My first experience cooking was on a chair next to my mother. Then I learned to add spices and herbs, create appetizers, mix fruits and vegetables to make salsas and chutneys, use fruits to make jellies, jams, and experiment with all type of ingredents to make homemade soups. You can use side dishes to make a ho-hum meal into a excellent meal. My book, In Addition...to the Entree helps you put your meals together quickly and easily by making it enjoyable. Don't eat out every night, why not try cooking by help from Connie.