Everything In It's Place

Mise en place –  

(pronounced meez en plas)  A French phrase which means "putting in place", as in set up, or everything in its place. It is used in professional kitchens to refer to organizing and arranging the ingredients (i.e cuts of meat,relishes, sauces, par-cooked items, spices, freshly chopped vegetables, and other components) that a cook will require for the recipe that they will be preparing.  It is also very useful in the home kitchen.

  It is very important to check for all the necessary ingredients and equipment you will need for any recipe you want to prepare, It is easiest if you have your ingredients measured out, washed, chopped, and placed in individual bowls. 

  Tools, such as spatulas and blenders, are prepared for use, and ovens are preheated. 

  Preparing the Mise en place ahead of time allows you to cook without having to stop and assemble items, which is important in recipes which are time sensitive.

  If I can stress anything about cooking this would be a big one.  Having all your ingredients and equipment ready and waiting makes cooking more enjoyable.  Cleaning up as you go is also part of Mise en place.

  It may seem that this will make your time in the kitchen longer, but it actually will help you to be quicker and cleaner in the kitchen.  I hope you get in the kitchen soon and try something new!   

Happy Cooking Everyone!

See next time when we will be introducing Stocks and Sauces.

Darcy