Use the internet as your cookbook

Though I'm the first person to screech "Google it!" I definitely still hit the books when I need a recipe: the Joy of Cooking, anyway. But if it's not in there, I have my laptop open in the time it takes to preheat the oven.

Nothing beats the endless recipe compilation that's the Internet — in fact, if you don't have a few go-to places (mine are Yum and the Food Network's site), it can be downright overwhelming trying to find a simple recipe.

At a time when even Whole Foods has an iPhone app and it's easier than ever to geekify your kitchen, technology seems key to becoming a top chef. Of course, there are many traditionalists who don't trust the web for their recipe needs and stick, loyally, to cookbooks. Do you use the Internet for your recipe needs?