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1. First things first, make sure you're working with a versatile spice palette in the kitchen, because spice is the spice of life.
2. At the very least, pay attention to the quality and amount of ~the~ most important spice of them all — salt — as you cook.
3. Know when do to things by hand in the kitchen, such as when to break out the knife set. Even something as small as chopping instead of using a food processor can add more texture and personality to a dish.
4. Trust a high-quality stand mixer when it's time to mix and knead big batches of bread, cookies, and mashed potatoes.
5. Choose quality ingredients whenever possible. Choosing fresh mozzarella and extra virgin olive oil will make this garlic and herb marinated mozzarella appetizer taste even better.
6. Remember that presentation is everything, and top off all your recipes with a little garnish so they look great on the plate.
7. Prepare sauces from scratch whenever possible. Everyone will be able to taste the difference, plus you can make a big batch of red sauce and store some for later!
View this video on YouTube
8. Elevate meals you already feel super comfortable cooking, like instant ramen.
9. Put a twist on a classic dish and whip up a lasagna dome.
10. Or, whip up a memorable morning with three ways to elevate pancake mix.
12. Serve your guests a first course according to the season with summer gazpachos three ways.
13. If you're pressed for time and ingredients, research three-ingredient recipes (like this delish Thai salmon) so you can be the chef who opens up the fridge and creates a whole meal out of nowhere.
14. Blame your friend's brownie addiction on your food restriction with the best vegan brownie recipe out there, and keep more impressive vegan recipes on hand with this cookbook.
15. Investigate sous vide cooking and get your hands on a sous vide cooker that'll basically make perfectly cooked meals for you.
16. Then test the sous vide cooker on this droolworthy steak recipe all your guests shall rave about.
17. Up the flavor at the dinner party via a chimichurri sauce that'll pair perfectly with steak 👀.
18. Use the natural color of food to wow your guests with this simple yet elegant beetroot crisp recipe.
19. Slow-cook your way into a great pesto chicken dish with a five-quart slow-cooker you just may use for every meal.
20. Roll up some ice cream at home and make the whole family feel like they just stepped into the fanciest ice cream parlor of all time.
21. Swap out your cookware for a cast-iron skillet to whip up rustic meals. You can use cast-iron on the campfire, on the stovetop, or in the oven!
22. Get inspired by collecting recipes from your family and your community, because oftentimes the best meal you'll ever make is a meal you are passionate about.
Get the full recipe from Tasty.
23. And finally, go for the big wow factor with a four-course meal the next time you have a dinner date. It'll take some prep work leading up to it, but looks so worth it!
When your friends come over for dinner:
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