a lot.
5 Ways to Become More Confident with Cooking
Read through your recipe before starting to cook. This is a very important tip and it’s hard to follow for most people. When you read a recipe, there’s a little organizing and a little learning which builds a little confidence. Do your best not to rush the process and you’ll feel more comfortable about what you’re getting ready to make.- Commit to learning knife skills. There are very few recipes that do not require some knife work. From veggie soups to chicken stews to a stir fry or apple crisp, your chef’s knife will get a workout. So, what’s the answer — learn basic skills and then practice, practice, practice. Speed matters less than safety so keep your knife sharp and be very careful.
- Pick out a few favorite recipes and make them often. Since practice is how cooking skills get better and confidence grows, practice on foods you like most. Try a homemade Baked Meatballs recipe, for example, since you can vary it from ground beef to ground turkey and the spices can be adjusted, too. Or, try a variation of this Banana Split with a Healthy Twist recipe, since you can change up the yummy toppings.
- Remember that flavor matters more than looks. Unless you’re a professional chef or caterer, it’s better to spend time tweaking the flavor of a recipe than to stress over how it looks on the plate. A good example of this is the first piece of Mediterranean Turkey Meatloaf that is served from the pan which never looks pretty. In fact, it usually falls apart and looks awful, so try to always focus on how it tastes.
- Challenge yourself once a month to make something brand new. It can be scary to cook something new so give yourself plenty of time and then add 20 minutes. Tackling a challenge in the kitchen is a good way to stretch yourself, gain confidence, and eat a delicious homemade meal. Maybe you’ll want to try my Healthy Pizza recipe or a beautifully exotic, easy recipe called Tangy Lime Chicken. I hope so.
The Payoff of More Cooking
Cooking with more confidence is more fun and this is a big payoff. There are other payoffs as well such as saving money by eating out less; making family meal time a chance to spend time together at home; learning about many foods with many different textures; getting a chance to use the spices and herbs in your pantry; feeling the pride of making something delicious; and taking an interest in better nutrition. Please take advantage of my free Mediterranean Menus and Recipes as a path to flavorful cooking with colorful and healthful ingredients. You’ll be glad you did.