Beginner Kitchen Basics

Starting in the Kitchen:

A Beginner's Guide, Cooking with Confidence

Learning to cook doesn't have to be overwhelming. Every experienced cook started by learning a few simple skills, and with a little preparation, you'll be creating delicious meals before you know it. One of the best ways to build confidence is to organize your kitchen, understand how your equipment works, and follow safe food handling practices.

Start with Mise en Place

One of the first lessons taught in culinary schools is a French term called mise en place (pronounced meez ahn plahs), which means "everything in its place."

Before you begin cooking:

• Read the recipe from start to finish.

• Gather all of your ingredients.

• Measure ingredients before cooking.

• Chop vegetables and prepare meats.

• Set out your pots, pans, utensils, and measuring tools.

Taking a few minutes to organize everything before you turn on the stove makes cooking less stressful and helps prevent mistakes. You'll spend less time searching for ingredients and more time enjoying the cooking process.

Learning to Use Your Stove

Your stove will quickly become one of your most-used kitchen tools.

Electric Stoves

Electric burners take a little longer to heat up and cool down. Start with medium heat unless a recipe says otherwise. Remember that the burner stays hot even after it's turned off.

Gas Stoves

Gas burners provide instant heat and cool quickly once turned off. Always check that the flame has gone out completely after cooking.

Basic Stove Safety

• Never leave food cooking unattended.

• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.

• Keep paper towels, towels, and plastic away from burners.

• Use oven mitts when handling hot cookware.

• If grease begins to smoke, lower the heat immediately.

Most beginner recipes cook perfectly over medium heat. Higher heat isn't always better and often causes food to burn before it's cooked through.

Using Your Oven

Your oven is perfect for roasting, baking, and finishing many dishes.

Before You Begin

• Always preheat the oven to the temperature listed in the recipe.

• Place the oven rack in the correct position before turning the oven on.

• Avoid opening the oven door too often because heat escapes quickly.

Oven Safety

• Always use oven mitts.

• Pull the oven rack out slightly instead of reaching deep inside.

• Keep children and pets away from an open oven door.

• Turn the oven off when you're finished cooking.

If you're unsure whether food is done, use a digital instant-read thermometer rather than guessing.

Safe Meat Handling

Proper meat handling helps prevent foodborne illness.

Before Cooking

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling raw meat.

• Keep raw meat separate from vegetables and ready-to-eat foods.

• Use one cutting board for meats and another for fruits and vegetables if possible.

• Never reuse a plate that held raw meat unless it has been washed.

Cooking Temperatures

Use a food thermometer to make sure meat reaches a safe internal temperature.

• Chicken and turkey: 165°F (74°C)

• Ground beef, pork, and sausage: 160°F (71°C)

• Beef, pork, lamb, and veal steaks, chops, and roasts: 145°F (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest.

A thermometer is one of the best investments a beginner cook can make.

Safe Food Storage

Keeping food at safe temperatures helps prevent harmful bacteria from growing.

Cold Foods

Your refrigerator should stay at 40°F (4°C) or below, and your freezer should be 0°F (-18°C).

Store:

• Raw meat on the bottom shelf to prevent drips.

• Dairy products refrigerated after use.

• Leftovers in shallow containers.

• Prepared foods covered tightly.

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after cooking (or within 1 hour if the room temperature is above 90°F).

Most leftovers should be eaten within 3 to 4 days.

Keeping Hot Foods Safe

Hot foods should remain at 140°F (60°C) or higher until served.

If you're serving food buffet-style:

• Keep soups and sauces warm in a slow cooker.

• Cover foods whenever possible.

• Stir occasionally to maintain even temperature.

Never leave cooked food sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.

Clean as You Go

Professional cooks clean while they cook, and beginners can benefit from this habit too.

As you cook:

• Wash measuring cups after using them.

• Wipe countertops regularly.

• Put ingredients away when you're finished with them.

• Rinse mixing bowls while food is cooking.

• Load the dishwasher as you work.

A clean workspace makes cooking easier and cleanup much faster.

Build Confidence One Recipe at a Time

Every great cook started as a beginner. Focus on learning one new skill with each recipe, stay organized, and don't be afraid to make mistakes—they're part of learning. By practicing mise en place, using your stove and oven safely, handling food properly, and storing leftovers correctly, you'll build confidence every time you step into the kitchen.

At Cook Along With Mitch, we're here to help you become comfortable in the kitchen with simple recipes, easy-to-follow techniques, and practical tips that make cooking fun and rewarding. So gather your ingredients, get organized, and let's start cooking!