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

1015 Comments:

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At February 20, 2012 at 7:01 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was pancakes. My dad showed me one satuday morning.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:01 PM , Michele said...

Pot roast. I would start it while my mom was at work.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:01 PM , Caryl K said...

Pancakes for Sunday breakfast :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:01 PM , Sheskis said...

Peanutbutter cookies with Mom
At February 20, 2012 at 7:02 PM , Sara said...

French toast - I used to make it for my little brother and sister when O was 8 years old!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:02 PM , Catie said...

Does grilled cheese count? I had that mastered at a young age!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:02 PM , Kara Norris said...

My grandparents watched me after school when I was young and I helped with dinner. My job was to make the instant Hungry Man brand mashed potatoes and the pudding for dessert. Those were the first things I made and also got to watch my Grandma cook!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:03 PM , Brittany said...

My first thing I learn to cook was a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup from a can.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:03 PM , Suzie said...

Well lets see the first thing I learned to cook I think was spaghetti w/ red sauce-- you know the one that comes from a jar! Haha. But being a newly wed I have definitely learned hot cook a few more meals, but still have lots to learn... Love your blog!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:03 PM , popular_demand said...

a grilled to perfection grilled cheese sandwich! slightly burnt !
At February 20, 2012 at 7:04 PM , Jittabug522 said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was spaghetti. I'd have my friends over all the time in middle school and we'd make big spaghetti dinners. It was so fun!!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:04 PM , Prince Edward County said...

I grew up in an Eastern European household, where both my mom and grandma cooked alot...and all from scratch. So I have alot of fond cooking memories. I can't recall exactly the first thing I learned to cook, but I do recall making alot of perogies, cabbage rolls, and polish hamburgers. Those I would say would have been the things I most recall from my childhood. With everyone from my family being gone now, I truly appreciate these fond food memories.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:04 PM , Rachel W said...

Kraft Mac and Cheese! I was allowed to make my own pot from start to finish whenever my parents were getting ready for a date night and the babysitter was on the way. I always felt like such a big kid doing it all by myself!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:04 PM , tabi said...

I'm pretty sure it was mac-n-cheese from the blue box! I remember sitting atop a chair at the stove stirring the pot when I was 10 years old. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:05 PM , Beyondpeasncarrots said...

I actually think that I chopped a lot of things before I cooked something.. not sure what my parents were thinking giving an 8/9 year old a sharp knife... but as far as cooking, I am pretty sure that it was egg salad sandwiches......
At February 20, 2012 at 7:05 PM , Kara Norris said...

My grandparents watched me after school when I was young and I helped with dinner. My job was to make the instant Hungry Man brand mashed potatoes and the pudding for dessert. Those were the first things I made and also got to watch my Grandma cook!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:05 PM , Kara Norris said...

My grandparents watched me after school when I was young and I helped with dinner. My job was to make the instant Hungry Man brand mashed potatoes and the pudding for dessert. Those were the first things I made and also got to watch my Grandma cook!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:06 PM , Christy said...

Hmmm...lasagna, I think.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:07 PM , H Munro said...

Christmas cookies with my mom.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:07 PM , Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche said...

The first thing I learned to cook was Rice Krispie squares with my mum when I was about 5 :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:10 PM , Mel said...

The first thing I learned to cook was golden syrup anzac cookies, with my nana :) I've loved baking anything and everything ever since! The first time I cooked on my own was probably pancakes though.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:10 PM , Amy said...

Birthday cake, out of the box. With my sister's supervision. From then on, my mom refused to make any more birthday cakes, entrusting them to us. Those were some ugly ugly cakes for a while.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:11 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was spaghetti. It was always a staple in my house growing up.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:12 PM , Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure it was peanut butter banana bars with my mom.
Heidi N.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:12 PM , Anonymous said...

Pikelets! My dad and I used to make them every Sunday morning. He used to make them shaped like the letters of mine and my mum's names.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:13 PM , CindyRex said...

The first thing I learned to make on my own was soup. A big pot of chicken and vegetable soup. Mmmmm, it was my favorite, so I made sure to learn that one super early in life.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:13 PM , Tanna said...

My mother taught me to bake a cake. (the dog-ears got stuck in the mixer more than once though :D )
At February 20, 2012 at 7:14 PM , Sarah said...

probably cookies. but i have many memories of helping in the kitchen growing up, so who really knows! i should ask my mom when i see my family this weekend. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:15 PM , Kelly said...

