Pantrix — use what you have
The other day I bought an everyday pantry item. It was a brand I didn’t recognise, but it was cheaper, so I thought I’d give it a go.
That was my first mistake.
My second was assuming it would taste okay without tasting it first.
My third was using it as one of the main ingredients in a sauce I was creating.
As skilled as I am in the kitchen, sometimes there’s just no saving a flavour. A good dose of garlic and a whole lot of chilli paste still couldn’t take that underlying flavour out of the dish.
It was edible and no food was wasted, but it was a good reminder that brands, ingredients and product quality can make a difference.
Taste what you’re cooking with before you add it to your dish, especially when you’re trying something new.
It actually reminded me of something I’ve always done when I cook for people.
If I put a dish down and I don’t love it, I’ll tell them straight.
“Here’s ya food. I tried. I don’t love it, so I’m not claiming this recipe. But food is food, it’s edible, so enjoy.”
Or sometimes it’s simply:
“If anyone asks, I didn’t make this.”
Not every meal you create is going to be brilliant. Even after years of cooking, I still make things I wouldn’t make the same way again.
And I’m not throwing the rest of that ingredient in the bin either.
Now I know what it tastes like, next time I’ll use less, pair it with stronger flavours and make sure it isn’t the main flavour of the dish.
Don’t throw good money in the bin unless you absolutely have to.
Using what you have also means learning how to use what you wish you hadn’t bought.