| Many people are afraid of cooking. Aspiring cooks, | | | | It surprises people to know that just about anyone |
| men and women tell me often that they wish they | | | | can easily cook baked beans, a chicken-broccoli |
| were a famous chef so they can cook like they do. I | | | | casserole or even a simple fish dish. If you have a |
| tell them they don't have to be a famous TV chef. | | | | heavy skillet - cast iron is relatively inexpensive and |
| They can cook and get rave reviews, too. And, they | | | | lasts forever-and a tight fitting top, you don't even |
| don't have to attend culinary school. | | | | have to turn on your oven to cook a delicious |
| I love cooking and feel very comfortable in the | | | | chicken, vegetable and rice dish. |
| kitchen. Although I didn't start cooking on my own | | | | You don't need exotic ingredients or gourmet utensils. |
| until I was married, I was always exposed to cooking. | | | | Even starting with the most basic of seasonings like |
| I just never had to do the cooking; because | | | | salt. pepper, and garlic powder, you can whip up a |
| everybody in my family -- grandparents and parents | | | | really tasty meal you can be proud of. |
| -- could cook. | | | | What matters is that, with patience and practice, you |
| Yet, I understand that there are people who are | | | | will get more comfortable in the kitchen. Don't worry, |
| petrified in the kitchen. To them, even making a | | | | you do not need famous TV chef status to cook |
| sandwich with more than bread and lunch meat is a | | | | well. You can have fun! Plus, there is nothing like |
| major challenge. By the way: whether you can boil | | | | hearing someone tell you how great your food was. |
| water or not has nothing to do with whether you | | | | Try it! |
| can cook. | | | | |