Recipe books are soo oooo pre-Internet....

I love them, and have a shelf full gathering dust...

Soooo. Step one-what food do you enjoy? Decide what meal you want. Is it just for you? (good chance to experiment) is it for others? (stick to a recipe, give yourself plenty of time)

Step 2-google a couple of recipes and see which looks tastier. Make a list.

Step 3. Cook. Eat. Learn what worked and what you could try next time.

My Chinese food got a world better when I learned how to use spring onions, ginger, garlic, rice wine, sesame oil and cornstarch.

If you're cooking for others one pot things like lasagne, shepherd's pie, etc are great as you can make them in advance then chill out when people rock up.

As people suggested, gravitate to the simpler recipes. (Delia, nigel slater... Some Jamie).

Try a variety of world cuisines. Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican are all good for starters.

Have fun.

With the right recipes you can cook a great meal quicker, cheaper and healthier than getting a takeaway.

Posted By: Cardiff Canary, Aug 22, 08:10:30