Like all chefs in restaurants, we taste what's going on inside our pots long before we serve them to company. But most home cooks, don't taste along the way. So does it need more salt, pepper, lemon, cream, thyme, or dijon? The only way to know is to taste it long before it gets to the table to serve. Sitting down to eat with your family or company is not the time to discover that your stew, soup, or chicken salad needs a flavor adjustment.