I've learned that most missteps happen during small moments during the cooking process. 10'000 Hours/Getty Images As a trained chef, I believe the key to cooking a great meal is following the kitchen basics. Resting protein at room temperature before and after cooking it improves the texture and flavor. Without properly preheating a pan or oven, a dish is doomed before it ever hits heat. Most cooking disasters don't result from botching fancy techniques, and I say that as someone who graduated