Taste your food before you serve it!

Seems like a simple enough premise to follow, but sometimes we assume it should taste fine because it’s based on someone else’s tried and true recipe.
So often have I had students submit a dish during an exam, and the first thing I always ask them is “how does it taste?” You’d be surprised at how many say, “I didn’t taste it… I just followed the recipe”. Big mistake… the cook is the last line of defense before your guests try the food you worked so hard on all day. The same can be said for the home cook. Having company over, you spend a lot of time cooking, yet you don’t complete the dish by seasoning it properly, or seasoning it too much. Better to start over again before you finish, than to serve a meal you’re less than thrilled with.

Remember, a recipe is simply a guide not a bible (unless you are baking). Don’t be afraid to add a little more salt or pepper if you need it or a tad more garlic…it’s always easier to add later…the key is to catch any issues before it’s too late.

Keep Cooking On High!