Even the best cooks sometimes make mistakes in the kitchen—but don’t worry! Here are some easy fixes for two common problems:

Baking Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients – Bring butter, eggs, and dairy to room temperature before baking for a smoother batter and better texture.
2. Weigh Your Ingredients – Measuring with a scale is more accurate than using cups, especially for flour.
3. Don’t Overmix Batter – Overmixing can make cakes and muffins dense instead of fluffy.
4. Chill Cookie Dough – Refrigerating cookie dough before baking enhances flavor and prevents spreading.
5. Use Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
6. Test Cake for Doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
7. Preheat Your Oven – Always preheat to the correct temperature before baking.
8. Use an Oven Thermometer – Many ovens run hotter or cooler than their settings indicate.
9. Don’t Open the Oven Door Too Often – Sudden temperature changes can cause cakes to sink.
10. Let Baked Goods Cool Properly – Allow cakes and cookies to set before removing from pans.

Cooking Tips

1. Season as You Go – Add salt and spices in layers to build flavor.
2. Taste Your Food Often – Adjust seasonings and flavors while cooking.
3. Preheat Pans Properly – A hot pan ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
4. Use Sharp Knives – A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
5. Let Meat Rest After Cooking – This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
6. Cook Pasta Al Dente – It should have a slight bite to it for the best texture.
7. Save Pasta Water – Add some to sauces for better texture and flavor.
8. Use Fresh Herbs Last – Adding them too early can dull their flavor.
9. Control Heat Levels – Cooking on medium heat is often better than blasting high heat.
10. Clean as You Go – Makes cooking more enjoyable and less stressful.

Too much salt?

1. Dilution – Add more unsalted liquid (water, broth, or milk) to balance the salt.
2. Add Starch – Potatoes, rice, or pasta can absorb excess salt. Remove them after cooking if needed.
3. Acidity Helps – A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can counteract saltiness.
4. Sweetness Balances – A pinch of sugar or honey can mellow out saltiness.
5. Dairy Works – Adding cream, yogurt, or unsalted butter can soften the salty taste.

Soup too watery?

1. Simmer Longer – Let the soup reduce by cooking uncovered on low heat.
2. Add a Thickener –
   • Mashed potatoes, blended beans, or lentils
   • Cornstarch or flour mixed with a little cold water before adding
   • A bit of instant mashed potatoes
3. Blend Some of the Soup – Puree part of the soup and mix it back in for a thicker texture.
4. Add Dairy – Cream, yogurt, or cheese can add body and richness.
5. Include More Ingredients – Add more vegetables, grains, or proteins to thicken it up.

Too Much Salt in Greek Dishes?

1. Greek Stews (e.g., Stifado, Youvetsi, Kokkinisto) – Add more unsalted tomato sauce or water to balance the salt. A small grated potato can also help absorb excess salt.

2.Fasolada (Greek Bean Soup) – Add a peeled potato while simmering, then remove it before serving. A splash of lemon juice can also balance the salt.

3.Tzatziki & Dips – If your tzatziki is too salty, mix in more yogurt or grated cucumber. For taramosalata, add more bread or potato.

4.Moussaka or Pastitsio – If the béchamel is too salty, stir in a bit of unsalted milk or cream before layering.

Watery Greek Soups & Dishes?

1. Avgolemono (Egg-Lemon Soup) – If too thin, whisk in an extra beaten egg or let it simmer a bit longer to thicken naturally.

2.Fasolada (Bean Soup) – Mash some beans and stir them back into the pot for a thicker texture.

3.Lentil Soup (Fakes) – Let it simmer uncovered for a while. You can also blend a portion of the lentils to add body.

4. Greek Sauces (e.g., Béchamel, Avgolemono Sauce) – If too thin, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water) and heat until it thickens.