She Strengthens

From Novice to Pro: 7 Recipes That Taught Me to Cook

Growing up, I never had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of cooking from my family. While I loved food, especially desserts, my family relied on shortcuts like takeout and pre-packaged meals. It wasn’t until I was living on my own that I realized the importance of cooking for myself.

The Early Days

When I first started cooking, I relied heavily on my friend and roommate for guidance. She taught me the basics, but when I moved to a new city, I fell back into the habit of eating out or ordering takeout too often. It wasn’t until I made a conscious effort to cook for myself regularly that I realized how much money I could save.

The Internet to the Rescue

With no formal cooking training, I turned to the internet for recipe inspiration. I stuck to simple, affordable recipes that used ingredients I was familiar with. This approach helped me build confidence in the kitchen and paved the way for my cooking journey.

7 Recipes That Changed My Life

Here are the recipes that helped me learn to cook:

1. Mexican Chicken Soup

This recipe was a game-changer for me. Using taco seasoning as the main flavoring may not be traditional, but it’s easy and delicious. This soup taught me that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and once you’ve mastered one recipe, you can easily adapt it to create others.

2. Serbian Beef

This dish was a staple in my college days, and I still make it today. The combination of beef, potatoes, and cinnamon may not be authentic Serbian cuisine, but it’s tasty and easy to make.

3. Baked Egg in an Avocado

As a non-cereal person, I needed a breakfast option that was quick, easy, and healthy. This recipe taught me that baked eggs are a great alternative to scrambled eggs, and they’re much harder to overcook.

4. Dragon Noodles

This recipe from Budget Bytes is a favorite of mine. It’s simple, affordable, and delicious, and it taught me about interesting flavor combinations. Mastering this recipe gave me the confidence to try more complex dishes.

5. Eggplant Baked Ziti

Eggplant is my favorite vegetable, and this recipe taught me two valuable lessons: how to make my own marinara sauce and how to cook for a large group. This dish is always a crowd-pleaser and is easy to make in bulk.

6. Maple Dijon Chicken

Another Budget Bytes recipe, this dish taught me to think beyond boneless, skinless chicken breast. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and affordable, making them a great option for weeknight meals.

7. German Apple Pie

No recipe list would be complete without a pie! This German apple pie is creamy and decadent, and it taught me that making a pie from scratch is easier than I thought. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and is a great option for special occasions.

What Recipes Got You Started?

I’d love to hear from you! What recipes helped you get started in the kitchen, even when you were a total novice? Share your stories in the comments!