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 9:41 PM , Nina D said...

Belive it or not it was spinach tofu with spicy tomato sauce LOL, I watched it on a cooking show and made it for my parents..I've loved cooking since then, (I really don't know how old I was but had Mom pick the tofu on her way home) They were alittle nervous trying it but they loved it!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:42 PM , Hannah said...

I grew up in four-kid household. Mom was forever making soup, because we were always either (1) playing outside or (2) hungry! I learned how to make soup - whatever cleaned out the Fridge - from my mom. It was from scratch, it was healthy and it was SO good. And, come to think of it, it incorporated a lot of what I still use today: knife skills, building flavor and making good use of what we have on hand.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:43 PM , Kristen H said...

Tuna salad! Who knew I loved pickles, fish, and miracle whip so much?
At February 20, 2012 at 9:44 PM , Priscilla Blair said...

The first thing I remember learning to make is a quesadilla, seriously!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:45 PM , Mario minder said...

I learned to make Spaghetti Carbonara from my parents
At February 20, 2012 at 9:46 PM , Anonymous said...

Seriously? It was popcorn! I'd help pop up huge batches using a skillet coated with bacon grease (what can I say...it was the 70's and my mom was from Iowa) and sneek the batches into our discount movie theater. My neighbor pals and I would munch on it watching The Apple Dumpling Gang or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:46 PM , Katie said...

Mac n cheese with hot dogs was the special "treat" when my dad was left to make us lunch.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:46 PM , casey said...

My mom taught me how to make three minute eggs :)
At February 20, 2012 at 9:47 PM , maddy said...

The first thing I learned to cook were fried eggs... I burned the bottom of it :)
At February 20, 2012 at 9:53 PM , Amy V. said...

I think the first thing I learned "to cook" was hot dogs.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:53 PM , Gina said...

EZ Bake chocolate cake in my very own oven!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:53 PM , Catie @ Catie's Corner said...

Wow Beth, 10,000 followers!! Congratulations!! I love your blog. I just recently found you through Pinterest and made the coconut chicken strips the other night - amazingly tasty! Can't wait to try another recipe of yours.

Anyway, the first thing I learned to cook would have been top ramen and mac & cheese. I'm happy to say, my cooking skills have drastically improved since then. And I LOVE cooking and baking!

Thanks soo much for the chance to win. Have a great week! =)

~ Catie
At February 20, 2012 at 9:55 PM , Nicky S said...

The first thing I cooked and got to add all the herbs and seasoning without a recipe was spaghetti sauce. Looking back I would say it was more of a bolognese sauce.
At February 20, 2012 at 9:56 PM , Marcia said...

My first memory of baking would definitely have to be banana bread. I still bake some on a regular basis and get asked regularly by my family (aunts and cousins) to make some for them as I have a "special touch".
At February 20, 2012 at 9:56 PM , kelly hyde said...

The first thing I learned to cook was spaghetti! I was a natural!
At February 20, 2012 at 9:57 PM , Susan said...

Scrambled eggs... With food coloring for green eggs and ham
At February 20, 2012 at 10:01 PM , Adrian said...

First thing I learned how to cook was bacon. I still have a small scar on my face from the experience.
At February 20, 2012 at 10:01 PM , jannatul12 said...

cooking noodles and tea
At February 20, 2012 at 10:02 PM , Kate said...

Nachos- tortilla chips with shredded mozzarella cheese on top, microwave until melted. Still one of my favorite comfort foods...
At February 20, 2012 at 10:06 PM , Kristen R said...

Saltine crackers spread with Miracle Whip. Isn't that terrible? For real food, probably eggs.
At February 20, 2012 at 10:07 PM , joojoo said...

what I learned was spaghetti!! nd no one ate it =) haha except my grandpa =) good old times ...

hope all is well! love ur new recipes<3
At February 20, 2012 at 10:10 PM , heathermom said...

the very first thing i learned to cook was scrambled eggs. it was also the first thing i taught my teenager to cook. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 10:15 PM , The Hedges said...

Sitting on the kitchen counter making cookies with my mom. Love your recipes - congrats!
At February 20, 2012 at 10:20 PM , Unknown said...

The first thing I really learned how to cook was shrimp scampi for a home economics class in middle school!
At February 20, 2012 at 10:23 PM , Megan said...

