Cooking Guides
Know when it’s OK to cut corners when you’re cooking—and when you might sacrifice safety and taste.
How bad is it to boil instead of simmer?
Pretty Bad. A simmer consists of small yet constant pockets of bubbling and a few wisps of steam (roughly 180°F). A boil produces constant steam, with large bubbles quickly rising to the surface (212°F). Boiling destroys the protein in meat, drying it out. However, a boil followed by a cold rinse is best for colorful vegetables like green beans, which can fade when simmered. The takeaway? Closely follow the method the recipe calls for.
How bad is it to cook before the oven is preheated?
Somewhat Bad. This shortcut could raise your risk of food-borne illness, especially if food has been out at room temperature for a while. When food is in the danger zone of 40°F to 140°F, bacteria multiply quickly. To be safe, it’s better to wait until the oven reaches cooking temperature. This is how to cook chicken breasts in a pan without drying it out.
How bad is it to just cut away the mold?
It Depends. Firm foods are more likely to be safe than soft foods. Mold generally can’t penetrate deep into hard cheeses like Asiago and cheddar, so it’s OK to cut off about an inch. The same goes for firm produce like bell peppers and carrots. However, chuck moldy-looking foods with high moisture content—yogurt, soft cheeses, cooked leftovers and bread. Porous foods are likely to be contaminated beneath the surface. On the other hand, here are 11 foods you’re throwing out too soon.
