What Ina has taught me

Before I started watching Ina or the Food Network in general, I was a terrible cook who didn't care. I had no idea that scallions were the same things as green onions, didn't know the difference between Dijon and regular mustard, and thought that fast food was good food.  All of that changed when I started paying attention to food and cooking.  I noticed that my tastes improved, I wasn't afraid to try new things, and my health improved. I owe most of my new knowledge to Ina and here's a list of the most important things that she's taught me over the years:

Only use good vanilla, combine flavors that compliment each other (ex- chocolate and orange), how to decorate a simple, yet elegant, table, coffee enhances the flavor of chocolate, how to throw a dinner party without stressing out, make your food ahead, prep ingredients, how to shop for fresh ingredients, use fresh herbs, don't over mix when baking, experiment and recipe test, have no fear in the kitchen, try new recipes, use kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, how to brown onions without burning them, roast veggies, how to roast any protein without overcooking it, cook garlic for 30 sec. max, make elegant food, have fun at your own party, always use olive oil/salt/pepper, how to fold, make homemade angel food cake, what shortcuts are OK to take, use All Clad pots/pans and Wustoff knives, how to write a recipe, how to season, knife skills, importance of good stock, how to cook with alcohol, reduce, deglaze, use a food processor, don't use fancy gadgets, the difference in taste when you use quality ingredients, make easy pie crust, zest, only use freshly squeezed juice, roast a perfect chicken, make a great and simple vinaigrette, use fennel/leeks/shallots, use unsalted butter, and the best thing- be calm in the kitchen!!