Cereal I believe. Hahah.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:15 PM , ChocolateFrogs said...

It's hard to think back that far, but I do remember that one of the first things I actively learned how to make was spicy chicken tacos--in a Dutch Oven so I could do it camping with my Boy Scout troop and have the best food in December!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:16 PM , Tiffany Pasco said...

My mother made biscuits with me for the rest of the family
At February 20, 2012 at 7:17 PM , Elisabeth said...

The first thing I learned to cook as a child was pasta! It was and still is my favorite thing to eat.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:17 PM , Julianne said...

scrambled eggs!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:17 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing that I learned how to cook was authentic Italian pasta sauce! I was around 5 years old at the time. It was such a long process, but it smelled so gooood. My favorite part was adding all of the spices and then finally eating the sugo with some fresh bread. Mmmmm.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:18 PM , saree143 said...

Cookies :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:19 PM , amy beth marantino said...

scrambled eggs
At February 20, 2012 at 7:20 PM , Sharon said...

Chocolate chip cookies! The recipe is out of this fabulous kids cookbook that came with measuring spoons attached (and I STILL use them to this day). I haven't made any of the other recipes in it since I was a kid, but the cookies are incredible, and are always a huge hit. I may just have to make those again soon, now that I'm thinking of them. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:20 PM , Dana said...

One of the first things I can remember learning how to make was chocolate chip cookies from scratch, yum!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:21 PM , Bryan Rowsell said...

Bacon and Eggs...my Dad's favourite breakfast!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:21 PM , Jenny said...

It was hashbrowns. My sister worked for years at this, like, lunch place that had delicious hashbrowns, and she taught me how to make them when we were in middle school
At February 20, 2012 at 7:22 PM , Tony said...

The first thing I really remember cooking (or really, helping to cook) was chocolate chip cookies with my dad.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:23 PM , Tara said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook on my own was a past primavera of sorts ... angel hair with yellow squash, zucchini, and mushrooms. Now, the first thing I ever learned to bake was Tollhouse cookies with my grandma (she always bought two bags of chocolate chips; one to make the cookies with and one to eat while the cookies were baking!) :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:23 PM , Anonymous said...

scrambled eggs!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:24 PM , eweeks217 said...

Tuna salad! Yum :) my mom's is still the best!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:24 PM , alexisann said...

scrambled eggs. Still one of my fave meals of all time.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:26 PM , Shawna Morley said...

First thing I remember cooking is cookies with my mom.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:26 PM , Jen@thecraftingfiend said...

chocolate chip cookies! well I remember making those the earliest
At February 20, 2012 at 7:26 PM , MindyD said...

Spaghetti
At February 20, 2012 at 7:27 PM , Jen Rogers said...

Scrambled eggs!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:28 PM , Jen@thecraftingfiend said...

chocolate chip cookies are my earliest baking memory
At February 20, 2012 at 7:28 PM , Meghan A. said...

Oh, I am going to guess that it is spaghetti.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:28 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was probably Ukrainian Borsch. We lived in Ukraine and my mom made it at least once every two weeks, so it was pretty natural for me to learn how to make it :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:30 PM , caughtacaseof said...

My grandpa taught me to cook chocolate chip pancakes- in the shape of mickey mouse! Every time I'd visit them he would let me mix the batter and then we would make breakfast for the whole family! To this day, each time I make pancakes, I'm reminded of those great times.. And I make some pretty fantastic pancakes!!!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:30 PM , Marcia said...

The first thing I learned to cook was eggs.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:31 PM , Felonyskies said...

The first thing I learned to cook was a cake with my grandmother. She had a pound cake recipe the she cooked anytime there was a celebration and it was her special recipe and so it was a big deal for her to teach it to me. I never wrote down the recipe but I'll always remember it. It was very special that she taught me how to make it :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:32 PM , Kristin and Chris said...

Hamburger helper...my mom was not a cook but I turned out to be. Never again!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:33 PM , AM said...

My parents believed in raising independent children. On the first day of kindergarten my dad took me into the kitchen, showed me where the peanut butter, jelly and bread was, and said, "This dear, is how you make your own lunch."
At February 20, 2012 at 7:33 PM , Jennifer said...

Pancakes!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:33 PM , Ming said...

