Who doesn’t like food? Food Network is one of those TV channels loved by all—no matter who you are or what you like, you can’t resist a good cooking show. From learning how to cook for dinner parties, to competing for $10,000, Food Network lets us indulge in all of our food-related fantasies. In honor of my favorite channel, here are 10 things I’ve learned from the holy grail of all cooking channels.

1. Artificial colors and flavors are a big no.

As much fun as eating neon blue cupcakes can be, no professional in the cooking world will find it acceptable.

2. Presentation is key.

Even if you have delicious-tasting food, you’ll never go far if it looks bad. Your presentation has to be on point.

3. Any meal can be extravagant.

If there’s anything to be learned, it’s that you can turn even Lunchables into a gourmet meal if you have the right tools.

4. Extra virgin olive oil is essential to a good dish.

Apparently regular olive oil isn’t good enough in the food world. As an expert, you should know that extra virgin olive oil has that special pizzazz.

5. Anything can be garnished.

Garnishes are necessary to complete the final look of your dish. Just make sure that it’s edible — anything that can’t be eaten, shouldn’t be on the plate.

6. It is possible to make a salad vinaigrette in 30 seconds or less.

You know those cooking competitions where the contestant decides last-minute to make a little something extra? It just shows us all that anything is possible, even when the timer is almost out.

7. Never make ice cream from scratch in a cooking competition.

It never fails — every time someone tries to use the ice cream maker, it ends horrendously. Don’t even bother trying.

8. Any dish can sound posh enough if you phrase it correctly.

Chicken nuggets with honey barbecue dipping sauce? More like “parmesan-crusted chicken breasts drizzled with a honey aioli.”

9. If you ever mess up a dish, deconstruct it.

If you want to make tortillas for your tacos and the dough just isn’t setting correctly, there’s no need to fear — toss the tortilla, plate the remainder of your food and call it a “deconstructed taco.”

10. Anybody can become a master chef.

More than anything, watching countless hours of cooking shows and competitions has taught you that even you, a professional microwave operator, can become a chef.