It takes determination and desire to break-in a new kitchen and the results are definitely worth it.
My Cooking Mistakes
While living in northwest Spain this fall, I’m finding out that cooking in a new kitchen is not so easy. I’ve already made a ton of mistakes like these:
- Letting the rice boil over and make a mess
- Burning part of the eggplant I was trying to sauté
- Measuring the salt incorrectly, without a proper measuring spoon
- Running out of eggs when I wanted to make a Spanish Tortilla Omelet
- Missing the spices I needed to make a chickpea burger
- Under-cooking potatoes because the pan was too small
Learning in Your Kitchen
There’s a lesson in my experience for all home cooks and especially those who are beginners in the kitchen. First of all, do not expect perfection with every cooking experience. Even experienced cooks have moments of frustration and make mistakes (like mine above.) Getting your kitchen stocked up with a set of cooking utensils will make cooking easier. A good set of pans will help, too. Choose a recipe that matches your skill level and set aside lots of time to make it. Then Read Your Recipe Carefully to Avoid these 5 Common Mistakes. Buy the ingredients you need and do not already have on hand, and then get cooking. This might sound overwhelming but, with practice and not rushing, it will get easier and easier as well as faster and faster.
Learning at the Grocery Store
Finding and buying simple, real food is a skill, too. Here are a few earlier blogs that will help you learn:
- Grocery Cart Tips for Good Nutrition
- A Nutritious Grocery Cart Fill-Up
- A Grocery Cart of On-Budget, Smart Nutrition
Start a Healthy Cooking Trend for Yourself
If home-cooking with simple, healthy ingredients becomes your normal way of life then your tastebuds and your body will win many benefits. Flavor, texture, spices, and herbs all make cooking and eating better.
Your starting point is my free report called Easy Mediterranean Menus. Also, be sure to check out my Tasty Mediterranean Pantry and Shopping Lists which will help you stock your kitchen in a snap!
How will you make your kitchen a happy place to cook?