Emergency kitchen remedies

Even the most experienced cook makes a mistake from time to time, but you can normally bluff it with an airy: "there are no mistakes, only variations". However, some things take a bit more fixing. Oversalting, for example, is best corrected by adding a few slices of potato to the dish. Let them cook for a bit then discard them. Too much sugar can usually be remedied with a squeeze of citrus or a bit of grated lemon peel, while an over-hot curry can be cooled with a dollop of yoghurt. The best way to avoid disaster is to read the recipe in full before you start and taste as you go along. It's better to go easy on the seasoning then add a little more than to chuck it in all at once – particularly if you're not measuring.