A Clean Cooking Space, is an Effective Cooking Space.

In the kitchen.. things can get hectic. Dirty dishes, frying pans, knives, and everything in between can build up and can get things completely out of sorts. With a messy kitchen, comes accidents, mistakes and injuries. To avoid all of this, we must learn the proper way to “mise-en-place”, which is French for “everything in its place”. This stage of cooking begins before even turning on a stove. It includes tasks such as prepping veggies, sharpening knives, and assuring that everything you will need throughout cooking is neatly set out and ready to be used. Throughout the cooking process, it is imperative that you upkeep your cooking station and make sure it is clean and put together. This way, you will make sure that your food will be clean, and your fingers will be in tact! A messy station is an ineffective one! For instance.. let’s say you’re making fried chicken. Hot oil and messy batters can make it difficult to keep clean, but by utilizing the proper mise-en-place technique, it can be rather simple to stay clean and precise. Keep your counter clear of excess “junk” and allow room for movement of both yourself and your necessary materials. Both the flour and batter should be in large, separate bowls placed next to the pot of oil. There should be a plate covered in paper towels at the ready near the pot.. this will allow you to be prepared to place the chicken onto a dry surface for draining. Mise-en-place is so essential, because it permits you to be organized and ready for every step of the cooking process.