Ultimate Kitchen Advice
So you Google "mise en place" and get the English translation of "setting up." Okay, but why does everyone make such a big deal about it? Well, let me tell you, setting up your ingredients, utensils, and tools before getting started makes a world of difference.
I've experienced the stress of diving into a recipe because it seems relatively easy, only to be panicking on step three when I can't find the measuring cup or when I discover I don't have enough eggs. I then find myself searching the internet for egg replacements, and before you know it: I resemble the before actors of infomercials, the whole experience is ruined, and I'm discouraged.
In the spirit of feeling more in control in the kitchen, mise en place requires:
Reading through your recipe
Collecting your ingredients
Washing
Cutting
Weighing
Measuring
Locating all cookware
And neatly arranging your prepared items on your clean workstation
Upon making the extra effort of setting up in advance, I had a few realizations:
Cooking is calming; I was more present and felt prepared every step of the way.
My cook time was significantly reduced and actually matched the recipe's, which solved the mystery of why I always went into overtime.
My advice is to set yourself up for success with mise en place – I guarantee this will significantly improve your cooking experience!
