20 February 2012

facebook 10k GIVEAWAY! [CLOSED]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the number 10,000, but there are indeed 10,000 followers on Budget Byte's Facebook page! Pretty unbelievable, but I'm happy to have each and every one of you! :D So, to say thanks, let's have a GIVEAWAY!!

I've survived the past 10+ years with just a basic chef's knife, a bread knife, a paring knife or two, and one, yes one, lonely steak knife. But that doesn't mean that you don't deserve more! I want some lucky soul out there to have a really great set of knives for their kitchen. So, I found this set from Chicago Cutlery that has amazing reviews and includes all of the pieces that I would want to have. Oh! And it's available for international shipping! So come one, come all!

Chicago Cutlery 18-Piece Insignia Steel Knife Set with Block and In-Block Sharpener

So this was what I want to know in exchange for a giveaway entry:

What was the first thing that you learned how to cook?

Ramen noodles? PB&J? Mac n' Cheese? And if you can't remember what the first thing was, just tell me what you remember making the most when you were a kid (or adult if you didn't learn until recently) or some fond memory of a first cooking experience!

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this blog post (at the bottom of the page) answering "What is the first thing that you learned to cook?"

Next, log in to the contest widget below (the box just below "Good Luck!") using either your email or facebook account (so I can contact you if you win).

Click the "Do it!" button in the contest widget, and then the big, green "Enter!" button. Your entry will not be counted unless you click "Enter!"

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Labels: updates

1014 Comments:

1 – 200 of 1014 Newer› Newest»

At February 20, 2012 at 5:57 PM , Christine said...

The first thing I learned to cook was Tuna Noodle Casserole!
At February 20, 2012 at 5:58 PM , Sarah said...

I was just thinking, "I wonder if ramen counts?", but you answered that! I think that was the first thing. I was so proud of myself! (I was pretty young.)
At February 20, 2012 at 5:58 PM , jen phifer said...

the first thing my mom taught me how to 'really' cook was spaghetti.
At February 20, 2012 at 5:58 PM , Elizabeth Ann @ Elizabeth Ann's Recipe Box said...

COOKIES! :-)
At February 20, 2012 at 5:58 PM , Brandon said...

The first thing I learned to cook was grilled cheese!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM , Katie said...

Creamed tuna on toast. A family specialty. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM , melarol said...

Scrambled eggs!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM , Cory said...

I think my mom had me and my sisters make a pizza, with the canister dough that you pull the tab till it pops. Scared the crap out of us but it was good times.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM , Whit517 said...

The first thing I learned to cook was Grilled Cheese!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM , Frank said...

The first thing I learned to cook was scrambled eggs. I don't remember what the first thing was that someone actually ate ;-)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM , Amanda V. said...

the classic grilled cheese was one of the first things... still delicious to this day :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM , JSMDOLL said...

Macaroni and cheese. My little sister and I had a special slotted spoon we ALWAYS used.

Congrats on your 10000th follower!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM , mary said...

the first thing i ever learned to cook was spaghetti when i was 7
At February 20, 2012 at 6:01 PM , Kathy said...

I did a lot of cooking for my family when I was a kid. I remember really liking to make either macaroni and cheese, or macaroni and beef.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:01 PM , SAlexy said...

First thing I remember learning to cook? Either Kraft Mac & Cheese or an egg sandwhich. Which for me was microwaving an egg w/a slice of cheese on it & toasting bread. :)
Mmm mmm good. Lol
At February 20, 2012 at 6:01 PM , Amanda F. said...

The first thing I learned to cook as a kid is something we call "Eggies in a Cup." When my mom was sick as a kid, my Nana would make her eggies in a cup, and so when I was sick as a kid my mom did the same. It is simply a perfectly hardboiled egg, with a spoonful of butter, fresh salt & pepper, in a coffee mug! So satisfying, and really fun when you're a kid. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:02 PM , Joanne Daudier said...

First thing I learned to cook was eggs
At February 20, 2012 at 6:02 PM , Anonymous said...

I don't remember. Probably scrambled eggs or a grilled cheese sandwich. My first formal cooking lesson happed over a year later - snickerdoodles.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:02 PM , Holly said...

My earliest memory in the kitchen is making peanut butter cookies with my grandma. But I think I was pretty much in the kitchen helping in whatever way I could for most of my life.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:02 PM , alatimer said...

The first thing I learned to cook was scrambled eggs... if you can call that cooking!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:02 PM , Branlaadee said...

