Magister Rollant:
The most important skill a chef possesses is the ability to evaluate fine ingredients. A thorough knowledge of ingredients and the ability to find them are essential. Only then does preparation come into play.
Remember, an apple requires no preparation whatsoever. Cooking shouldn't always mean smearing something with butter and flour and calling it a pie. But I must admit, there are some hazards in using raw ingredients...
"What kind of hazards?"