14 Common Cooking Blunders to Avoid

Creating delicious dishes in your own kitchen is a blast, but let’s face it—mistakes happen! Even if you’re a kitchen whiz, you might be falling into some sneaky pitfalls that are sabotaging your tasty creations. The following is a list of some common cooking slip-ups and how to steer clear of them. From the moment you assemble your ingredients to the final dish, these tips will have you cooking up a storm and impressing everyone at the dinner table.

Overmixing Dough

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Mixing your dough too vigorously can result in baked goods resembling bricks rather than delights. To maintain that fluffy and light texture, gently mix until all ingredients are just combined, preserving those tiny air bubbles.

Inexact Measurements in Baking

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Baking is a science, and veering off the recipe can turn your masterpiece into a kitchen disaster. Be a precision artist—stick to the recipe like a pro, using measuring tools to ensure the perfect balance of ingredients for those flawless baked goods.

Not Allowing Meat to Rest

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Cutting into meat too soon releases valuable juices, leading to a drier dish. To lock in that succulence, let your meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.

Overcrowding the Pan

Meat in a frying pan
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A crowded pan spells uneven cooking and a less-than-ideal dinner. Give your ingredients some space to breathe, ensuring even cooking for that perfect texture and flavor. Consider cooking in batches if needed.

Not Using a Meat Thermometer

Hell Done meat thermometer in a steak
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Trusting your eyes alone can lead to undercooked or overcooked disasters. Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to accurately gauge the internal temperature, guaranteeing both safety and taste.

Using One Cutting Board for Everything

Cutting board with meat slide
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Cross-contamination is a serious risk, especially when cutting raw meat and veggies on the same board. Play it safe by using separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables, and be diligent about thorough cleaning after each use.

Washing Chicken in Water

Person washing uncooked chicken
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Rinsing chicken is ineffective and spreads germs. Skip the rinse and focus on achieving proper cooking temperatures to ensure your chicken is both safe and delicious. Utilize a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Flipping Grilled Meat Too Fast

Flipping meat
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Rushing the flip can lead to stuck meat and uneven cooking. Wait until your meat easily releases from the grill before flipping, ensuring a perfect sear and even cooking.

Opening the Oven Too Often

Woman opening the oven door
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Frequent oven peeks mess with the temperature, affecting the cooking process. Keep that oven door closed to maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring your baking and roasting game is on point. Use a timer and trust the process.

Not Storing Herbs Properly

Varieties of Herbs
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Neglecting your herbs leads to wilted, flavorless disappointment. To preserve freshness and flavor, store herbs in a glass of water in the fridge or freeze them in oil. This ensures they remain vibrant and ready to enhance your dishes.

Not Storing Onions Properly

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Storing onions in the wrong spot spells a quick expiration date. Keep onions in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place to extend their shelf life. Avoid storing them near potatoes, as the gases released can accelerate spoilage.

Flipping Pancakes Too Early

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Patience is key when flipping pancakes. Flipping too soon results in unevenly cooked and mushy results. Wait for bubbles to form on the surface before flipping, ensuring your pancakes are golden and cooked to perfection.

Using Olive Oil for High Heat

Man and woman cooking, using olive oil
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Olive oil at high temperatures equals a burnt taste. Opt for oils with higher smoke points, like canola or grapeseed oil, for your high-heat adventures. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in the flavor and quality of your dishes. Your taste buds will thank you!

These 15 Major Brands Making Kirkland Products May Surprise You

Kirkland Roasted Chicken placed in a food warmer
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Costco is an incredibly popular place for people to shop thanks to its bulk-sized items, incredibly competitive pricing, and exclusive products. Among the many brands you can find in stores is Kirkland, Costco’s house brand. Kirkland products are typically good quality and priced below the leading brand name competitors. But did you know that Costco uses other big brands to make the Kirkland products? Here are 15 big brands behind Kirkland products.

These 15 Major Brands Making Kirkland Products May Surprise You

15 Extremely Unhealthy Foods Americans Won’t Stop Eating

man looking at a burger excitedly
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You’ve heard of the saying “You are what you eat”, but what happens if you don’t have all the facts? What if you think you’re making healthy, or at least decent food and drink choices but in reality those items are harming you? Here are 15 extremely unhealthy foods and drinks that Americans just can’t seem to give up, and what they are doing to your health.

15 Extremely Unhealthy Foods Americans Won’t Stop Eating

6 Pro Tips for Effortless Online Grocery Shopping

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In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, the once-cherished task of grocery shopping can become a daunting chore. However, thanks to the rise of online grocery shopping services like Instacart, FreshDirect, and DoorDash, you can now skip the crowded aisles and checkout lines, all while enjoying the convenience of having your essentials delivered to your doorstep. To make your online grocery shopping experience even more seamless, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind.

6 Pro Tips for Effortless Online Grocery Shopping