Stuck in a Cooking Rut? These Are Easy Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen Ahead of Fall

Feeling blah about the end of summer and the impending arrival of shorter days filled with busy work and school schedules? This "in-between" period of changing seasons is actually the perfect time to revive your kitchen and your cooking routine with fresh inspiration, new tips and tricks, and helpful tools. Right now, you can peek into your pantry and kitchen drawers, revamp your habits, and become a better cook.

A great place to start is with your kitchen tools. How long have you been using the same go-to chef's knife – and do you actually know how choose the right kitchen knives for different jobs? Our guide will teach you how to slice and dice like a pro. And if you've never thought about cutting boards, then you're definitely going to want to learn how to choose, clean and maintain yours.

While you're re-learning these kitchen basics, it's also a good time to throw out your gadgets and gear that aren't doing you any good. Certain kitchen utensils and cookware can become pretty unsightly (and gross) over time, and we'll help you decide what needs to be tossed. Unsure if you have the right essentials? You'll want to stock up on essential kitchen tools to make every recipe a whole lot easier.

Oh, and you might want to check in on your baking skills too. Even if you think you're using your oven correctly, odds are you're putting the wrong foods on the wrong racks – and it could result in a less-than-ideal end result. With all of this advice, you'll refresh your kitchen and never mess up another batch of cookies in the oven again (or so we hope!).

Brush Up on Your Skills and Master the Basics with These Handy Tips

When you first stepped into the kitchen and began cooking, you probably started with the basics: knife skills, flavor profiles and how to handle different proteins. But sometimes, your old habits just might mess up your meals. Even if you've been cooking and baking for decades, everyone could use a refresher course on how to handle seemingly simple tasks like DIY-ing your own roasted garlic or cutting an onion.

Now's the perfect time to get back to basics and refresh your skills. Or, you can master cooking tips and tricks you might've missed. For example, plenty of us think we know how to cook fish, but far too often we're dealing with rubbery or stuck-on-the-pan seafood. Our guide will walk you through ways to stop effing up your fish so you never have to deal with a disaster again. Or maybe you just can't get your homemade salad dressing right. With the right expert secrets, you can create better balance and the perfect dressing from scratch every time.

With a little time and a few revamped habits, you'll make every dish even better than before.

Check out more how-tos here »

How Well Do You Really Know These Kitchen Staples?

Here's How to Tell if You're Using Quality Olive Oil (And How to Use it Correctly)

Olive oil is an absolute essential, and it's also a Mediterranean superfood that offers a wealth of health benefits. But do you really know how to buy, store and use EVOO? We've got your guide to learn everything about this oil.

Think All Salt is the Same? You're Probably Using It Wrong

If you're relying on basic table salt for all of your sodium and flavor needs, it's time to broaden your knowledge and your salt use. Explore the different varieties of salt and discover how to use them in different recipes.

Fresh Herbs vs Dried: Find Out Why Both Belong in Your Cooking Arsenal

Fresh herbs can't be beat – but that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep dried herbs in your pantry. Each variety has a different purpose, and we're explaining when you should relay on dried versus fresh in our guide to herbs.

Don't forget to use your Outside+ login to get exclusive access

What we've been reading this week:

If you're feeling blue, try turning to Better Nutrition's guide to mood-boosting vitamins, minerals and foods for a brighter outlook.

Can food prevent sunburns and skin cancer? Women's Running shares the latest science on preventing sunburns through your diet.

If you're celebrating the Jewish New Year this week, Vegetarian Times has all of the vegetarian and vegan recipes you need.

Fine-tune your workouts so you can jump-start fat loss and your weight loss goals with Oxygen's quick and easy tips.

Find out how to fight insomnia successfully and sleep soundly with Backpacker's outdoor sleep tips that you can try anywhere.

Treat yourself to a batch of delicious, health-boosting Chocolate Brain Truffles from Better Nutrition. They're packed with flavanols and fiber!

It's pumpkin spice season once again – but the original bev isn't vegan. Vegetarian Times has some tasty fall alternatives you can try.

RECIPE

Outside+

Never Made Curry Before? This Easy Thai Curry Will Help You Become a Pro

RECIPE

This Kale Salad is So Hearty, It Deserves to Be a Whole Meal

RECIPE

Outside+

Craving Takeout? Try This Simple Veggie-Packed Stir-Fry Instead

RECIPE

These Homemade Candy Bars Are the Totally Decadent Treat You Deserve