Lessons I’ve Learned In The Kitchen
The kitchen has always been a space of discovery for me—a place where mistakes turn into masterpieces and chaos can lead to culinary triumphs! Here are ten of the most important lessons I’ve learned in the kitchen.
my baking journey:
My baking journey began in 2021 after my second baby was born. Life was overwhelming! I was busy with a newborn but also being attentive to my three year old ON TOP of all that, I was running on zero sleep (joys of being a mom).
Once I built a solid routine with my growing family, I realized I needed something for myself. Something where I could step away from parenting (when hubby was home) and just be me, which led me to baking!
Over time, I’ve gathered valuable lessons that have not only improved my cooking but also taught me a thing or two about life.
One: preparation is everything:
One lesson I have learned not only in the kitchen but also with my own personal life is preparation is everything! Prepping ingredients before you start cooking not only saves time but also keeps the process stress-free. Having everything measured, ready to go, and at arms length creates a much more enjoyable time in the kitchen.
This goes further than the kitchen as well. Being prepared in life often leads to smoother outcomes. For instance, planning a lunch for work the night before makes mornings easier, planning on what you are wearing and laying it the night before, saves time in the morning and of course bringing the diaper bag to public events is always a good way to prepare.
Two: read the recipe:
Number two, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve realized mid-recipe that I missed a crucial step or ingredient (salt!).
Since then, I’ve learned to read recipes thoroughly (sometimes twice) before diving in. It’s a reminder to approach tasks with intention and attention to detail.
Three: mistakes are part of the process:
Burned cookies, deflated cakes, or too-salty chicken, every mistake is a chance to learn! Speaking of cakes , take a look at my Chocolate Bundt Cake – SUPERRRR PROUD OF THIS ONE!
Some of my best recipes were born from fixing a mishap. It’s a comforting reminder that perfection isn’t required, just perseverance (you got this mamma).
Remember, mistakes happen in life, it is part of the process. Learning from those mistakes and growing from those mistakes are what matter the most.
Four: invest in good tools:
Lesson number four, a sharp knife, a sturdy baking sheet, or a reliable stand mixer can make all the difference.
Having quality tools not only improves results but also makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient. For example, having a handheld mixer saves time when mixing ingredients together. But of course, a good whisk works just as well. It makes a good arm workout!
In life, the right resources and support systems are equally important (thank you, family). I don’t know how I would have gotten through my first time as a mother, but after having my second baby, life became even more difficult to manage. Having a support system makes all the difference.
Five: clean as you go:
I used to let dishes pile up, only to feel overwhelmed by the mess later. Cleaning as I go has been a game-changer for me. Keeping my workspace organized and my mind clear has helped with everything and not just in the kitchen.
It’s a simple practice that reflects the importance of staying on top of things before they snowball.
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Six: don’t be afraid to experiment:
Lesson number six, some of my favorite creations came from straying off the beaten path—adding a pinch of this or substituting that. Experimentation fosters creativity and confidence, both in the kitchen and in life.
Seven: patience pays off:
Whether it’s waiting for dough to rise or letting a sauce simmer or allowing butter to come to room temperature, good things take time.
Rushing often leads to less-than-stellar results. Patience has proven to be a virtue, not just in cooking but also in personal growth and relationships.
I am not a patient person. This one was difficult! One of the ways i practiced being patient was by setting realistic goals. For example, it was OBVIOUS I was not going to lose the pregnancy weight within a few weeks. This was something that was going to take time, i set a realistic goal, and kept moving.
Eight: taste as you go:
Lesson number eights, don’t wait until the end to find out if something’s missing. Tasting as you go helps you adjust flavors and ensure success.
Using this lesson in my own life helped as a reminder to check in with myself regularly, whether in cooking or navigating life’s challenges.
Nine: celebrate the small wins:
Even a perfectly fried egg is worth celebrating. Not every meal has to be a gourmet masterpiece to bring joy. It’s the process that mattered most, and how I felt about my work that mattered.
This has taught me to appreciate small victories and find joy in everything I do, at home and at work.
Ten: cooking is love:
The best meals are made with love. Whether it’s for family, friends, or yourself, cooking is an act of care. Cooking with love has taught me that love and effort shine through in everything we do!
Final Thoughts:
The kitchen has been my classroom, teaching me patience, resilience, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting, remember that every meal is an opportunity to learn and grow and not just in the kitchen, but in life as well.
So grab your apron, embrace the process, and savor the journey!
These are just a few examples of lessons that I learned in the kitchen, what lessons have you learned in the kitchen? Share them in the comments.
Thank you for reading my post today!
If you are interested in learning more about baking, have a look at my Ten Baking Tips For New Bakers post or my How To Make Brown Butter post.
Hopefully, baking brings you joy and happiness as it does for me and my family!
From my kitchen to yours,
Jas.
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