Nobody is born a perfect cook, as it is said, practice makes perfect. Like any other skill, cooking improves over time and through practice. You have to undergo many trial and errors before concocting the perfect dish. If you have a few successes and tons of failures, do not give up! You are on the right path. To avoid struggle and frustration, this article carries some helpful tips for you.

• Take care of your knives

A good knife is one of the most important tools in the kitchen. You are more likely to hurt yourself with a dull knife as you have to struggle more than a sharp knife. Some tips to keep your knife sharp is to not put them in a dishwasher as the heat will dull them. Always store your knives on a knife holder as putting them in the drawer will only make them dull. Do not forget to always use a plastic or wooden cutting board.

• Always read your recipe carefully

If you are a new cook, it is very important to spend 30 minutes to read your recipe before you start making a dish. Imagine that you have an event in 30 minutes and you start preparing just on time to find out that it has to be marinated before or has to cool for an hour. This situation can prove to be very frustrating. Be wise and read your recipe.

• Make use of herbs and spices

Never limit your seasoning to only salt and pepper. Use fresh herbs and dried spices to add more flavors to your dish. They can turn any bland dish into a culinary masterpiece. The right amount of herbs and spices can please the taste buds of your guests. It is a great way to boost flavor to your dish without adding calories.

• Salt

Salt is a natural enhancer of any dish. It is necessary that you always remind yourself to add salt to your dish especially after adding water. Without the proper amount of salt, the taste will be bland. Unless you have any health issues, do not be afraid of salt.

• Always taste as you go

As you cook, you will notice that your food will change colors but it also enhances in flavors. This is why it is important that you taste your dish as you keep on cooking. By tasting, you will know if you need to add anything else to make it taste better.