Mis en place (pronounced ‘meez on plass’) is a French cook’s expression that is worth learning and applying to your every day cooking. Literally, it means ‘put in place’ and in kitchen terms it refers to the practice of having everything prepared before you begin cooking. I recommend it as a way of making your life in the kitchen much less stressful.

The concept is simple enough. You go through your recipe and assemble everything you need for the meal you intend to cook. Then you peel cut and chop anything that needs it, measure out your wet and dry ingredients into separate containers, and line up the pots, pans and utensils you intend to use. Turn on the oven if you intend to use it and have a chat with family and friends as it warms up.

One advantage of this system is that you can take your time right up to this point. Because nothing is cooking yet, nothing can get burnt, boil over or spoil and when you do start cooking nothing gets left out. You also avoid that last minute panic we have all experienced at some time or another. In other words, you stay cool in the kitchen, which is really how it should be.

photo credit: watusirv

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