Kraft mac & cheese while in elementary school. I would never eat it now though.
At February 20, 2012 at 10:24 PM , Katie said...

I first learned to cook from the side of an instant rice box. Brown chicken, add salsa and rice, and simmer. Tada!
At February 20, 2012 at 10:25 PM , Ivy said...

Chinese Congee - Mmmmh yummm
At February 20, 2012 at 10:26 PM , Unknown said...

Toast, or bologna and american cheese sandwich - seriously! My mother didn't like us messing around in her kitchen, except we could get an apple or orange from the fridge, or a banana from the pantry. Eventually, I had to teach myself to cook, I couldn't make a decent gravy until my 40s, when pictorials and internet movies finally made the scene.
At February 20, 2012 at 10:30 PM , Mary Hoekje said...

The first thing I ever learned to make was focaccia...my dad made it all the time growing up!
At February 20, 2012 at 10:31 PM , Michelle said...

Spaghetti!
At February 20, 2012 at 10:31 PM , Carli said...

I first learned to "cook" Jell-O by heating the water in the microwave... I often didn't heat it enough and the jell-o would be all wobbly :)
At February 20, 2012 at 10:32 PM , agielboy said...

First thing I ever learned how to cook was pancakes! I remember my mom and dad helping me make them on the griddle.
At February 20, 2012 at 10:33 PM , Patti said...

I don't know what I *learned* to make first, but I have a very intense memory of making ramen all by myself for the first time, and promptly giving myself first degree burns on my tongue and down my throat because the package didn't say to let it cool before I started to eat. I was a brilliant child.
At February 20, 2012 at 10:35 PM , Tae said...

if PB&J counts, probably that... otherwise, as far as things in a pan, i think tofu!
At February 20, 2012 at 10:36 PM , Karen Worthel said...

First thing I ever learned to cook was ramen. Lol.
At February 20, 2012 at 10:36 PM , Celeste said...

The first think I learned to cook was toast :)
At February 20, 2012 at 10:41 PM , mtdq said...

I cannot remember the very first thing I learned to cook....I have thought about it for quite a bit, and I have absolutely no idea, but i do know the first thing I've taught all my kids to make....perfect roast chicken!
At February 20, 2012 at 10:42 PM , BigJoeNJ said...

BigJoeNJ: I first cooked Bacon, or I tryed to cook. Had burner up too high and it caught fire.Put it out but it made a mess. Dad was very mad when he got home.
At February 20, 2012 at 10:43 PM , Brittany said...

My grandma taught me how to make perfect pie crust!
At February 20, 2012 at 10:43 PM , KAte said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was pancakes (from scratch). They were easy and relatively safe for me to produce on the weekend mornings while my parents were sleeping in.
At February 20, 2012 at 10:44 PM , mtdq said...

Oh, I remember making coconut macaroons from a kids cookbook, and using an egg cup to shape them :-)
At February 20, 2012 at 10:46 PM , Andrea said...

The first thing I learned to cook was popcorn. My favorite thing to eat for dinner!! :)
At February 20, 2012 at 10:50 PM , Lanita said...

I think it was chocolate chip cookies. :)
At February 20, 2012 at 10:53 PM , Casey said...

Scrambled eggs.
At February 20, 2012 at 10:54 PM , Anonymous said...

A mexican casserole called Mexican Bean dip; we still eat it today!
At February 20, 2012 at 10:55 PM , Anonymous said...

Jam Tarts, I used to make them with my gran
At February 20, 2012 at 10:56 PM , Gal F. said...

pita pizzas!
At February 20, 2012 at 11:02 PM , stephanie g said...

The first thing I learned to make was Kraft Mac'n'Cheese!
Congrats on 10k! Crazy!!
At February 20, 2012 at 11:06 PM , amberpepe said...

Some of my earliest memories center around helping my dad out in the kitchen. When I was very young, he used to let me help tear up lettuce for making a salad. Much later he taught me how to carefully peel and thinly slice garlic the way he liked it for making a red sauce. I always loved helping out in the kitchen as a child, and the passion has only grown as I've gotten older.
At February 20, 2012 at 11:08 PM , marisa said...

Chicken adobo!
At February 20, 2012 at 11:11 PM , Ashley McKenna said...

Chocolate chip cookies...complete with Julia Childs impression :)
At February 20, 2012 at 11:12 PM , Anonymous said...