I think i learned how to make scrambled eggs
At February 20, 2012 at 7:34 PM , Falufalump said...

My grandmother is from the South, and would always have me help her cook dinner whenever I was over at her house. Together we would create potato soups, jambalayas, collard greens, etc. I will always cherish those moments with my grandmother, who really instilled in me an appreciation for food culture. Her impression upon me makes me enjoy making food with my family and friends so much more.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:34 PM , Ben said...

Pasta with worchestire sauce
At February 20, 2012 at 7:34 PM , Matt said...

Skipping the basic baked-good mixes, I would say either scrambled eggs or steak. And well, I do say that I make some really nice scrambled eggs and steak.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:34 PM , Josie said...

I think it was scrambled eggs (in the microwave) & how to make coffee.....my mom liked her breakfast made when she got up on Saturday apparently!
The first real cooking thing was likely Spaghetti. I learned to cook at a pretty young age, so it's a bit fuzzy.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:34 PM , Sweet Home Helena said...

The first thing I conquered was Christmas cookies.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:35 PM , Andrea Gatley said...

Not counting ramen and freezer burritos, my friend and I concocted this rice/burger mashup thing that I made for my family and my brothers LOVED it. I wound up making it once every few weeks for as long as I lived at home. I couldn't remember how to make it now, but the main ingredients were minute rice, hamburger and soy sauce.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:35 PM , Katie W. said...

The first thing I remember making is pancakes with my mom on the weekends.. It was the only thing I could make by myself for quite a while!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:36 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was mac 'n' cheese from a box. I've gained a bit more experience since then. ;)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:36 PM , Mim said...

I think it was eggs, scrambled, fried, hard boiled, etc.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:36 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned was to bake a cake!!!!!!!!!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:36 PM , Jennifer Letourneau said...

Apple pie - it was for a Brownie Girl Scout badge and I made it (with help) for Thanksgiving when I was 6. I have made it literally every single year for Thanksgiving since then. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:36 PM , Anonymous said...

Kraft macaroni and cheese in the blue box :-)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:37 PM , Heather said...

My first cooking experience was scrambled eggs.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:38 PM , Lindsay said...

I made cookies with my grandma!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:39 PM , dani said...

Brownies in the ez bake oven
At February 20, 2012 at 7:39 PM , 2Bugaboos said...

The first thing I learned to "cook" was cinnamon toast! I still have the original recipe card I wrote it on. I must have been 8 or 9, maybe. I laugh every time I flip through my index and see it.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:40 PM , Mary Catherine said...

The first thing I learned to cook was pasta with marinara sauce. Boil pasta, heat marinara, add parmesan, done.

But tonight I made broccoli alfredo (your recipe), plus I added kale and onions to pump up the veggie count. Yum!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:40 PM , lander said...

Butterscotch cookies with Mom.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:41 PM , Avrienne said...

The first thing I remember making as a kid was sugar cookies--I started helping with the Christmas cookie baking when I was five years old or so. Which is why it's hilarious to me that you ask this now, today, when I made a batch of our secret family recipe for the first time since I got married and moved out!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:42 PM , Anonymous said...

Scrambled eggs. The rest of my family would eat fried, but I wouldn't so my mom decided that rather than cook 2 kinds of eggs herself, she'd show me how to cook mine. Of course, she made me clean up after myself, too, but that's a different story....
At February 20, 2012 at 7:42 PM , Anonymous said...

The first "real" food (non-processed) was a potato soup recipe I actually created myself. It's so good my mom has actually abandoned her own and uses mine now, which is a stamp of approval indeed!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:42 PM , Lisa Jack said...

Hmm I think the first thing I learned to cook were blueberry muffins, or grilled cheese. I can't possibly remember! ;-)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:42 PM , Anonymous said...

My first dish was scrambled eggs. I wrote out a recipe card for it in my awful elementary school handwriting and everything!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:43 PM , Pamela Ocampo said...

Scrambled eggs and bacon :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:44 PM , Tina said...

The first thing I learned was steamed rice from my mom.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:45 PM , Tina said...

steamed rice
At February 20, 2012 at 7:45 PM , wayah said...

Hmm.. that's a tough one. I think it was Potato Cakes with my Great-Grandma. She taught me how to make her special fried egg but I never got the hang of it :/
At February 20, 2012 at 7:45 PM , Unknown said...

Fried Ramen in college :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:46 PM , Danielle Cloutier-Simons said...

