Having just moved back to my long-term house, I now have a kitchen again. That may not seem like a big deal to most of you, but you have to keep in mind that for around 15 months, I had a microwave and a George Foreman grill. So while I really liked my little house overlooking the ocean, and I miss that place a lot, I’ve gotta say it’s good to not only still have a microwave (different one) and the Geo. Foreman grill (same one), but also a real stove and actual counter space.

Friends, I am cooking. No, actually I’m not just cooking – I’m Rocking the Kitchen.

I’ve never fully appreciated what can be accomplished in a kitchen before. But now I can and I do. I know how to make several things – like 2 or 3 – that I didn’t know how to make a few weeks ago. I’m not going to tell you what they are, because most of you will say, “What?? I’ve been making that for years.” And then you’ll tell me you’ve been making that thing for years, and you’ll ask me how I make it, and you’ll tell me your way is better. So I don’t need that kind of aggravation. Just be happy for me.

In my brief Rocking the Kitchen experience, I’ve discovered there are a few key things that have to happen, in order to differentiate “normal survival cooking to keep you from dying” from Rocking the Kitchen. I’ve seen all these things on cooking shows over the years, and they have somehow converged into my brain at this critical stage of my life.

1.  Use good knives.

2.  Use olive oil. Preferably extra virgin. I don’t really know what extra virgin olive oil is, but that’s what they say on TV. I’ll refrain from any sophomoric jokes, such as “you can always use an extra virgin.” I’m just saying, stay away from that other olive oil. We don’t want to use the experienced olive oil, and not just the normal virgin olive oil – only extra virgin. Enough said. Probably more than enough.

3.  When stuff, which you’ve cut with one of your good knives, is in a pan searing in extra virgin olive oil, shake the pan and toss the stuff into the air once in a while. If anything falls out, put it back in as long as no one is looking.

4.  Put on cool music while you cook. I’ll leave that decision up to you. If you’re stuck for cool music ideas, let me know.

Sure, there are many more things to know about cooking. But just these four things, my friends, will turn you into an official kitchen rocker. Let’s all Rock the Kitchen together.