Think of your favorite cooking show. They make it look so easy, don’t they? Luckily, for you there are ways to cook like the greatest culinary masters, by following a few tips.

Here’s a good place to start:

• Cook Often. The best chefs are the best chefs because they spend most of their time cooking. Make yourself cook at least three times a week and watch your skills improve immeasurably. The old adage holds true: practice makes perfect.

• Use The Right Tools. Put simply, the right tool can save you a lot of time. A sharp knife is probably the most essential tool you can have in the kitchen. Invest in a good set, and you’re set! (pun intended!)
• Be Bold. Don’t be afraid to add an extra dash of whatever–but not too much. You need to find the proper balence between interesting and going overboard. Learning that art is probably the biggest skill you can develop to make your food taste more like restaurant food.
• Think Visually. The aesthetic element of food can be equally as important as the taste. Think garnishes and other accouterments.
• Have an Audience. Cooking is much easier, and more rewarding, with an audience. If you’re cooking for one, chances are you won’t go through the trouble it takes to take your food to the highest level. If you’re cooking for two, there’s a chance your significant other may not really appreciate all of your effort. In theory, the more people you invite over, the more people you feed, the higher the stakes and, therefore, the more likely you are to learn.

Do you have any tips to add?