Never stick a fork in it again!

Can't find your meat thermometer? No worries! Just poke yourself in the cheek.

Have you ever watched a cooking show and wondered why the chef is poking the meat with his fingers? They're checking the meat for doneness without a thermometer. While it's always best to use a meat thermometer, try the pro's tried and true in a pinch:

The Cheek Test:
Rare: Using your index finger, gently poke the most fleshy part of your cheek. This simulates how rare beef and poultry will feel.
Medium: Using your index finger, gently poke your cheek bone. This simulates how medium beef and poultry will feel.
Well: Using your index finger, gently poke the center of your forehead. this simulates how well-done beef and poultry will feel.

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Post and images provided by the folks at Anna Bella Stationery: stationery & lovely things.

Comments

[Gypsy]

That's a new one to me, but very useful! My boyfriend the chef always uses the heel of his hand.

Close your thumb and index finger together in a circle. Press the meat of the heel of your with the index finger of your other hand. That's rare. Put your thumb and middle finger together. That's mid-rare. Put your ring finger and your thumb together. That's medium. And, finally, put your thumb and pinkie together. That's well.