Organization: always read the recipe first and make sure you have all the ingredients, at the right temperatures, and also the rest of the equipment and space to make it. This will make the process so much easier!

Red peppers: you can buy roasted peppers online, such as the Piquillo Peppers De Lallo brand. Or some Spanish Matiz Piquillo Peppers. They are amazingly delicious.

Vegetables: you can roast the vegetables a week ahead and keep in a jar with olive oil and a tight lid. Don't drain them and make sure to add less oil when making the sauce.

Almonds: you can skin them several days before, dry them in a very low oven (don't let them toast, only dry out so they don't become soggy), and keep them in a jar with a tight lid. Some recipes call for pine nuts also, instead of almonds or in addition to. They work very well with the rest of the ingredients.

Garlic: you can roast it before hand and keep it in the refrigerator. And, you might want the addition of raw garlic for a sharper flavor. I don't usually do it, but I know a friend who does, so know that it's an option.

Tomato paste: some like to add a tiny bit of concentrated tomato paste for an extra boost of flavor.

Red pepper flakes: another way to add spice is with red pepper flakes.

Red wine vinegar: a teaspoon or two is a good addition to this sauce as it adds some acid.