1. Before you begin to cook, always read the recipe the whole way through, paying close attention and visualising each step. This minimises the risk of error.

2. Take a few minutes to prepare the kitchen before you begin. In French, this is known as mise-en-place, meaning “everything in its place.” Take ingredients and utensils out, making sure you have enough of everything. Weigh, measure and prep your ingredients. This is always a smart way to approach cooking, but is particularly useful when making quick-cooking dishes such as stir-fries.

3. Clean as you go. There are often brief moments during meal preparation in which you have nothing to do. Make the most of these time-outs by quickly washing dishes, wiping down counters and putting things away. You’ll thank yourself later!