I cant remember the first thing I learned to cook since I have been in the kitchen with my mom or grandma since I can remember. But 2 of my favorites as a kid were chocolate chip cookies. I still know the recipe by heart and Kraft mac n cheese. Both were made a couple of times a week!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:02 PM , Brandi said...

The first thing I remember cooking and loving was muffins :-) .... think I may go do that now.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:02 PM , Mallory said...

the first thing i learned to cook was probably scrambled eggs or grilled cheese!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:02 PM , Heidi said...

I started cooking at the age of 8 (I am 43). I loved to bake and still do. I used to make a custard pie because it could be made with ingredients around the house, my Dad loved it, and he said I did a great job making it. I have not made one in a very long time.
Maybe one of those knives will be great cutting a slice, huh?
At February 20, 2012 at 6:03 PM , jsmnn said...

congrats on 10k!

I first learned to make a grilled cheese, but always burned mine and made my brother's perfect.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:03 PM , Brittany said...

I remember my first meal I made "by myself" was kielbasi and sauerkraut with mashed potatoes
At February 20, 2012 at 6:03 PM , juliamacpherson@yahoo.com said...

I think probably french toast.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:03 PM , Gena Baker said...

Scrambled eggs. =) My Mom And Dad both taught me how to cook and I spent my childhood in the kitchen watching, learning and cooking and baking.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:04 PM , Brandi said...

What's click the widget button???
At February 20, 2012 at 6:04 PM , Bettina said...

I honestly have no idea, but the first thing I remember cooking (though I know I cooked before that) was dinner for my family, of oven-fried chicken tenders and twice-baked potatoes.

Congrats on the 10k followers and thanks for hosting this giveaway!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:04 PM , Keisha Galbraith said...

The first thing I learnt to cook was Risotto. I would sit on the kitchen bench while Dad cooked and we would sing No Doubt songs and I would learn through observation. It's how I know how to cook most of the things I make today!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:04 PM , Desiree said...

My mom always tells me a story that when I was about 4 years old she walked in the kitchen to find me making a sandwich. To avoid getting in trouble I asked her, "Don't I look cute doing this? Don't you wish you had a picture of me doing this?"

All this to say the first thing I learned to make on my own was a Peanut Butter and mostly Jelly Sandwich!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:04 PM , Valerie @ LilyEmmeJewelry.com said...

My mom taught me how to make quesadillas at a very young age. I still make them all the time!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Michelle said...

The first thing I learned to "cook-cook" (as opposed to dumping a can of soup in a pan) was a casserole my family calls garbage. It's ground beef, a layer of sliced potatoes, a layer of thinly sliced onions, and then a layer of corn topped with a can of cream of mushroom soup.

To this day (some 30 years later), it's still one of my favorite comfort foods when I'm feeling blue or homesick.

And it really is tasty even if it sounds disgusting!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Robert said...

The first thing I learned to cook was pancakes! Blueberries are a must!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Leo Lincourt said...

Hmm. I think the first thing I learned to cook was... Wait... Do Froot Loops count? No? Well, then probably it was scrambled eggs since in our house we kids had to fend for ourselves for breakfast from an early age.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Sasha said...

The first thing I made was a lettuce, tomato and cheese sandwich. I was so proud, which was ok cause I was 6.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Sam said...

Eggs!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Cherryl Huffenberger said...

I grew up on a farm. We raised our own beef, so it was plentiful and a staple for dinner often. The first dish my mother taught me was chicken-fried steak. I was 12 years old. That was 51 years ago. My technique basically is the same, except I don't use rendered lard, another staple on the farm back in the day. But, to this day, every time I make this dish, fond memories come flooding back. And, I still have the meat mallet I used to make that first dish.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Max Nelson said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was Balloon Biscuits in Home Ec, 7th grade. They are basically cinnamon rolls stuffed with marshmallows, soo good!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Phoebe said...

The first thing I remember really cooking on my own were chocolate chip cookies.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Amy M said...

I remember cooking applesauce with my grandmother. I didn't do it alone, of course, but that is my first memory of helping in the kitchen. Fun times....
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Seong Im Hong said...

Fried egg for my 7 year old sister (I was 8 at the time). I burned myself with the oil, but damn if it wasn't good fried egg.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:05 PM , Josh said...

Grill PB sandwiches
At February 20, 2012 at 6:06 PM , Kara R. said...

The first thing I learned to cook was beef/bean burritos. It's always a go to meal, even 20 years later!!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:06 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was probably Kraft Dinner! Who knew that it would become my lifeblood during my teen years? :)
~Crystal
At February 20, 2012 at 6:07 PM , Marie-Eve Barrette said...

