There are several common mistakes that people make in the kitchen, but with a little awareness and practice, you can easily avoid them. Here are a few common kitchen mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

1. Not reading the recipe thoroughly: Before starting any recipe, make sure to read it from start to finish. This will help you understand the steps involved, the required ingredients, and any special techniques or equipment needed. You can still get away with not doing this when you cooking, but baking is not that forgiving. Your measurements and ingredients need to be precise.

2. Not preheating the oven: Preheating the oven is crucial for achieving proper cooking or baking temperatures. Always allow enough time for your oven to reach the desired temperature before putting your food in. This is so important when you baking. Especially when you don’t quite know the ‘real’ temperature of your oven.

3. Overcrowding the pan: Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and boiling especially if the intention is the brown your meat/veg. Give your ingredients enough space to cook properly by using a larger pan or cooking in batches if necessary.

4. Not using a sharp knife: Dull knives can be dangerous and make cutting more difficult. Make sure to keep your knives sharp for efficient and safe cutting. I like gifting people with a Victorinox knife. There are just no better knives hey.

5. Not seasoning properly: Proper seasoning enhances the flavour of your dishes. Taste your food as you cook and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, it’s easier to add more seasoning than to fix an oversalted dish.

6. Overcooking or undercooking: Timing is crucial in cooking. Invest in a reliable kitchen timer and follow the recommended cooking times in your recipe. Use visual cues and internal temperature readings to ensure your food is cooked to perfection.

7. Neglecting food safety: Food safety is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses. Wash your hands frequently, use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods, and store ingredients at the proper temperatures.

8. Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking, in particular, requires precise measurements. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients and a kitchen scale for more accurate measurements when needed.

9. Ignoring the mise en place: Mise en place, which means “everything in its place,” refers to prepping and organizing your ingredients before you start cooking. This helps you stay organized, saves time, and prevents mistakes.

10. Not tasting as you go: Taste your food throughout the cooking process to ensure the flavours are balanced and adjust seasoning if needed. This will help you avoid serving a dish that lacks flavour or is overly seasoned.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more confident and efficient cook. Happy cooking!