Relax? How can you relax when there’s so much that can go wrong? Here’s a few tips. Cooking is about building upon small successes. When you first begin to cook there are so many things to learn. So many techniques. So many temperatures. How do you keep track of it all? The important thing when starting out is to make something that will impress not only the person/people you’re cooking for but also yourself.

Understand that if your tension comes from the costs of ingredients and the potential of having to throw it all away, then start with a recipe that will give you great results but won’t break the budget. Bread. We love bread. Bread will develop a great set of kitchen skills. Patience is at the top of that list. Try out some of the bread recipes on the site and don’t worry if you have to start over. Flour and water are cheap so that disaster will only cost you a few pennies.

Is it done? If not knowing if or when something is done makes you nervous, relax. Just cut into it or use a meat thermometer. Look, there are cooks and chefs out there that have been cooking for years; us, and will still from time to time cut into the meat or seafood to make sure it’s done. Don’t feel like you’re any less a cook if you stick the meat probe in the roast before putting it in the oven. We do. Cut into the shrimp to make sure it’s cooked through, don’t just think it’s done just because they turn pink.

Knives can make you nervous. Slow down. Keep your fingers curled and you thumb tucked behind them. Take off a small side of whatever you’re cutting and turn it cut-side down so you have a flat surface and the food doesn’t roll around. Make sure your knives are sharp because having to force the cutting with a dull knife can lead to the worst cuts.

New recipes can be a source of tension. New ingredients. New techniques. Take your time and read the recipe thoroughly several times. Have your ingredients prepped and ready... your mise en place…before you start. Then relax and have fun. For a lot of people cooking can be a joy, even therapeutic. With practice, understanding and success it will be for you too.