Prep School is the ultimate collection of the weekly Chicago Tribune column of the same name, written by culinary instructor and award-winning food writer James P. DeWan. The columns and this book are focused on teaching readers how to become better cooks--from amateurs who are learning to cook for themselves or their families, to professional and gourmet chefs who are searching to perfect their technique. Illustrated with full-color photography and a plethora of simple, plain-spoken instructions, Prep School is an easy go-to guide for becoming more adept to any cooking environment. Prep School is filled with insightful and straightforward tips on knife skills, preparation techniques, pantry essentials, holiday meals, and general advice on how to make your kitchen as user-friendly as possible. Before any home cook or professional chef picks up a cookbook, they should first pick up Prep School and be sure to take DeWan's advice to heart. His recommendations on improving kitchen efficiency and ease, along with his in-depth knowledge of shortcuts and cooking common sense, make DeWan the perfect teacher for any aspiring culinary student.