The holidays are quickly approaching. Whether you’re inviting your friends over for a holiday party, hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your house, or attending a holiday potluck at your church or office, it’s time to get cooking. 

This year, it’s time to take the plunge and cook a dish from scratch. I’m not going to tell you what dish to make: that’s up to you. I’m just going to encourage you to go all the way. No store-bought crusts. Nothing out of the freezer section. Maybe it’s just one dish, or maybe you’ll swear to do it all this year. The process can be an utter disaster but if you’re prepared, enthusiastic and positive, it can be extremely worthwhile and enjoyable.

Cooking (and especially baking) is an art AND a science. But if you’re cooking with a recipe, you have a helpful guide that will give you all the answers you need. Here are some tips:

1.
Start with a good recipe. Get a tried and true family recipe or check an online resource that offers user reviews. Print out and read the recipe thoroughly before you start.
2.
Give yourself plenty of time. Most recipes will tell you how long it will take, including prep time and actual baking time. Your dish may also need to cool or set before serving. Some cookie recipes are best if the dough is refrigerated over night.
3.
Make sure you have all of the correct ingredients. Don’t substitute, especially if it’s the first time you’ve ever made the dish. Buy fresh ingredients. Don’t use the baking soda that’s been keeping your fridge fresh or the cream of tartar that’s been in your pantry since you moved in. Spices don’t spoil, but they will start to lose their freshness after about six months.
4.
Prepare your bowls, pans and tools. Make clean up easy on yourself. Your recipe will tell you whether or not to grease your dishes. Parchment paper or aluminum foil also helps for easy clean up.
5.
Prepare your ingredients. Does your butter need to be softened? For cheesecakes, you’ll want all of your ingredients to be room temperature.
6.
Measure carefully and correctly. Flour needs to be scooped carefully into a measuring cup and then leveled off; brown sugar should be packed. Measure liquids in a measuring cup meant for liquids, and solids in one meant for solids.
7.
You can get an oven thermometer for a couple of bucks. If you’re not sure that the dials on your oven are correct, get one and find out. Heat your oven to the correct temperature before placing your dish inside. If you’re making candy or cooking meat, get the proper type of thermometer for this as well. Don’t guess.
8.
Don’t walk away once you’ve put it into the oven. Most cookies are done when they’re slightly brown around the bottom but still soft on top. Cheesecakes should be taken out of the oven when just set so they don’t crack. Insert a knife or toothpick into a cake’s center to check if it’s done.
9.
Invest in a couple of fancy serving dishes and put your hard work on display. Thrift-hunt for vintage pieces or scour the craft shows for one-of-a-kind handmade ones. Or, opt for modern pieces: Black, white or clear glass dishes will be able to be used year round.
10.
Don’t forget to enjoy a slice, a dish or a scoop of whatever it is you make. Bask in the many compliments you get and be sure to share the recipe.