I think the first thing I learned to cook, if you can really call it cooking, was to make hot dogs. Then of course, I upgraded to brownies, cookies, and mac & cheese. Thank goodness I've graduated onto more fancy meals!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:47 PM , Anonymous said...

Chocolate chip cookies -- I don't remember the first real meal I learned to cook.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:48 PM , Joe said...

The first thing had to be an omelette, just a basic ham and cheese.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:49 PM , Abigail said...

The first thing I learned to cook was bologna and eggs, much to the fear of my parents who were the recipient of this "breakfast-in-bed".
At February 20, 2012 at 7:49 PM , shannon blackwell said...

To fry an egg! And I rocked it!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:50 PM , SoRefined said...

I remember making vanilla pudding (from scratch!) when I was seven or eight. I don't think I realized that you usually made it from a mix--I just read the recipe on the side of a corn starch box.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:50 PM , Shelby said...

Chicken Parm!!!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:51 PM , Anibanan said...

Challah bread--happy memories braiding and coating with egg wash!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:51 PM , Karin said...

Scrambled eggs! I would stir them while my mom was busy with other things.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:51 PM , Batmom said...

The first thing I "learned" to cook was French toast, which, I thought, was regular toast with syrup on it.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:52 PM , Melissa said...

The first thing I learned to make was brownies from scratch. Still the best recipe!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:53 PM , chambanachik said...

Probably something easy like grilled cheese, but I'm much better now! :)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:53 PM , Corey L said...

Scrambled eggs. Still a go to item in a pinch!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:53 PM , Alexandru Zegrea said...

Fried eggs.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:54 PM , Nic said...

Calzones I think?
At February 20, 2012 at 7:54 PM , Melanie said...

The first thing I learned to cook was a cold oven pound cake. My granny taught my mom as a kid, too. Granny now has dementia and doesn't remember how to bake it, so I asked my boss's mother to make me one when I was pregnant. It was EXACTLY like Granny's. Like any good pregnant lady, I ate that cake and cried the whole time!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:54 PM , Kristen said...

tuna stirfry. take a can of tuna in oil, drain some of the oil and fry the tuna with the remaining oil, add onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, salt and pepper and cilantro. serve with rice or toast.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:54 PM , Jeannette said...

Pancakes!
At February 20, 2012 at 7:54 PM , Alexandru Zegrea said...

Fried Eggs.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:54 PM , Amber said...

Lasagna :o)
At February 20, 2012 at 7:54 PM , Amanda said...

I'd say ramen was the first thing I learned to cook. I was a "latch key" kid and have fond memories of returning home from middle school for the day, making some ramen and cozying up to the T.V. and working on homework.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:55 PM , Lindsay Brohman said...

I think it was scrambled eggs or toast! Lol
At February 20, 2012 at 7:56 PM , So Yeah So said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was scrambled eggs. It was one of the first things I showed my daughter as well.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:58 PM , Caroline Steele said...

Mac n cheese, I think; I've known how to make that almost my whole life.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:58 PM , George said...

Russian crepes, or blintzes, or Блины ("bliny"):

1 cup flour
1 cup milk
2 eggs
pinch of salt

mix, pour ladles onto a buttered frying pan. Serve with jam, or cheese, or meats, or if you're american, maple syrup, or whatever else your heart desires.
At February 20, 2012 at 7:58 PM , Dottie Landry (dlandry104@gmail.com) said...

No doubt about it! In Mississippi, you learnto fry chicken and make homemade biscuits w gravy! Still a favorite of my fam---weseldom buy fried chicken from anywhere. Why? When its better at home!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:00 PM , Carriage Quotes said...

Mac 'n' cheese! Out of a box, of course. I'm still looking for the perfect homemade recipe.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:00 PM , Tishia said...

eggs
At February 20, 2012 at 8:01 PM , Andy K said...

The first thing I ever learned to really cook was Pasticcio. Family favorite that grandma used to make...took about a dozen attempts to get it right.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:02 PM , Kaitlin M said...

I can't remember, but I'm guessing it was probably Annie's white cheddar mac & cheese.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:02 PM , Suzy in Oklahoma said...

Sugar cookies from my Betty Crocker kids cookbook!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:05 PM , Andy K said...

The first real meal I learned to cook was the Pasticcio my grandmother used to make. Took about a dozen attempts but it finally worked out.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:06 PM , Emily H said...

