When it comes to cooking, quality matters. Investing in better versions of everyday ingredients can make a huge difference in flavor and health benefits. Here are 10 regular ingredients where opting for quality can elevate your dishes from average to exceptional, proving that sometimes, the extra cost is truly worth it.
AUTHOR: Louisa Eunice
Table of Contents
1. Butter
Butter is essential for foods and pastries alike. It's the perfect ingredient for making your stews thicker and shouldn't ever be lacking in your kitchen. But we often use a lot of butter because we get the cheap stuff. While high-quality butter costs a pretty penny, you'll use less. Also, a stick of butter from well-fed cows is more flavorful than any other butter you've had.
2. Cheese
"I'm okay with paying into the $20 - $30 range per pound for the good stuff. It's worth splurging on good cheese," said an online user. I found that high-quality cheese even grates better. It's an ingredient that goes into many foods, so consider it. The best one will equally give you the best cooking results.
3. Olive Oil
"I have a couple of local shops that make it locally, totally worth the upcharge," said a site member. A top-notch bottle of cooking oil will transform your dish. Usually, the area where olives grow influences the look and flavor of the oil. Trust me; your palette will thank you when you make a simple vinaigrette with the highest quality olive oil.
4. Vinegar
If your food has the right level of acidity, it will stay flat. Vinegar will brighten your dishes and give them much-needed flavor. It only makes sense to splurge on the best one you can buy. It's handy for dressings and salads and comes in various flavors. The cheaper stuff will have you in a pucker-dom.
5. High-quality Eggs
Cheap eggs are disappointing. They don't give your dishes the ge ne sais quoi they need. But high-quality eggs tell a different tale. They have higher nutritional value, are delicious, and come from organic farm chicken. Don't trick your tastebuds with lower-quality eggs.
6. Baking Flour
The benefit of spending enough on flour is the consistency you'll get and the nutritional value. With flour, you get what you pay for. Cheaper flour will be less consistent, and you could have a dense, chewy dough. It's one crucial ingredient in your kitchen worth the extra cost.
7. Mayonnaise
"I love my Hellman's. I will not accept substitutions and pay full price if I have to," a third user commented. There's nothing better tasting than a salad with a tasty mayonnaise finish. But to use the least amount of product but gain the best flavor, you'll need top-shelf mayonnaise, the best brands on offer.
8. Real Vanilla
"Real vanilla is a real treat; I'll pay anything for it," added another user. We are so used to vanilla essence that we forget authentic vanilla tastes like heaven. It's costly, but it's worth the cost. Add it to your pastries, and you'll thoroughly enjoy the results.
9. Soy Sauce
I find it difficult to be frugal with my soy sauce. Because I use it as a dipping sauce, especially for sushi (we are raw fish lovers), we purchase the highest quality brand money can offer. It's also a great addition to many dishes, so why not have the best? It was a delight to find that some online users share my soy sentiments!
10. Chocolate
"If I make something chocolate, it will be great!" admitted a final user. While there are chocolate bars to suit every budget, there are top deck bars that are expensive and will complement pastries in the best way. There's a clear difference in taste when using top-deck and low-deck chocolate.
Source: Reddit.
12 American Foods That Gross Out The Rest Of The World
From unusual combinations to unique ingredients, here are 12 American foods that often raise eyebrows abroad.
Click Here For 12 American Foods That Gross Out The Rest Of The World
12 Ingredients You Will Regret Adding To Your Meal
Sometimes, less is more in cooking, especially when certain ingredients can ruin a dish.
Click Here For 12 Ingredients You Will Regret Adding To Your Meal
12 Poor People Foods We Will Enjoy No Matter How Rich We Get
Some foods have a humble charm that stays with us, no matter where life takes us. They remind us of simpler times and heartwarming moments.
Click Here For 12 Poor People Foods We Will Enjoy No Matter How Rich We Get