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Step 1
Shop from 3 separate lists, just like a gourmet chef: a pantry list with the must-haves frequently used in many recipes, a freezer list for your cooking add-ins, and a refrigerator list with your perishable necessities. Keep the lists ongoing, even on non-shopping days so they stay current.
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Step 2
Experiment with more spices in your meals. Combine them into rubs and marinades, or try a new mixture when cooking meat.
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Step 3
Practice making sauces that turn out perfectly. The right texture and thickness can make any meal seem gourmet-like compared to its ill-prepared counterpart. You can serve the same type of meat every night for a week and it will taste like new if you add a different sauce to it each time.
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Step 4
Buy dependable and versatile cooking gear such as a saute pan with a cast-iron handle and a stainless core. Choose items that cut down on your cooking time but still look good to present your gourmet meals in. Invest in an 8-inch chef's knife with a wide blade and a center tip.
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Step 5
Polish your gourmet meals before serving. Try lemon-pressed olive oil or smoked sea salt as a finishing touch.
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Step 6
Ask your waiter how an impressive dish at your favorite gourmet restaurant was prepared. You can try mimicking it at home, even if they only give you minimal details.