Gingerbread cookies. My mom used to let my brother and I help her out. At first we could only knead the dough and cut out the cookies but at one point, I was left in charge of making them all on my own! 10+ years later, it is still my job.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:07 PM , Chelsea . said...

Microwave nachos :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:07 PM , Anonymous said...

French toast, when I was in 3rd grade!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:07 PM , Erika said...

I made cookies with an old recipe book that called for a tablespoon of soda....I put some club soda in them instead of baking soda...lol
At February 20, 2012 at 6:07 PM , Anonymous said...

grilled cheese sandwiches
At February 20, 2012 at 6:08 PM , Ari D said...

First thing I learned to cook was roasted chicken. My mom used to tell me that when I was little she would give me garlic to peel in my high chair for the recipe, so when I became old enough, this was the first thing she taught me. She said I already had an advantage!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:08 PM , Anonymous said...

I learned how to make English muffin mini pizzas very early on with canned pizza sauce and a block of probably processed mozzarella cheese I shredded on the cheese grater.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:08 PM , Dunch Time said...

The first things we learn to cook in our house is noodles; that's how I became the best darn blue box mac and cheese maker in our family to date.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:08 PM , Karthy said...

I remember having to brown ground beef a lot as a youngin'... Otherwise, there were this cheesy chicken crescent roll things my mom made that I started to make when I got married.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:08 PM , katie_in_the_usc_apron said...

The first thing I learned to cook was scrambled eggs. My mother taught me and I still make them almost every day.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:09 PM , Get Some Hairapy! said...

Lasagne
At February 20, 2012 at 6:09 PM , Nobby said...

The first thing? Huh, I'm not really sure. Probably breakfast, I'm going to say pancakes, because they're simple and we had them a lot. May not be correct, but I think it's close.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:10 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was Hamburger Stew along with potatoes and green beans. It was and still is my favorite meal. Learned to cook early in life...around 10 to 11 years old and it was a good thing I did because my Mother ended up in Hospital when I was 12 and had to take care of the rest of the family....Dad...2 sisters and a brother ...all of which were younger than me. Good thing I enjoy cooking still to this day!! Just hate the clean up!!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:10 PM , Tiffany said...

Pancakes...and I was not very good at it, haha. I'm still not the best at pancake making, which doesn't matter too much because I prefer waffles :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:10 PM , crystal said...

The first thing i learned how to cook was PB&J.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:10 PM , Tiffany said...

Probably quesadillas. That was always our go-to meal!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:11 PM , bretsky07 said...

Mac and cheese, straight from the box.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:12 PM , $^@ntastic said...

First thing I learned to make was scrambled eggs. Seems like a good starting point.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:12 PM , Jacki said...

I remember back in high school and college, thinking that making a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese was some big time cooking!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:12 PM , Unknown said...

The first thing I learned was grilled cheese. Still one of my faves!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:12 PM , Shannon-Reference and Readers Services said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was soup.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:12 PM , Lizzie said...

Spaghetti bolognese. I even developed a maths project around it in grade 6, where I had to work out how many ingredients I would need to cook spaghetti bolognese for my whole class. And then I did it! Best school project ever.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:12 PM , Krystle King said...

God how I'd love to win this, we have even less in knives than you mentioned you had above! I'm 24 years old and have a 3 month old son. I can embarrassingly but honestly say I didn't learn to cook my first dish until I discovered this blog a few months ago. I printed out EVERY recipe on this site, put together a meal with an amazing entree, two side dishes and a desert. I followed the recipes, created my meal, had to make my desert TWICE, BUT I made it. I created an amazing dinner for myself and my fiance, and I think he fell in love with me all over again because of it! Ever since that night, I've been determined to learn more recipes, create more dishes, and become a decent Mommy cook. My kid won't grow up on ramen, as much as I sometimes like ramen, I want him to grow up on healthy and budget friendly meals (because face it, kids are expensive and damn we're broke!). These recipes not only saved me a lot of money in groceries so far but have taught me...wait for it: 13 full entree dishes, 22 side dishes, and 4 deserts - all by memory, experience and to perfection. So there's the back story..and my first dish I cooked that night was my entree: chili lime pork chops, added on a bed of white rice. That was my first ever learned to cook thing (I'm guessing a can of beefaroni doesn't count anyway..that's so not cooking to me anymore). So there's my entry for the contest, and a freakin' HUGE thank you to to you Beth for helping me grow up finally haha.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:12 PM , Arman said...

Nutella sammiches!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:13 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was my favorite food at the time: Deviled Eggs!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:13 PM , Anonymous said...

