I often run into people who love food and the whole idea of cooking, but are afraid to take on the challenge of stepping in the kitchen and preparing a meal themselves. Whether it's because they can't find the time, don't have the right cookware, or just simply intimidated altogether; there's always a reason as to why cooking is beyond them. But I'm here to tell you that any and every one is capable of putting together a delicious meal. The only rule you need to follow is this—Don't Be Scared! We've come a long way from roasting wild animals over an open fire, and we've developed countless ways of preparing and seasoning food. But even with all of today's advancements, nothing beats a little patience and some trial & error.

When you get the hang of that dish, try another recipe, and keep going from there. After you get a few notches on your belt you'll start to see that cooking doesn't require fancy technique or expensive cookware. If you have a little patience and are willing to follow the recipes, you'll do just fine. And don't get discouraged if you mess up a dish here and there. Trust me, it happens to the best of us. Getting a little too crazy with the salt, or using a tad too much baking soda are important lessons to learn. Yes, you'll ruin a dish, but I can guarantee it will be hard for you to make that mistake again. Just as long as you get up, dust yourself off, and keep it moving; that's really all that matters.

I always recommend starting with something simple. There's no point in stressing yourself making a Soufflé or Bouillabaisse your first time out. Rather, a delicious casserole or a simple pasta recipe is a good place to start because they often allow some room for error, and the end result is something you can be proud of. If you have a little patience and are willing to follow the recipes, you'll do just fine.