Pumpkin pie!
At February 20, 2012 at 11:12 PM , andi said...

Grilled cheese! I still love them too!
At February 20, 2012 at 11:19 PM , Smoothie said...

The first thing I learned to cook was blonde brownies.
At February 20, 2012 at 11:22 PM , Jamielee Stoodley said...

The first thing i learned how to cook was my mom's homemade chicken recipe :)
At February 20, 2012 at 11:26 PM , Oanh H. said...

First thing I learned how to cook was scrambled eggs.
At February 20, 2012 at 11:33 PM , Emily said...

Ramen. It was a big day when my mom said, sure go turn on the stove. It was also an old stove where you had to light a match then turn on the gas to light the burner!
At February 20, 2012 at 11:36 PM , Unknown said...

Mashed potatoes...when I get sick I want mashed potatoes and mom eventually started leaving me home alone when I was sick. The potatoes wouldn't mash themselves!
At February 20, 2012 at 11:37 PM , :::d::: said...

When I was about 8, my mom taught me how to make "hot chocolate." This required me squirting enough Hershey's liquid chocolate to cover the bottom of my Care Bear mug, then filling it with milk, giving it a stir and sticking it in the microwave for 1 minute.
At February 20, 2012 at 11:37 PM , Miranda said...

When I was about eleven years old, I was spending a lot of time with my best friend at her house. Her mom had to work all the time, even on weekends, so we had a lot of freedom to do what we wanted around the place. My best friend and I would always scour for change so we would have something to snack on while she was gone. They didn't have much, and neither did my family, so things were tight. We had to get creative on occasion, and the very first time we decided to cook for ourselves.... was actually amazing. At least, I remember being completely smitten with all of the flavors in the food.... anyway, we made this strange little casserole. I had noodles, potatoes, whatever spices we could find, soup.. carrots, lunch meat.. EVERYTHING we could find, topped off with (of all things) slices of cheese. It was probably horrible. Regardless, the feeling that we had made something that neither of us had ever tasted was just about as amazing as it gets. I still think about that dish from time to time and wish that I could go back that time and...... WRITE IT DOWN. :D
At February 20, 2012 at 11:37 PM , Varun said...

The first thing I learned to cook was a pasta with a tomato and spinach sauce. Delicious and easy. Still one of my favorite go to meals in a pinch.
At February 20, 2012 at 11:42 PM , Paul Guyot said...

I love this blog, love you, and love those knives. And WHEN are you getting your butt on the Food Network?

That is not a rhetorical question.

Oh, and the first thing I ever learned to cook was Kraft mac and cheese and Ore Ida frozen french fries. My gramma taught me when I was 8, and I still have a weakness for those two items.
At February 20, 2012 at 11:51 PM , Arenda said...

This comment has been removed by the author.
At February 20, 2012 at 11:52 PM , AmberRE said...

I first learned how to make chocolate chip cookies from my mom!
At February 20, 2012 at 11:52 PM , Lauren said...

I helped my mom make Spitzbaum, a secret recipe from my great grandmother. The name is German for "troublemaker" and it's a super soft shortbread-like cookie with a criss-crossed pie topping over strawberry jam. We make them every Christmas, and the recipe was given as a small engagement gift to my sister-in-law, so it's a big part of our family traditions!
At February 20, 2012 at 11:53 PM , Arenda said...

The first thing I learned to cook was lasagne - it took me a while to figure it out, though! :)
- arenda
At February 21, 2012 at 12:00 AM , Taylor said...

Scrambled eggs with cheese! Its what my dad showed me. Later on I "taught myself" how to make a curry stirfry. It was awesome. haha.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:02 AM , Divya said...

The first thing i was ever taught was rice. but the 1st thing i ever actually cooked (and failed at) was pasta. i tried to cook it like 2 min noodles...and ended up with a sticky mess
At February 21, 2012 at 12:08 AM , Victoria said...

The first thing I learned to cook was......popcorn! I had to be brave and learn to srike a match too because there was no autopilot. We always used the 1 quart Wagnerware pot from the set my Mom got as a wedding gift (her parent met when they worked at Wagner). Still love popcorn..wish I had that set of pots, too.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:17 AM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was chocolate cake.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:21 AM , Anonymous said...