I think I first learned to fry an egg, or perhaps make a grilled cheese.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:08 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I recall learning how to "cook" was butter/cinnamon toast! Slather butter all over your bread, coat it in cinnamon/brown sugar mixture and broil it until its toasty. YUM!

Tina
At February 20, 2012 at 8:10 PM , Crystal said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was oatmeal. As a kid I just followed the instructions.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:10 PM , Emily said...

spaghetti!!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:11 PM , jessica.ports said...

When I was little I refused to cook - I was a tomboy (and proud of it) and cooking was for girls. Girls who wore pink and wanted to be princesses. I played with transformers and wanted to be an astronaut, so I would NOT cook. So it wasn't until I was a bit older than most people before I finally learned to create something in the kitchen. I got my mom to teach me how to make French apple pie, with the raisins and icing, so that I could give it to my stepdad for his birthday. I was in high school by then, but it took me a while for my mom to help me get the hang of making both the top and bottom crusts from scratch instead of buying the pre-made ones. I took great pride in being able to peel the apples in one LONG strip instead of tiny pieces, and measured everything with painstaking precision. From that time on, it became my signature dessert - I still make it for my stepdad once a year, and occasionally for some of my other nearest & dearest on special occasions.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:11 PM , Tricia said...

"What is the first thing that you learned to cook?
I learned how to cook grilled cheese! With white bread and Velveeta of course, YUMM!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:12 PM , Stephanie said...

First thing I remember cooking? Probably brownies (from a box, mind you). I don't think we've ever had less than 15 boxes when I was growing up.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:13 PM , Anonymous said...

Ok, so I have no recollection of the first thing I learned to cook, but the first thing I remember cooking that I was really impressed with was a Red sauce for spaghetti. My mom gave me the recipe and I was completely unsure of how it would turn out because of comments she made like "Put a good bit of basil and oregano" and "use about 2 cups of red wine, well, just use an equal amount to the tomatoes" ... It turned out great, and I still use the same recipe. Sometimes I use even more than a "good amount" of basil though...
At February 20, 2012 at 8:13 PM , M said...

First thing I ever made was PB&J (there's a picture out there). Actually cooking? Probably blueberry muffins from a box with the fake blueberries in them...
At February 20, 2012 at 8:16 PM , deirdre said...

I learned to microwave an egg for myself when I was 3 or 4. It must have been terrible, but I thought I was fancy pants for cooking my own food. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 8:19 PM , Anonymous said...

Macaroni and cheese from scratch on the stove-top. It was a two-step process - I had to start over after I exploded a glass bowl on the burner, trying to melt cheese. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 8:20 PM , Erin H. said...

My favorite fond memory was learning to cook chicken and dumplings with my grandmother. My mom doesn't really like to cook, and cooking with my grandmother was the first time that I really learned to appreciate the process, rather than just the result.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:21 PM , Anonymous said...

bagel sandwiches with lunch meat and melted cheese under the broiler. when i was allow to start using the broiler instead of the microwave, it took it to a whole new level of "gourmet"
At February 20, 2012 at 8:21 PM , Cari said...

Ramon!! can't live with out it.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:22 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was spaghetti.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:22 PM , Julie said...

The first thing I remember making was chili. We called it "hodag chili" because I would always help my mom make it when we went on vacation to northern wisconsin (the hodag is a mythical creature that lived in the woods)
At February 20, 2012 at 8:25 PM , Denise said...

Instant mashed potatoes. Just add hot water! And butter of course. That's the dirt thing that I learned to cook.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:26 PM , Tina Rush said...

My first cooking experience was grilled cheese. I remember watching my mom make it for us when we younger and I thought I'd try it myself one day. Well I buttered two peices of bread and put the cheese in between but I had the bread backwards so the butter sides were touching the cheese and not the pan!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:27 PM , Anonymous said...

Mac & cheese with Dad when Mom had meetings and couldn't make dinner. We got to stir!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:27 PM , Denise said...

Instant mashed potatoes! That's the first thing I learned how to cook!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:28 PM , Anonymous said...

I seriously cannot remember the 1st thing I learned to cook. My Mom worked a 4 to midnight shift & I got stuck with the cooking. She usually started dinner before she left for work & I would finish it when I got home from school. We didn't have a whole lot of money, so we had lots of hotdishes growing up (I'm from Minnesota & we say hotdish not casserole) made with elbow macaroni. I do remember that I did not like cooking liver & onions, hated the texture of the liver. But I did like to eat it if someone else cooked it.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:30 PM , Anonymous said...

