Pronounced "Meez-ahn Plahs" this isn't just a clever French phrase meaning "everything in its place" its a cooking philosophy that, if followed, will change your life. Heck, its a great method for living life, but I digress! Mise en place at first seems unnecessary and even fussy but it will make you prepared, confident, and effiicient in the kitchen. Here are a couple of tips specific to the mise en place philosophy:
1) Read the recipe ALL THE WAY THROUGH before you begin! Nothing is worse than starting your dinner recipe and realizing the chicken should marinade overnight.
2) Make sure you have the right tools- a pastry cutter and a potato masher are not the same tool. Why do I know this? Dry herbs and fresh herbs aren't as interchangable as you might think.
3) At the heart of mise en place philosophy is the prep work. Chop everything ahead of time and have your ingredients measured and at your side before you begin cooking.
* Put each ingredient on a plate or in a bowl - combine ingredients that will be cooked at the same time
* Cover ingredients that need refrigeration and store them there until ready
* To keep ingredients from drying out while you're prepping, place a damp paper towel over the dish
you've stored them in
Here's a great example of mise en place in action for the Mushroom Soup recipe:
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