My parents put me in a cooking class when I was five years old and the first thing I remember making was Indian Fry Bread. It's so delicious with jam or even just butter and I still make it every once in a while.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:32 AM , Michelle Hobbs-Fernie said...

The first thing I learned to cook was spaghetti.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:36 AM , Anonymous said...

i think it was eggs. now i'll try anything once.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:38 AM , Andrea said...

Ooh, I don't remember the first thing I ever learned to cook - I "helped" my mom and grandmother in the kitchen quite a lot as a kid - but I do remember loving baking! I remember making plenty of brownies from the box.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:40 AM , Michèle said...

The first thing I learned to cook was carrot and potato stew! It was one of the go to recipes of my mum. For one birthday she made me a handwritten cookbook with all of her favorites and I think I tried this recipe out first :)
At February 21, 2012 at 12:47 AM , NaDell said...

My specialty for years and years was microwave brownies. I think I might still have the recipe memorized, but my fancy *new* microwave is too hot for them I think. My parents still have one that they got 25 years ago and it cooked them perfectly. I guess I'd better go play with that recipe again. =)
At February 21, 2012 at 1:00 AM , Leah said...

The first thing i cooked was hotdish with my mom.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:02 AM , sayslisa said...

I often made chocolate chip cookies with my mom when I was young, but the first thing I did by myself was boil noodles. I didn't boil them long enough (I didn't know to check them) and they were a bit (ok, a lot) too hard. I definitely learned to check them after that.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:02 AM , Karina said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was fried tortillas with scrambled eggs :)
At February 21, 2012 at 1:02 AM , Elliott Overman said...

I don't remember what the first thing I learned to cook was, but I remember loving my mom's hamburger stroganoff, and cooking that a lot once I got my own appartment.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:11 AM , A. Tan said...

My first, not counting instant noodles (haha) was spaghetti and meatballs! Now all my cooking seems to have Italian roots in its flavours even though I am the furthest thing from Italian.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:11 AM , Unknown said...

The first thing I learned to cook was grilled cheese in the microwave....I have perfected my skills since then ;)
At February 21, 2012 at 1:19 AM , Kristy said...

The first thing I learned to cook was my Mom's famous Thanksgiving green rice casserole! When I was a child I was responsible for chopping the veggies. As I got older I was "allowed" to make the entire dish! Mmmmmmm.....
At February 21, 2012 at 1:33 AM , cmmcgrath@mail.fresnostate.edu said...

The first thing I made was salsa verde, because my mom wanted to grow tomatillos, so we went around to every seed store to find tomatillo seeds, and then planted them, and then went "...now what?" staring at them.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:34 AM , Anonymous said...

Cinnamon toast.
At February 21, 2012 at 2:00 AM , naju said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was steam gardenia bread with margarine inside
At February 21, 2012 at 2:11 AM , Alex M said...

First thing I learned to cook was Kraft Mac n Cheese!
At February 21, 2012 at 2:37 AM , Anonymous said...

cincinnati spaghetti
At February 21, 2012 at 2:47 AM , Mamie Jiang said...

I learned how to cook rice when I was 9. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 2:49 AM , Maddy said...

Chocolate chip biscuits! And then chocolate cake, the chocolate crackles, then chocolate slice.... Clearly a healthy childhood :)
At February 21, 2012 at 2:59 AM , Wendebular said...

I don't know what my first dish was, but I remember helping my mum and grandmother make wontons for sale to a few of the local Chinese restaurants (yes, they were delicious!). While my tiny grandmother was whipping them out at a mile a minute, I would sit with my sisters and make 'interesting' shapes: triangles, squares, overfull squishy globes. Naturally, those were the ones that were kept for the family.

As a side note, because my parents made wontons and spring rolls, and we had a couple of chest freezers, there were always frozen bags of them waiting for whenever we needed a snack. I wish I had that luxury now!
At February 21, 2012 at 3:09 AM , Rosti said...

I don´t remember exactly, but most likely itś scrambled eggs because itś just so easy
At February 21, 2012 at 3:11 AM , Lea said...

I'm French, so the 1st thing i learnt to make as a kid were crepes! I would make my mom make a ton of them every time we needed to bring them to school (birthdays, carnaval...) I still make them the same way, and my American friends love them :)
At February 21, 2012 at 3:22 AM , Anonymous said...

