20 Ways to Become a Better Cook

What's Ina Garten's secret to throwing an elegant, seemingly effortless party? As it turns out, a lot of smart planning; in her latest cookbook, Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook ($35), she shares her many strategies for prepping and cooking everything from salads to desserts (even a Thanksgiving turkey!) ahead of time, so that you too can entertain like a pro. Alongside recipes, expect menus, tips (so you can transform recipes already in your repertoire into make-ahead dishes), and plenty of pictures of her home and garden to ooh and ahh over.

Recipes we can't wait to try:

• Mini prosciutto, spinach, and leek frittatas
• Spanish tapas peppers
• Wild mushroom and farro soup
• Garlic and herb roasted shrimp
• Make-ahead goat cheese mashed potatoes
• Asparagus and prosciutto bundles
• Lemon-ginger molasses cake