I used to make "salisbury steak" out of hamburger with "real" boxed mashed potatoes and "canned" gravy. Yuck. But I thought it was great then!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:13 PM , Karen said...

The first thing I learned to cook was macaroni and cheese from scratch with breakfast sausages cut up in it.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:13 PM , Terrie said...

Turkey ham, cream of mushroom rice, salad and strawberry shortcake. A dinner for my Mum.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:13 PM , Jen H said...

I made pasta often, but my first out of a book, step by step recipe was for sweet and sour chicken and fried rice

Jen Harriman
At February 20, 2012 at 6:14 PM , Ashley Rion said...

Hamburger Helper! We ate a lot of that growing up, but thankfully I learned to make healthier options! :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:14 PM , Rebecca Murphy said...

Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies were the first thing I remember cooking.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:15 PM , Carly Ann said...

Okay, the first two things I remember cooking when I was a kid was turkey loaf (oh yeahhhh) and a basic beef roast... you know the kind. It comes with the bag and the seasoning packet and you just throw all the junk in there and pop it in the oven.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:15 PM , Machelle said...

Kraft Mac n cheese
At February 20, 2012 at 6:15 PM , Chana said...

Banana bread!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:15 PM , alienbody said...

The first thing I learned to cook were fried egg sandwiches. I would make them for anyone who set foot in the house!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:15 PM , Valérie said...

When I was little, I had a tiny little pink oven, you know the kind that cook with a light bulb. I had so much fun waiting for the little cakes to cook haha!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:16 PM , hotshotscientist said...

The first thing I remember learning to cook was ham and bean soup. My mom taught me in high school during winter break one year. It's my go-to meal every winter now!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:16 PM , Annie said...

I would have to say air-popped popcorn, if that counts. That was and is one of my favorite afternoon snacks.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:16 PM , Leahanne said...

First thing I learned how to cook on my own was scrambled eggs when I was young (maybe 8?). I think my Mom got tired of my requesting them every morning... ;)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:16 PM , Laura S. said...

My mom had me make tacos for the family - brown the meat, throw in the spice packet and chop some lettuce and I was good to go.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:16 PM , danielle said...

i remember my parents taught me how to make myself french toast when i was still small enough that i needed a stepstool to reach the stove so i could cook myself breakfast on the weekends. i mean, i've always been pretty short, so i wasn't THAT young - maybe ten or so?
At February 20, 2012 at 6:17 PM , KaeleyAnne said...

I grew up helping my parents cook, so it's difficult to say what the first thing I learned to cook was. I think that the first thing that was distinctly mine, with no suggestions/help from my parents was a pasta stir fry.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:17 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was French Toast! With real French bread of course! :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:17 PM , georgiana said...

The first things I learned how to cook (when I started college, I couldn't even make a sandwich up until that point but really enjoy cooking now) were omelet and standard 'baked' chicken breasts. With the omelet, the first one turned out quite bad, with the outside of it burnt for some reason. As for the baked chicken breasts, I was really proud of myself when I first thought of combining a chicken breast (I didn't even bother pounding it so it was super thick) with basic seasoning and some canned pineapple (!) and threw it in the oven, thinking i was putting together some exotic dish...it ended up being super sweet (I had poured some plain canned pineapple juice from the can over the chicken breast) and some of the pineapple bits got burned as well...Anyway, congrats on your 10 000th follower on FB :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:17 PM , Kelly said...

Chicken Divan :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:17 PM , B said...

Scrambled eggs. My mom likes to tell the story about how she woke up at 5:30 am to me standing in a kitchen chair pushed up to the stove, all of about three or four years old.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:17 PM , Jori Walker said...

Peanut butter and jelly! IF that can be considered cooking. The first thing I taught myself to cook however was spaghetti.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:18 PM , Kate said...

Blueberry muffins.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:18 PM , Quantum Amy said...

Sugar cookies as I recall.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:18 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was grilled cheese. At the time I believed you could never have too much cheese!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:19 PM , jezebelseven said...

English Muffin Mini-pizzas! English muffins + jarred pizza sauce + pre-shredded mozzarella + pepperoni, put into the oven (and toaster oven when we got one of those) until melty. It's actually still one of my favorite lazy foods!

Congrats on 10k!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:19 PM , bluesleepy said...

A Weight Watchers version (both my parents were in the Navy) of chicken parmesan was the first thing I remember learning to cook.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:19 PM , Sarah at WCP said...

The very first thing I remember learning how to make was beef stew from my cousin who is about fifteen years older than me. I thought she was so chic and worldly as a kid, and since my mom only made Korean food when I was growing up, beef stew with red wine was amazing stuff.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:19 PM , Megan said...

