i used to be frightened and anxious about cooking. this stemmed from a childhood of having a mom who was a pro vietnamese chef who didnt force me to help her (bc i was slow and wasnt that interested). i tried to bake a lot but coming from a family that didnt like sweets, my oreo pies and peanut butter cookies weren't ever completely finished (or even half finished bc i had already gotten sick of it by the fourth bite). flash forward to age 24 and i am married to an italian chef (by nature not trade) who is getting his phd, so alas i am forced into the kitchen with my anxiety to cook for a cranky student that studies all day :) i cook dinner about 4 to 5 times per week and slowly i can say that i am confident and comfortable in the kitchen. it was a long road, but I DID IT! (ps the husband actually finishes my meals to the last morsel!) we are flexatarian so only veggie meals for us. lots of tofu, beans, nuts, cheese, and vegetables! spring rolls (or some restaurants call them summer rolls)...the ones that are not fried. i love vietnamese herbs and could eat them all day long! each night of enjoying the meal that i made!