When you're working with simple ingredients, adding time to the process can elevate the result in a way that more expensive additions never could. For instance, slow cooking an inexpensive cut of pork, or letting a soup simmer in the oven all Saturday. French onion soup is one of the best examples, in fact, of a radically simple and inexpensive dish that is turned into pure luxury with the addition of time. Sauces are another place this happens; slowly reducing a chicken or vegetable stock concentrates the flavor.

9. Smoke is magical.

Any hint of smokiness in a dish will elevate it. You can add smokiness in so many ways: your grill (I like to grill meat instead of browning it, before braising or slow cooking), smoked salt, even roasting peppers over your stove burners.

10. Pay attention to how things smell.

I think that we all are pretty well acquainted with the smell of scorched cookies. But beyond that, really invest in your sense of smell as you cook. It's not just about smelling burnt things; if you pay attention you can tell by smell when a stock is rich enough, or when the potatoes have browned enough in the oven.

11. Season early, and then add more as needed.

In most dishes, it's best to season early so the salt, spices or herbs can cook with the beans, meat or vegetables. Season your chicken with a quick brine; sprinkle the Brussels sprouts with salt before they crisp up in the oven. Then taste and add more before serving as needed.

12. Take full responsibility for how your food tastes.

A recipe is only a guide, especially when it comes to savory dishes like pasta, soup and salad. Taste as you go and adjust with more salt, pepper and other seasonings as you go to suit your taste.

13. After salt, add acid.

If you taste a soup or any other dish and think, Hmmm, this is a bit bland, it's time for a splash of acid. Squeeze in lemon or a dash of plain white vinegar. It's amazing how this can brighten and sharpen all the other flavors.

(Faith Durand is executive editor of TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to kitchn@apartmenttherapy.com.)