While cooking from scratch is often preferred for its freshness and control over ingredients, there are certain dishes or ingredients that can be time-consuming or challenging to make from scratch. Here are some examples of things that may not be worth cooking from scratch in certain situations:
Specialty condiments and sauces: Some condiments and sauces, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce, have complex recipes that require multiple steps and ingredients. In such cases, store-bought options may provide satisfactory results without the effort involved in making them from scratch.
Highly specialized ingredients: Some ingredients used in specific dishes, like exotic spices, specialty cheeses, or unique ethnic ingredients, may be difficult to source or require extensive preparation. In such cases, it may be more practical to purchase them ready-made if they are available.
Processed snacks and junk food: Snacks like potato chips, certain types of cookies, or packaged desserts are typically mass-produced and designed for convenience. Replicating these items from scratch can be time-consuming, require specialized equipment, or fail to match the texture and taste of the commercial versions.
Elaborate pastries and baked goods: Intricate pastries and baked goods, such as croissants, puff pastry, or layered cakes, often require extensive rolling, chilling, and precise techniques. These can be labor-intensive and challenging for inexperienced bakers. It may be more practical to buy them from a bakery or store.
Certain bread products: While baking bread from scratch can be a satisfying experience, certain types of bread, such as bagels, pretzels, or sourdough, require specific processes, specialized equipment, or lengthy fermentation times. Store-bought options may be more convenient unless you are passionate about the art of bread-making.
Ultimately, whether something is worth cooking from scratch depends on personal preferences, available time, skill level, and the desired outcome. It's important to strike a balance between convenience and homemade goodness based on individual circumstances.