No Brainer Tip #2: Clean up as you go!

I've seen so many cooks tear up their kitchen and have a huge mess to clean up afterwards, just because they weren't cleaning up as they go. Every time you're finished with a bowl, measuring cup, utensil, whatever, immediately rinse it and put it in the dishwasher. Throw away trash as you go. Put away ingredients you are done with. It makes your work area less cluttered (and more sanitary) and saves you from the overwhelming feeling of looking at a huge mess once the meal is done. You may think you don't have time for it, but even putting one dish in the dishwasher in between stirring your soup will save time later!