9 Things You Can Do to Be a Better Cook Right Now

You don't need a cooking school. You don't need expensive equipment. You don't even need much experience. All you need today to become a better cook is a little knowledge. Or, in the case of this list, 9 little things.

1. Write in your cookbooks.

The soup could've used more tomatoes? That chicken should have stayed in the oven ten minutes longer? Write it down, and you'll never make that mistake again.

2. Let meat rest.

It's important to let meat rest for a while before you slice it. The longer you can let it rest, the better. Otherwise, the juices will run onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat

3. Toast nuts and spices.

This may seem like an unnecessary step, but it actually brings out the essential oils better and improves the flavor of a recipe tremendously.

4. Use a small ice cream scoop to portion the cookie dough evenly.

This way, each cookie will be the same size and baked evenly. You can also use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion the dough into a muffin tin

5. Cut cheesecake (or other desserts) with a warm knife.

If you dry a knife under very hot water, you can make a clean cut in cheesecake or other sticky desserts.

6. Add acid to enhance a dish.

Don't be afraid of acid! If a dish is missing something and you're not sure what it's, maybe it could use a little more acid, such as wine, lemon juice or orange juice.

7. Use an egg wash to make baked goods look irresistible.

Brush baked goods with a light layer of egg wash (one egg yolk + 1 tablespoon cream) while baking to give them a shiny golden brown hue.

8. Find the biggest mixing bowl you can and buy it.

You cannot toss a salad or mix cookies or make meatballs in a tiny cereal bowl. All you can do is make a bigger mess.