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Over a third of Americans have felt judged about their cooking skills, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 people found, when it comes to their skills in the kitchen, 37% have felt judged by others.
But a “Top Chef” appearance probably isn’t in most people’s future, seeing as one in five (21%) think they have only one standout dish in their arsenal.
And the average American surveyed can only prepare five meals completely without any help from a recipe
The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Mazola Corn Oil, asked respondents which meal they felt most confident cooking — and found it to be breakfast.
The top five meals that respondents can make without a recipe included eggs over easy (49%), scrambled eggs (46%), hard boiled eggs (44%), poached eggs (44%) and french toast (41%).
Even the simplest recipes can cause chaos in the kitchen, though. The average American forgets four ingredients per month while cooking their dishes.
Over half (52%) of respondents admitted they’ve had a full-on kitchen disaster, prompting 31% of those to trash it and start from scratch.
But kitchen mishaps won’t keep people from taking on new culinary challenges in 2020.
Nearly half (49%) plan on tackling more complex recipes in the new year and 45% hope to diversify the types of cuisine they cook. Forty-eight percent would like to embrace healthier eating habits.
“It’s important to find ingredients in the kitchen that are a smart choice for your family and encourage healthy eating habits,” said Mike Shehorn, Senior Brand Manager of Mazola.
Other common barriers that have prevented respondents from cooking healthy included time (39%), lack of knowledge (34%) and a lack of inspiration (30%).
There are definitely some gaps in respondents’ knowledge when it comes to healthy cooking. A third (33%) admitted to feeling intimidated when using a spatula.
Thirty percent got anxious about whisks and measuring cups while a quarter got tense when attempting to use a food processor.
Respondents plan on updating the skills in their cooking repertoire with 42% hoping to master air frying and 36% dreaming of becoming a baking maestro. A third (34%) want to set their grill skills alight.
Shehorn said, “Using a cooking oil that’s cholesterol free is an easy way to lighten up your favorite meals, just in time for the new year and Heart Health Month this February.”
MEALS RESPONDENTS CAN MAKE WITHOUT A RECIPE
1. Eggs over easy 49%
2. Scrambled eggs 46%
3. Hard boiled eggs 44%
4. Poached eggs 44%
5. French toast 41%
6. Soup 36%
7. Grilled cheese 36%
8. Pasta 36%
9. Rice 36%
10. Salad 36%
11. Toast 34%
12. Beans 33%
13. Pancakes 31%
14. Roasted chicken 30%
15. Mashed potatoes 29%
16. Bacon 29%
17. Grilled vegetables 27%
18. Tacos 27%
19. Mac and cheese 26%
20. Grilled steak 25%
INTIMIDATING KITCHEN TOOLS
1. Spatula 33%
2. Measuring cups 30%
3. Whisk 30%
4. Food processor 26%
5. Measuring spoons 25%
6. Air fryer 22%
7. Deep fryer 21%
8. Pressure cooker 17%
9. Immersion blender 16%
10. Pasta maker 16%