The first dish that I ever 'owned' (i.e. made all by myself, from start to finish, with no guidance) was from-scratch marinara sauce. I've been hooked ever since!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:19 PM , Amanda Costella said...

My grandmothers pasta sauce was the first thing I really learned to make.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:20 PM , Quantum Amy said...

Sugar cookies as I recall.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:20 PM , Jennifer N. said...

I believe the first thing I ever learned to make from scratch was chocolate chip cookies. My brother's friends used to beg me to make them for them. At the time I thought I was irritating but in retrospect I see what a compliment it was!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:20 PM , Trampas Johnson said...

I wanted a snack when I was a kid, but couldn't find anything but a packet of Chex Mix seasoning and dry pasta. I put the pasta and water in a pot, brought it to a boil, and promptly drained it. I added the seasoning and stirred. The pasta was wet on the outside and crunchy on the inside.

Thankfully, I got better. :D

Also, the black bean quesadillas are fantastic!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:20 PM , Delana said...

My dad taught me how to make French Toast. Still make it a few decades later.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:20 PM , Jen said...

The first thing that I learned to cook was a fried egg sandwich. Fry an egg, put some miracle whip on some bread, soak the extra grease off the egg and there's breakfast. My mom lived in a depressive haze, I lived off fried egg sandwiches for breakfast for at least eight years - then didn't eat a single egg for probably another eight.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:20 PM , Elaine said...

probably ramen ha ha
At February 20, 2012 at 6:21 PM , Kimbies said...

Spaghetti!!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:21 PM , Rebecca K. said...

When I was 5 I started making my own spaghetti sauces. They were pretty nasty.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:23 PM , Rebecca said...

Pancakes! My dad and I cooked pancakes together on Saturday mornings, and I still have the recipe memorized.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:23 PM , Melissa said...

The first thing I really learned how to make were pancakes! I spent pretty much every weekend at my grandparents' cabin and Sunday mornings we always had a huge breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and bacon. I always loved helping my grandma in the kitchen, so one day she taught me how to make the pancakes. I think about those times in her kitchen every time I make pancakes, it's such a happy memory. My grandma is one of the reasons that I enjoy cooking.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:23 PM , Nicole said...

I can't recall the first thing I learned to cook, but I have fond memories of spending Saturday afternoons with my Oma teaching me some German recipes. Cevapcici is still one of my favorites!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:23 PM , Caitlin said...

My dad taught me how to make really awesome chili and other REAL Mexican fare. The first thing I ever cooked on my own, and often as a helper w/ my dad, was chili. I used to help him make chili, pico de gallo, salsa, tacos, corn tortillas, fajitas, enchiladas, and banuellos, and chocolate chip cookies. He also taught me the importance of fresh ingredients. I cook all the time and have a real appreciation for good food. It would be wonderful to have this knife set... it would see a lot of use in my kitchen. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:23 PM , Jeff said...

I fondly remember mixing up batch after batch of Toll House cookies when I was little.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:23 PM , Allison L said...

Almond roca! delish!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:23 PM , Ashley said...

I didn't learn to cook until I was in my early 20's. While I don't remember the first thing I learned to cook, the first thing I perfected was pasta sauce. Jarred sauce absolutely didn't compare to my grandma's sauce.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:23 PM , Magdaly said...

The first thing I learned to cook was mac n cheese and hot dogs!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:23 PM , Anonymous said...

My grandmother taught me how to make pan gravy from scratch at a very young age. Being from the south, gravy goes on everything!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:23 PM , Unknown said...

My Dad was the cook in our family. The earliest memory of cooking I have is making french toast with challah bread together. Mine's still not as good. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:24 PM , KellyL said...

Probably Mac and Cheese... I loved Annie's white shells version and would add extra milk and then cook it off because I thought it was creamier that way!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:24 PM , Vaness said...

I do believe the first thing I learned how to cook was scrambled eggs. I remember practicing after mom showed me how with a skillet, a spatula, and fruit loops.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:24 PM , Heather Feather said...

I made Ramen all the time as a kid. And nachos.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:24 PM , Christine said...

I think you are going to see this one a lot. Tuna Casserole. But with rice, not noodles, can of cream mushroom and peas if I felt like having a veggie. Then get all fancy with some paprika!

I still make this comfort food but now with sriracha as well!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:25 PM , WhizGidget said...

First thing I ever learned to cook? I think that was how to BBQ. Dad taught me how to light it up (using lighter fluid, ew) and cook meat. But that was basic: fire + raw meat = meal.