>>>>>>GREAT GRANDMA'S LUCILLE'S FRIED APPLES>>>>>>> apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon, 15-20 min on med...awesome with pork chops!! Nikki Chapman
At February 20, 2012 at 8:30 PM , Ethel said...

Rice, I'm Asian
At February 20, 2012 at 8:31 PM , KT said...

I think the first thing I learned to cook was chocolate chip cookies with my mom.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:33 PM , Sarah o said...

Kraft Dinner!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:34 PM , Anonymous said...

i first learned to cook deviled eggs!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:35 PM , Tiffany said...

The first thing I learned to cook was french toast with my dad!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:35 PM , Anonymous said...

Scrambled eggs. - Pennylump S.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:35 PM , Amy said...

The very first thing I learned how to cook was lemon ice with my mother one Saturday afternoon when I was 4. We used to play cooking show and it instilled in me a lifelong secret dream, and love of cooking. Granted, she's not the world's best cook, but dammit, she taught me what I needed to know to get where I am. ^_^
At February 20, 2012 at 8:37 PM , Kim said...

The first thing I learned to cook was French Toast...and I still make it the EXACT same way. Some traditions are too good to break!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:37 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook is the classic Filipino adobo.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:39 PM , Rachel said...

I learned how to cook box macaroni and cheese. It was such a frequent dish in my family that it still holds a lot of comfort for me - even though I know how to make homemade mac and cheese that is just as goo.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:40 PM , Kimberly said...

Mac and cheese was all I knew how to cook until I was 20! I'm still learning :)
At February 20, 2012 at 8:40 PM , Leah said...

The first thing I learned to make was chocolate chip cookies when I was in first grade. I'd make the dough and put it on a cookie sheet and my mom would put them in the oven. :D
At February 20, 2012 at 8:41 PM , Jessica J said...

The first thing I learned to cook was mac and cheese, from a box :)
At February 20, 2012 at 8:43 PM , Felice said...

Quesadillas with my Great-Grandmother!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:44 PM , amandaluvscakes said...

Texas Sheet cake - a family favorite! Loved to make it every sunday
At February 20, 2012 at 8:45 PM , Aly Haebig said...

The first thing I learned to cook was chocolate chip pancakes alongside my two siblings on Saturday mornings (with classic '90s cartoons in the background)- nothing like a sugar high to jump start any kid's weekend :)
At February 20, 2012 at 8:46 PM , Lisa M said...

First thing I remember cooking with mom was side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner! So potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, stuffing, etc etc!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:46 PM , amandaluvscakes said...

the first thing I learned to make was Texas sheet cake - a family favorite - loved to make it on sundays
At February 20, 2012 at 8:46 PM , Kristen said...

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At February 20, 2012 at 8:47 PM , Cass said...

The first thing that I learned to cook was chocolate slice with my Mum, ready for the school lunchbox the next day!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:47 PM , Benstrider said...

Grilled cheese!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:49 PM , laura said...

The first real thing I learned to cook was tuna noodle casserole. It's still one of my favorite dishes too :) Best leftovers, ever!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:49 PM , Kristen said...

The first thing I learned to cook was my Mom's microwave chili. Every step was done in the microwave; from browning the ground beef to "meshing the flavors". It was pretty good :).
At February 20, 2012 at 8:53 PM , funkrablue said...

I cooked eggs and then put the hot pan on the counter and burned it. LOL
At February 20, 2012 at 8:54 PM , Lauren said...

Scrambled eggs with my dad on Sunday mornings. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 8:56 PM , Dalia V said...

First thing I learned to cook...stuffed shells! They were delish and everyone asked for seconds!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:56 PM , t said...

Baked and breaded chicken thighs - they got me through my first year of living on my own.
At February 20, 2012 at 8:57 PM , Kelli said...

I think the first thing I ever made was cookies with my mum!
At February 20, 2012 at 8:59 PM , Laura Pollard said...

The first thing I learned to cook was mac and cheese! It's still a regular in my house.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:00 PM , Ryan F. said...

Mine has gotta be shared with thousands of other Americans, and I still make it regularly today. Best part was it taught me how to multitask in the kitchen: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:02 PM , KristinaM said...

