One of the best ways to learn those skills is by hosting a Pampered Chef party with your favorite people — which I learned recently when I invited a Pampered Chef consultant to come to my home.

Pampered Chef Pampered Chef Cutting Board The gray edges on the Pampered Chef Cutting Board ($19) keep it from slipping while you're chopping vegetables.

"Choose stoneware carefully. Unlike Pampered Chef, some stoneware must be pre-heated or pre-soaked, and some brands capture food particles, retain odors and absorb liquids.