Any hints on how to make a good meal?

With the wonder of the internet, we can now watch videos for technique and ideas. I would start small and just start making easy things. After you feel more confident then you can work your way up to bigger things. Soups are very easy but I recommend watching a video for the process. Check youtube or food network. Also video jug has some very simple videos to follow. Good luck, dont lose hope and keep trying!

Start by learning the basics. How to cook hambugers, fry chicken, make a basic soup. Mostly cooking is a creative process that everyone does differently. It's all about what you like. If you make something that comes out tasting awful - have a good laugh and order pizza.

I started to learn cooking when I was about 25, never before had I the desire to cook. I kicked off with a very simple meal like a pork chop with small boiled potatoes. I can't go wrong with that, right? Then I promote myself to grill a piece of steak, and finally, roast a chicken in an oven. When I felt more confident, I started buying cook books and practice cooking daily. I even use my creative mind to change some of the recipes :-) It's all a question of practice makes perfect. Find a recipe of the food you like to eat either from a cookbook or on internet, do it a couple of times in two consecutive weeks. The third time you go round the same recipe, you'll be surprised of your talent! Be patient and have fun!

I'd suggest that you keep it simple at first. Grilled or sauteed chicken with a nice citrus sauce, rice, vegetables or salad. Roast with baked potatoes. Corned beef with potatoes and cabbage. Crockpots are easy, pretty much dump everything in, turn it on low, go to work. When you get home, it's all done!

I learned to cook by watching people around me and by trial and error. Also the cooking shows on T.V. help a lot. They have many tips. You could also get some cook books that have simple meals and step by step directions.I always stock up on beans,rice,and pasta. Meats and vegetables, and of course some seasonings. There are so many others, but once you have everything in stock you need..you can make so many different meals. Happy cooking!