Unveil the Enigmas Your Heart Can Gauge
A seasoned chef who navigates the kitchen with ease would never reach for measuring spoons when adding vanilla or garlic. Whether you’re a cooking novice who sticks to recipes or a seasoned baker, there are certain ingredients that can be added freely without exact measurements. One Southern Living reader aptly puts it as, “I measure with my heart, not with teaspoons,” while another wisely advises, “Measure vanilla with your heart and garlic with your soul.” Both editors and readers agree that these 18 ingredients can always be measured with intuition.
Garlic
The aroma of garlic sizzling in oil is a kitchen delight. When a recipe calls for garlic, it’s common to add a few extra cloves for enhanced flavor. As one reader notes, “There are no rules for garlic; my heart guides me on when to stop.”
Vanilla
After decades of baking, I’ve never felt the need to use measuring spoons for adding vanilla extract to a recipe. Readers emphasize adding vanilla extract based on intuition, with one noting, “I add [it] until my heart signals to stop.”
Spices
Seasoning with spices to taste is recommended by many readers. Cinnamon, in particular, is mentioned for its flexibility in usage, with readers advocating for generous sprinklings in recipes.
Cheese
When it comes to cheese, more is often better. Readers and editors alike endorse adding extra cheese beyond what the recipe suggests, especially in dishes like pizza, pasta bakes, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Chocolate Chips
A common sentiment among readers is to never skimp on chocolate chips in recipes. Adding more chocolate is seen as a delight for the soul, as noted by a reader saying, “If it calls for chocolate chips, always add more!”
Butter
For dishes like Garlic Butter Shrimp or steak, additional butter is always welcomed. The exception is in baked goods, where precision is key for optimal results.
Herbs
Using herbs generously in recipes and as garnishes is a popular practice among readers. Measuring out exact amounts for herbs like parsley is often deemed unnecessary, allowing for a more intuitive approach to cooking.
When it comes to adding ingredients in the kitchen, it’s often a good idea to err on the side of generosity. Especially when dealing with fresh herbs, it’s better to toss in an extra handful to prevent them from going to waste. The same goes for salt and black pepper – keep cranking that pepper grinder and sprinkle salt incrementally to taste as you cook, as once it’s added, you can’t take it back.
Olive oil is another ingredient that can be eyeballed rather than meticulously measured out. Just pour it into the skillet or salad dressing without reaching for a tablespoon. Mayonnaise lovers can rejoice in using it generously in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes without worrying about going overboard. Sprinkles, too, deserve a liberal hand – there’s no limit to how much you can use to add a touch of whimsy to your creations.
Hot sauce, on the other hand, is a personal preference, with some craving the heat while others prefer a milder flavor. When serving a crowd, it’s best to let individuals season their own dishes according to their spice tolerance. Onions, like garlic, can enhance the flavor of a dish, so why hold back? Chop up the whole onion instead of just half and savor the aromatic sautéed goodness.
Wine is not only for sipping but also for cooking, whether in a rich Bolognese or zesty chicken piccata. Don’t worry about measuring – let the flavors guide you as you deglaze the pan and allow the alcohol to cook down. When it comes to honey, trying to measure it precisely can be sticky business, so squeeze a bit in, taste, and adjust as needed.
Salad dressing, much like hot sauce, is a matter of personal taste – some prefer a light drizzle, while others like a thorough coating. And when it comes to sugar, baking may require more precision, but for pickled onions, sauces, or glazes, feel free to eyeball the measurements. In the kitchen, it’s all about finding the right balance between following a recipe and trusting your instincts.