I remember melting shredded cheese on tortilla chips in the microwave and serving them at one of my parents' parties. Thought I was pretty cool!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:02 PM , Mica said...

I remember helping my mom in the kitchen a lot while growing up. The first thing I made on my own, without her help, were these sweet muffins with a jam-jelly center. I saw the recipe in a magazine under "kid-friendly" recipes and thought, "Hey, I'm a kid! I can make these!" And I did. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 9:03 PM , Marie said...

I think the first thing I learned to cook was just Chef Boyardee ravioli from the can...I was hungry and my mom was sleeping so I read the can and figured it out :)
At February 20, 2012 at 9:05 PM , Buffy said...

Eggs scrambled the only way I eat them.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:11 PM , eph1928 said...

What I first learned to cook was the epitome of class. A Cheez Whiz sandwich. Oh yeah, you know you want it!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:11 PM , Alison Elizabeth said...

I learned how to make seasoned chicken from my dad.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:12 PM , Laura said...

Macaroni and cheese from scratch, not the box.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:13 PM , Greg said...

Scrambled eggs with toast.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:14 PM , Adeana B. said...

I have no idea what the first thing was that I learned to cook was, but I did love to cook and experiment. The most memorable thing I cooked was meatloaf, but we had no oats to bind it together so I put rice in it. It tasted great and actually did hold it's shape, but it looked like there were maggots in the meatloaf, lol.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:14 PM , Chiemi said...

The first think I ever learned to cook was scramble eggs. I remember standing on a chair next to the stove with my Dad helping me. I must have been 7 or 8 at the time and I thought I was SO cool. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 9:17 PM , Megan said...

Chocolate Chip Cookies with my grandma when I was 10. I still think about her every time I make them! :)
At February 20, 2012 at 9:18 PM , Rita J said...

My Grandfather taught me how to make scrambled eggs when i was about 5, needless to say they were a bit "shelly" but he was a trooper and ate them! I love my papa and am blessed to still be cooking for him, he's 87!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:21 PM , Kim Sinclair said...

Mac 'n Cheese (Kraft of course) with weenies! It's a budget meal for a starving college student.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:21 PM , Aleksandra said...

Baklava!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:23 PM , Marian Martin said...

The first thing I ever attempted to cook was vegetarian red beans and rice. It was horrible. I used smoked tofu instead of sausage and it crumbled. Worse than that, I cooked it for the family I was staying with.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:23 PM , Erin said...

I think the first thing I learned to make was Ramen noodles, if that even counts as cooking. After that it was probably tuna salad.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:24 PM , Le Ann said...

The first thing I learned to cook was chocolate chip cookies. It was my great grandma's recipe and first my mom would help me and then I would do it by myself all the time or with friends after school. They were the best ever!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:24 PM , Anonymous said...

cupcakes for my class:)
At February 20, 2012 at 9:26 PM , Frocking Anthropologie said...

Sunny side up eggs
At February 20, 2012 at 9:28 PM , Ruby Levine said...

Pancakes, every week with my dad. He started out just letting me sift the flour, then I got up to stirring the liquids, then finally to cracking the eggs.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:32 PM , Miss Becca said...

I first learned to cook fried rice with leftover veggies and rice!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:33 PM , Revital said...

Sandwiches with cream cheese and sprinkles!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:33 PM , Lindsay said...

Scrambled Eggs!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:35 PM , boobookitty said...

Coming from a Chinese household, I think of the first things I learned to cook was rice. And it was not with an electric rice cooker either! I had to learn just how much water to use so the rice would not come out too sticky and when to turn down the heat so the bottom would not burn.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:35 PM , Allison said...

Quesadillas!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:36 PM , whit said...

The first thing I learned to cook? A "donut" egg. We'd crack and egg into a bowl, mix it up with a fork and then microwave it until there was a hole in the middle...thus creating a donut.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:37 PM , Laurie said...

Mac and Cheese, you knew it. I called my dad a few states away from college because I didn't really believe you waited for the water to boil before adding noodles.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:39 PM , Anonymous said...

Lasagne. It was my favourite meal growing up and I asked mum to show me how to do it. Still my favourite.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:41 PM , Kristen H said...

Tuna salad! I really loved it, but it took awhile to realize how much I loooooved the pickle taste over anything else in the mix.