Here are 10 tips that every home cook should know!

1. Establish good kitchen habits. Keep work surfaces clean and tools sharp.  Wash equipment and put it away as you cook.  This cuts down on clean up after a meal.




2. For fluid cooking every time, peel, chop and measure all of your ingredients in advance.  The French term for this is mise en place, meaning “to put in place.”




3. Shop locally and seasonally. Frequent your farmers’ market for the freshest produce, straight from the source.  Form a relationship with your neighborhood butcher and cheese monger.  They can offer good advice and a more varied selection.




4. Bring meats to room temperature. Before putting a roast in the oven, leave it on the counter for a few moments.  This helps cook it evenly throughout.




5. Let cooked meats rest before slicing. Put them on a rack set over a sheet pan.  This lets air circulate underneath the meat, while the juices inside redistribute evenly.




6. Don’t waste leftover bread that has gone stale. Use it to make breadcrumbs or toast for croutons.  If you are near the holidays, freeze it to be used in your cornbread dressing.




7. Completely cut the peel off whole pineapples and melons. Halve, core, or seed if necessary and then slice…perfect for a fruit platter or to snack on.




8. For extra crispy skin on poultry or fish, refrigerate uncovered to dry out the skin; this helps it to crisp in a hot oven.




9. Invest in all purpose half sheet pans.  You will use them for everything from making cookies to roasting chickens.




10. Maximize the settings on your range.  Broil for healthy meals, use convection technology for perfect baking results, and heat dinner and serving plates in a warm oven.