Mom tried to teach me everything she knew a couple of weeks before I went to college. That didn't go well. But I had been making pasta since I was 8 - pasta's easy.

A friend of mine in college handed me a cookbook and said "If you can read, and do simple math, you can cook." And so it was - I think the first thing I made with that methodology was baked chicken.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:25 PM , Jeanine said...

Puppy chow!! Chocolate/peanut butter/powdered sugar covered chez cereal. Still make it!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:25 PM , -Corey said...

Grilled cheese and tomato soup was the first meal I learned to cook. My mom is a fantastic cook and a good teacher. She taught me that "if you can read, you can cook." I think Budget Bytes is proof of that- the recipes are incredible and very easy to follow.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:26 PM , jessW said...

fried eggs
At February 20, 2012 at 6:26 PM , natalie said...

I remember making muffins with my mom when I was really little. Apple-carrot, bran, pumpkin, raisin bran....you name it I learned it! That's still the first thing my mom teaches my little siblings how to bake too; we usually got the hang of it by the time we were 8!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:26 PM , Mud said...

The first thing I learned to cook (not including cakes in my Easy Bake oven and heating up cans of Chef Boyardee) was french toast, which my parents, much to my chagrine, put salt and pepper on. They're Irish and thought the suggestion that one would pour syrup on eggy bread was disgusting.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:26 PM , abbi said...

I can't remember but do remember making lots of mac n cheese from a box...that's not really cooking though!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:26 PM , Anonymous said...

cookies i think. i remember my mom teaching me about how big of differences you can get by packing flour into the measuring cup, or gently pouring it into the measuring cup.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:27 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to "cook" was pita pizzas in the toaster oven. I was so proud!

And I'm not at all surprised you have 10,000 followers. I just discovered this blog recently, but it is wonderful, friendly, and easy to use. Thanks!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:28 PM , Derek and Catherine said...

I first learned to cook macaroni and cheese! I remember being really nervous I was not going to realize when the water was boiling... I think I thought that made some kind of difference! Haha
At February 20, 2012 at 6:28 PM , CupcakeCatie said...

I believe the first thing I learned how to cook was turkey and stuffing while helping my dad with Thanksgiving when I was younger!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:28 PM , Shari said...

First thing I learned to cook was when I was in 4th grade my dad taught me how to make Shake N Bake Pork chops.. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:28 PM , Oliver said...

First thing I learned to cook was pasta!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:28 PM , Jenny said...

Hm...other than sugar cookies I learned how to make what my mom called "Eggs in a Basket" or "Boyscout Eggs". You butter both sides of a piece of bread, throw it in a frying pan, use a shot glass to carve out a hole and take that piece of bread out and throw it in the pan elsewhere, crack an egg into the aforementioned hole, cook it a bit and flip to cook the other side. When the yolk was still runny you'd soak it up in the bread around the egg. MMMMM!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:28 PM , Meister @ The Nervous Cook said...

The first thing I learned to cook was a beef, sugar-snap, and udon salad that inspired me at a taping of the Martha Stewart Show. I tried it as soon as I came home, and even though it took me an hour and a half to make, I knew my life had completely changed.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:29 PM , Anonymous said...

I'd help my mom make lots of dishes, but chicken & mushroom sauce over rice really sticks out in my head... loved cooking with her!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:29 PM , hippychick said...

Breakfast! My dad loves to do big weekend breakfasts and I remember helping when I was young.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:30 PM , Karli J said...

Scrambled eggs with toast, I think, is the first thing I learned to cook. I wanted to make a "fancy" breakfast for my family, so that's what I learned.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:30 PM , Anonymous said...

Chicken Parm! My mother taught me how to make it from scratch :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:30 PM , Brett said...

I "cooked" a slice of ham (sliced for sandwiches) in a frying pan. It was *awesome*!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:30 PM , Anonymous said...

I first learned to cool scrambled eggs -- just cracked the eggs straight into the pan and scrambled them there, no milk or anything. :-) I've learned some new techniques since then.
~Jen
At February 20, 2012 at 6:30 PM , Kim said...

Probably french toast. My dad used to make big breakfasts on the weekends, but the french toast was always my favorite part; I had to learn how to recreate it. With a generous amount of cinnamon-sugar on the side. Yum.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:31 PM , GoneRving said...

The first thing I learned to cook was a boiled egg. I was about 5 or 6 and my mom told me that I had to know how to boil water and cook and egg.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:31 PM , Melanie F said...

I don't think it was the first thing I cooked, but I have happy memories of making french toast with my dad :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:32 PM , Anonymous said...

