Before I got married, I couldn’t cook—seriously. I lived in a dorm room while attending college, and my culinary endeavors didn’t progress beyond tuna salad sandwiches and the occasional non-homemade spaghetti. Let’s suffice it to say, I ate a lot of Ramen noodles while in college…and frozen burritos…and deli sandwiches. My waist hated me by the end of my first year.
When I got married, I had just started substitute teaching. Three months later I was pregnant. Four months after that, I was on bed rest for pre-eclampsia. I started watching The Food Network. Let me tell you, if you watch it consistently, it’s equivalent to a culinary school education. I learned spicy cooking with Emeril, southern cooking with Paula, Italian cooking with Giada, and most off all, delectable cooking with Ina.
My husband will attest to the fact that The Food Network was a wonderful attribute to our marriage. He got the lucky task of taste-testing my new concoctions. Some of the foods I cooked were delicious. Others were good, while still others were—well, let’s just say we had to call out for pizza a few times.
Now I love cooking. I enter cooking contests when I can and try new recipes when time allows. Before I would have been afraid to try ethnic foods, or complicated recipes. But after watching The Food Network, and seeing the hosts use different ingredients and preparation techniques, suddenly it didn’t seem so scary. I watch Barefoot Contessa whenever I can, and sneak in other shows as time allows.
If you’re a new cook, just starting out, an apprehensive cook who doesn’t yet know how to make mashed potatoes, or a seasoned cook looking to build your repertoire, give cooking shows a chance. With all the shows on TV today, you’re bound to find one you like. And trust me, your family will be glad you did.