I Love Cooking: These Are My 10 Best Secrets for Better Cooking at Home

I’ve loved cooking ever since I could sit on the counter and watch my grandma whip up her famous biscuits. Now, I dream of being the one whose dishes everyone can’t wait to dig into at family gatherings.

Through the years, I’ve gathered a handful of cooking tips that can elevate anyone’s kitchen game from average to exceptional.

Here are my top 10 tips that I swear by—they’re simple, they’re transformative, and they’re about to make your home the new favorite family dinner spot.

Cut Meat Against the Grain for Tenderness

When it comes to slicing meat, the way you cut can make or break the texture. To ensure your meat is always tender and easy to eat, remember to cut against the grain.

This technique slices through the muscle fibers, shortening them and making them easier to chew. Whether you’re carving a roast or slicing a steak, this simple change in your cutting method can transform a tough cut into a tender delight.

Keep Cookies Moist with Bread

If you’ve ever been disappointed by cookies that turn dry and crumbly just a day after baking, here’s a simple trick to keep them moist and chewy: store them with a slice of bread. The bread acts as a moisture magnet in your cookie container.

It slowly releases humidity, which your cookies absorb, keeping them just as moist as when they first came out of the oven. This old-school tip is a hassle-free way to extend the freshness of your homemade treats.

Boost Banana Bread Moisture with Mayonnaise

Here’s a little secret for making ultra-moist banana bread: add mayonnaise to your batter. It might sound unconventional at first, but mayo acts as a super-moisturizer in baked goods without altering the taste.

The eggs and oil in the mayonnaise enrich the bread, giving it a tender crumb that’s hard to achieve with other ingredients. Try this trick just once, and watch how quickly it becomes your go-to for that perfect banana bread texture that your family will love.

Here’s a recipe to help get you started: Moist Banana Bread With Mayonnaise

Layer the Seasoning for Flavorful Fried Chicken

Achieving restaurant-quality fried chicken at home is all about mastering the art of seasoning. Don’t just season the chicken; layer your flavors by seasoning the flour and the egg wash too. This technique ensures that every single bite is packed with flavor.

Not only does this method enhance the taste, it also creates a more satisfying, crave-worthy crust. Once you try this approach, you’ll notice the difference immediately—it’s a simple step that makes all the difference.

Bloom Spices for Deeper Flavors

Next time you’re cooking, take a minute to bloom your ground spices and dried herbs in some butter or oil. This step is a game changer. By heating them in fat, you release their essential oils, which intensifies their flavors beautifully.

If you’re sautéing aromatics like onions, add your spices when the vegetables are nearly done. This technique ensures every bite of your dish is layered with deep, rich flavors, transforming your ordinary recipes into memorable meals.

Transform Cornbread with Sour Cream

Forget everything you thought you knew about cornbread, especially if your only experience has been with that dry, crumbly type that often shows up at gatherings. The secret to moist, tender cornbread is adding sour cream to the batter.

This ingredient, along with butter, milk, and eggs, brings a rich creaminess that locks in moisture. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself loving cornbread in a way you never thought possible.

Here’s a recipe you can follow: Moist Jiffy Cornbread -I swap out the vegetable oil for melted butter.

Add a Pinch of Salt to Sweeten the Deal

Adding a sprinkle of flaky salt to your sweet treats like cookies, brownies, cakes, and pies when they’re still warm from the oven does wonders.

It’s not just about enhancing the flavors—though salt does make the sweetness pop—it also introduces a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of your baked goods. This simple touch elevates the overall sensory experience of each bite, making those flavors stand out even more.

Boil Potatoes in Milk for Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Take your mashed potatoes from good to unforgettable by boiling them in salted milk instead of water. Add more salt than you think! This little change infuses your potatoes with a rich, creamy flavor right from the start.

Once they’re cooked, drain them and mix in some soft butter and heavy whipping cream. The result? Mashed potatoes that are incredibly smooth and creamy, without any hint of greasiness.

Chill Your Cookie Dough for Perfect Texture

When you’re craving those thick, chewy cookies, a simple trick can make all the difference: chill your dough. By popping those raw mounds of dough into the fridge or even the freezer, you help solidify the butter. This little pause keeps your cookies from spreading too much and cooking too quickly once they hit the oven.

And for that final touch of magic, pull them out just a minute before they’re done and let them sit on the baking sheet for another five. This helps them set up perfectly without overcooking.

Soak Your Potatoes for Better Results

Diving into a dish of crispy fries or creamy mashed potatoes starts long before the cooking does—it begins with a good soak. Once you peel or slice those spuds, get them into a water bath pronto.

Potatoes are prone to oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air, but a quick dunk in cold water keeps them looking fresh and white. This not only preserves their appearance but also improves the texture of the final dish, whether it’s fries or mash.