Conversation

Some lessons in life are hard to learn because you might learn the wrong lesson from your experiences. Other lessons are easier. For instance: NEVER pour a preserved ingredient you've never used before directly into a pot; always pour separately and taste test first.
Also never cook with a wine you wouldn't drink on its own, but I suppose everyone knows that. (I realise this might be a special instance of the above rule, and I could've generalised it. Oh well).
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