Enjoy cooking

You will add so much to your life if you learn how to cook for yourself and others. Food is one of life’s essentials, and good food is one of life’s real pleasures. Imagine your sense of satisfaction from being able to provide such fundamental goodness to your family and friends, from creating something which simply makes people feel better. It is also good for your health; you control what goes into your food and can ensure that you have a good, balanced diet.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little bit of thought, care and practice, you can soon enjoy cooking delicious meals from simple, easily available ingredients.

Cooking is a very practical skill, and the only way to learn properly is by practising. This section should get you started – we explain how to use recipes and guide you through all the skills and knowhow you’ll need.

If you already know all this, turn to our essential collection of straightforward, reliable and affordable recipes for all occasions – or see our suggestions for where to find more inspiration. Use our planning guide to ensure you will always have a balanced, interesting and varied selection of meals to make for yourself, your family and your friends.