You were spot-on with the mac n' cheese and the ramen noodles. I'm glad to say I've progressed since then!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:32 PM , sarah said...

First thing?! A classic box of Mac and Cheese I believe :] It was Awesome! lol
At February 20, 2012 at 6:32 PM , Andrea said...

Spaghetti and Meatballs.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:32 PM , Di said...

The very first thing I learned to make was my Nonna's homemade marinara. It was such a joy to cook with her because she would tell me about the old country & cooking with her mother. How they would walk to the market & select only the freshest things to go in their pot-- "because the best food is always made with love for those you serve" This is something I think about every time I make it now. I'll tell this story to my daughter when I teach her to make it because she will never know her great-nonna.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:32 PM , Kari said...

My most vivid memory is of the homemade spaghetti sauce my grandpa made when I was a kid. It was the most delicious stuff, and all I knew was that it had Italian sausage in it. He's been gone almost 22 years now, and I didn't know enough before he passed to ask about it. When I saw his recipe, it was as detailed as "a ziploc bag of tomatoes", so I knew I'd have to wing it. It took me until 2 years ago to get the courage to do it, and it was amazing. I will forever associate cooking with my grandpa and his spaghetti sauce!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:33 PM , Olivia said...

I learned how to make pancakes :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:34 PM , Dietzway Family said...

scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast and eggplant parm for dinner!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:34 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I remember making was a cake from a mix.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:34 PM , Danik said...

Probably country fried potatoes. Maybe hard boiled eggs, lol.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:34 PM , Tara said...

The first thing I remember cooking...well, baking...was a carrot cake. Sure, it was from a box, but I was like 6 and I remember being SO proud when I showed it to my dad that night after dinner :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:35 PM , bneises said...

Does cereal count? If not, then PB&J sandwiches was my first.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:35 PM , Haley N. said...

When I was a kid we had this cookbook for kids. The first time I ever cooked a recipe it was from that book-spaghetti. I remember being so scared of not cooking the meat thoroughly. It was the first meal for my family I ever made and I was so proud!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:35 PM , Mestina said...

I think it was oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. :) Okay...so baking, but it works.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:37 PM , Kate said...

I just remember sticking everything in the kitchen into my Easy Bake oven...
At February 20, 2012 at 6:37 PM , sylvialee said...

Hotdogs!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:38 PM , Jennifer said...

I don't remember not cooking. I guess one of the first things I learned to cook would be potatoes. Either fried or mashed. One of the first memories I have is peeling them.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:40 PM , Janiece Willis said...

The first thing I 'cooked' was cheese toast which is american cheese on a piece of bread put in the toaster oven so it gets melty but crusty on top. Yum. Ok for a 7 yr old, it was great.

FYI-most of what I know about cooking was picked up by reading the 19 book set put out by Better Homes and Gardens called the Encyclopedia of Cooking put out in the 70s and sold for $1 each when you bought groceries at Buddies (grocer in TX). I spend summers out in the country too young to drive and both parents at work. I read those things cover to cover probably 3 times a summer. One of the most notable is that I still put mace in the cobbler biscuits of peach cobbler based on these recipes. Good stuff!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:40 PM , Chris Steele said...

I learner to make chocolate chip cookies followed shortly by pasta.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:40 PM , charlene said...

Pretty sure the first thing I learned was how to fry an egg!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:41 PM , Unknown said...

I think I did this right. Hard to remember back that far but I used to help my mom a lot. I think it was apple pie!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:41 PM , Asia said...

The first thing I learned to cook was quesadillas with cheese and salsa for me and my 2 little sisters. I think I was 8 and I was so excited to be able to cook something other than ramen for them.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:42 PM , Heather said...

I am not sure but I helped a lot in the kitchen with my mom and also my dad. I do remember as a small kid sitting in the kitchen after kindergarten eating pb and honey sandwich on wheat bread. LOVED these as a kid...and still do!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:42 PM , Rob said...

Spaghetti! Out of the box; simple and easy. Staple at college.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:43 PM , Allison said...

jello drops---drop water into jello mix and eat. quite gourmet.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:43 PM , Erin Handberg said...

Because we farmed when I was growing up, we almost always had cookies or cake available for afternoon coffee. The first thing I remember making consistently was cookies. My Mom has the best recipe for soft and flat chocolate chip cookies, but my Dad's favorite cookies are molasses crinkles. I distinctly remember baking both! When I was old enough, I would fill a carafe with coffee and take the beat-up, square, white Tupperware container full of cookies out to the field.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:43 PM , Taryn said...

i first learned to cook meatloaf! whoa fancy i know!! and i was calling my dad the whole time, how many eggs? how much ketchup? crackers?! haha
At February 20, 2012 at 6:43 PM , Memma said...

