30 Days, 30 Ways to Be a Better Cook

Whether you're an absolute beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook searching for new grains of wisdom, our expert tips will help you make better meals in no time (31 Photos)

Lia Wiedemann on Mar 28, 2013 at 9:12AM

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30 Days, 30 Ways to Be a Better Cook

David Franklin/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images

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Get Everything in Place


Ashton Keefe, a New York City chef at Haven’s Kitchen, relies on the French cooking term mise en place (which means “everything in place”) when making meals. She recommends gathering, chopping and cleaning all your ingredients before you start to cook. “That way, when the heat goes on, you’re ready to roll,” she explains.

This technique can also help you prep for dinner days in advance. Just slice and dice what you need and save it in the refrigerator. Elaina Vasquez, owner of Chicago-based catering company Boutique Bites likes to keep a supply of small glass or ceramic dishes to hold pre-measured ingredients.

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