50 signs that you’re a good cook

A poll of 2,000 people conducted by cookware brand Circulon has revealed the top 50 indicators of culinary expertise.

A spokesman for Circulon said: “It’s been very insightful to discover what makes the average consumer tick, and what categorises them as a ‘good’ cook.

“Proficient home cooks tend to be those who are confident about preparing food in front of others, and who are knowledgeable about their food, cookware and kitchen equipment.

“It’s been fascinating to uncover just how many people class themselves as relatively good at cooking. The rise of cookery programmes and the increased popularity of sharing food on social media have influenced Britain’s love of food and desire to cook.”

Researchers found just 5% of respondents class themselves as an ‘excellent’ cook, while 43% say they’re ‘good’.

The average person cooks around 11 dishes on rotation. Two-thirds of those quizzed are confident about throwing together random ingredients from their cupboard to make something delicious and 55% say they are confident knowing which herbs should be used.

A third often try to replicate celebrity recipes and 22% are so proficient at preparing food that they don’t even weigh the ingredients, preferring to throw them in at random.

And when it comes to cookware, 23% will always read reviews before purchase and 22% take recommendations from friends and family.

Inspiration for cooking still comes from cookery books for 54% of people, while 43% regularly watch cookery programmes.

The spokesman for Circulon continued: “Carrying out this research has enabled us to fully appreciate our customers’ needs in the kitchen, while recognising their ability, confidence and approach to home cooking.

“Our findings have informed and influenced key elements in the development of future cookware ranges, with customer buying habits and usability in mind.”

TOP 50 SIGNS OF A GOOD COOK

1. Can rustle up anything from scratch
2. Loves to eat as well as cook
3. Willing to experiment and try all foods and ingredients when cooking at home
4. Happy to prepare food in front of guests
5. Always being able to whip something up when there’s virtually nothing in the cupboard
6. When making a roast dinner, ensures that everything finishes cooking at the same time
7. Can identify certain herbs from appearance
8. Can throw things together knowing that the different combinations (of foods, herbs, spices) will go together well and taste good
9. Experiments with dishes by adding a twist on classics
10. Experiments with recipes more than once a week
11. Able to laugh if things go wrong in the kitchen
12. Can identify herbs and spices by the taste
13. Knows what herbs go in each dishes
14. Can chop ingredients really finely and safely
15. Always has eggs and milk in the fridge
16. Home-makes all condiments and sauces
17. Owns a spice rack
18. Always the one that people go to for cooking tips
19. Knows what every utensil in the kitchen does
20. Has a very well stocked pantry with all kinds of ingredients eg masala leaves, curry powder, mustard seeds, different types of oils: olive, avocado, roasted sesame seed, peanut, truffle, canola
21. Doesn’t need Oxo to make gravy
22. Will invite extra people to stay to dinner at a moment’s notice
23. Rarely eats takeaways
24. Knows exactly how long to cook a perfectly poached egg
25. Knows how to peel fruit and veggies efficiently
26. Knows and practices cooking terms such as al dente, broil, blanch, clarify, deglaze, flambé, gratin
27. Always wants to try a new dish when eating out
28. Able to guess what’s in a dish just from the taste
29. Never needs to use a cookbook
30. Always the designated cook for large family gatherings
31. Knows when a cake is done without having to stick a cocktail stick in it a hundred times
32. Knows measurements without having to actually measure
33. Owns good quality cookware
34. Writes a detailed list for the ‘food shop’
35. Knows which wine to pair with certain meat or fish
36. Owns a full set of herbs/spices
37. Enjoys a messy kitchen
38. Doesn’t need a timer
39. Understands what all the symbols on the oven mean
40. Can chop an onion in seconds
41. Able to cook steaks perfectly using the thumb technique
42. Always adds in ‘just the right amount’
43. Knows what ‘bain marie’ is and has the perfect pans for it
44. Knows the correct pronunciation of unusual or exotic foods
45. Knows which wine to drink with meat
46. Can flip a pancake perfectly
47. Knows how to prepare celeriac
48. Mum goes round for Sunday dinner rather than the other way round
49. Always read food magazines
50. Owns a set of fancy knives