Pikelets were the first thing I learnt to cook. Not sure how common they are in America, but they are very popular in NZ and Australia for afternoon tea with cream and jam. :D
At February 20, 2012 at 6:44 PM , Anonymous said...

Definitely Kraft Mac n Cheese. My mom told me I would get so excited while pouring the cheese in that I'd end up spilling it everywhere.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:45 PM , Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure mac & cheese was the first meal using a large appliance (stove to boil water...hey, it's something, right?)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:45 PM , Julie @ Willow Bird Baking said...

Chocolate chip cookies -- the recipe from the back of the Tollhouse back, which is still my favorite :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:46 PM , Heather said...

The first thing I learned to make was quesadillas.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:46 PM , Katie said...

My favorite cooking memory was that Thanksgiving that my sister decided I needed to learn how to get the turkey ready so she forcefully shoved my hand in it (at the time I would not even come close to touching raw meat), after which my grandma chased her around the kitchen with... a rolling pin, maybe? for being mean to me :-)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:47 PM , Anonymous said...

I think the first thing I learned to cook was teriyaki chicken from a small mom and pop restaurant I used to work at. Good stuff & teriyaki from scratch!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:49 PM , Kate said...

Congrats Beth! The first thing I learned to cook was Penne in a faux vodka sauce, I first made it when I was in high school and it's the meal that I resorted to the first time I cooked dinner with my boyfriend in college. It's still a winner whenever I need to shake up my schedule :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:50 PM , Emily said...

The first thing I ever learned to make was Swedish pancakes. My dad, my sister, and I would make them every weekend, and my dad would make them into Mickey Mouse shapes for us.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:51 PM , Unknown said...

The first thing I learned to cook was mac and cheese. My mom used to let me stir the cheese while it melted in the pot :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:51 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was canned baked beans and hot dogs. Wow I haven't had that in years and it was my favorite meal then. lol
At February 20, 2012 at 6:52 PM , Morning Glory said...

The first thing I learned to cook was chocolate chip cookies with my mom!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:52 PM , Hayley said...

The first thing I learned to make was at my neighbour's house, as he looked after me a lot when I was little. We made a cake from a ready made pack but I accidentally mixed the blue icing mix in with the eggs, etc instead of the cake mix! It turned out both disturbingly blue and nice. Now though, I just make them from scratch. Can't get that blue to look right again though. :P
At February 20, 2012 at 6:53 PM , S said...

The first thing I remember learning to cook was oatmeal cookies (although, who am I kidding, that dough rarely if ever made it into the oven). We made that stuff all the time!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:54 PM , Brad said...

Scrambled eggs. I always liked to help my mother cook breakfast esp french toast, but scrambled eggs was my first solo dish....

God, I hope you don't have to read 10k of these things...
At February 20, 2012 at 6:55 PM , Amanda said...

My dad is an amazing cook so I consider the first thing that I really learned how to cook (versus following package instructions or a recipe) is his spaghetti sauce. Thanks Dad!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:55 PM , Katie C. said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was Jello! I learned how to boil water in the microwave, so it was pretty kid-proof. I actually hate Jello, so not much of a recipe ;)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:55 PM , Anonymous said...

I first cooked grilled cheese.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:55 PM , Maria D. said...

The first thing I learned to cook was chocolate chip cookies.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:56 PM , Cristyannie said...

Kraft Mac and cheese! :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:57 PM , Krista said...

hmmm... egg (cooked in a cup in the microwave) sandwich. not the most delicious, but it was easy and fast and safe-ish :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:58 PM , Pattie Reaves said...

French toast. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 6:58 PM , Shannon L said...

I'm not positive what the very first thing was, really...but I definitely have a vague childhood recollection of my mom teaching me how to make omelettes in her special omelette pan.
At February 20, 2012 at 6:58 PM , Rachel said...

I'm pretty sure it was something along the lines of scrambled eggs. Or possibly brownies!
At February 20, 2012 at 6:59 PM , Amanda H. said...

The first thing I learned to cook was peanut butter, mayonnaise, and banana sandwiches. It was an eastern NC thing I think, because everyone else tells me it sounds gross. It's really good though.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:00 PM , K8tyK8 said...

The first thing I learned to cook was mashed potatoes. I used to mash them for my Mom.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:01 PM , Ted Belmont said...

Mac and cheese with tuna!

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What was the first thing that you learned how to cook?

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