I grew up baking challah with my mom, but I think the first thing I cooked myself was a poached egg!
At February 21, 2012 at 3:35 AM , Adrian said...

The first thing I learned to cook was bacon. I still have a few small scars on my face from the experience.
At February 21, 2012 at 3:43 AM , hannah said...

My aunt's sourdough bread. My mom mailed me the starter in an overnight, super-expensive UPS box, and within a week I was serving bread to coworkers!
At February 21, 2012 at 3:59 AM , Lilianna said...

Good Ol' Fashion Pancakes. Breakfast comes before lunch and dinner ;)
At February 21, 2012 at 4:00 AM , Lilianna said...

Good Ol' Fashion Pancakes. Breakfast comes before lunch and dinner ;)
At February 21, 2012 at 4:01 AM , Lilianna said...

Good Ol' Fashion Pancakes. Breakfast comes before lunch and dinner ;)
At February 21, 2012 at 4:04 AM , Charlotte said...

The first proper thing I learned to cook was bolognese, my boyfriend taught me when we moved out!
At February 21, 2012 at 4:08 AM , Sorina K said...

Pretty sure the first thing I "cooked" was mac and cheese. Still love it! :)
At February 21, 2012 at 4:48 AM , Ashley said...

The first thing I learned to cook was chocolate chip cookies when I was a kid. It wasn't long before I was better than my mom!
At February 21, 2012 at 4:53 AM , gothrek22 said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was scrambled eggs. Found it out myself when I was home alone and had to make myself something to eat.
At February 21, 2012 at 4:54 AM , Unknown said...

Mac and Cheese was the first thing I remember cooking all by myself. Often granny would back oatmeal chocolate cookies with me as well. A favorite past time of hers was to bake and she had no problem taking me under her wing so I could learn her craft. I still have a cookbook in her writing of all the recipes we did together.
At February 21, 2012 at 5:13 AM , nestra said...

I remember helping my parents cut stuff, garlic mostly, when they made Chinese as a kid.
At February 21, 2012 at 5:14 AM , Anonymous said...

Either pancakes or cornbread. Probably cornbread... we're Southern.
At February 21, 2012 at 5:19 AM , Sophie said...

The first thing I learned to cook was my great grandmother's chocolate cake!
At February 21, 2012 at 5:34 AM , Cranky Little Apricot said...

I'm pretty sure it was mac and cheese from a box. I've come a long way, baby!
At February 21, 2012 at 5:39 AM , Alex Tseytlin said...

Scrambled eggs! I taught myself how...my mom always says that I learned to cook in self-defense (I was a terribly picky eater).
At February 21, 2012 at 5:56 AM , Anonymous said...

my first "cooking" was out of a campbell's can...I've come a long way!
At February 21, 2012 at 6:00 AM , Mandy Redford said...

The first thing that I learned to cook was my Grandpa's famous banana pancakes. We would mash up a couple of bananas and through them, along with sprinkles into the batter and it was delicious.
At February 21, 2012 at 6:03 AM , Anonymous said...

If it counts, it was probably oatmeal. I love good oatmeal. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 6:15 AM , Sara said...

The first thing I learned to cook was ramen noodles with grilled cheese, on those summer break days when my little brother and I were home alone while my parents were at work :)
At February 21, 2012 at 6:21 AM , Catherine said...

The first thing I learned to cook (er... bake) was chocolate chip cookies.
At February 21, 2012 at 6:44 AM , Jen Blacker said...

Chocolate chip cookies was the first thing I learned how to cook.
At February 21, 2012 at 6:45 AM , Sydney B. said...

When I was seven I taught myself how to make scrambled eggs one weekend at my dad's house. I don't remember what they tasted like, but I'm sure they were awful.
At February 21, 2012 at 6:50 AM , Unknown said...

The first thing I learned to cook was Kraft Dinner Mac & Cheese. I was the best sister ever to my little brother when I was making it! haha
At February 21, 2012 at 6:50 AM , TheYellowRose said...

Chocolate chip cookies! I was probably 6 or 7 and mom was teaching me fractions.
At February 21, 2012 at 6:56 AM , wendi46121 said...

The first thing I learned to cook was rice. But easy boil in a bag rice. Not in a pot.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:00 AM , Breenah said...

The first thing my mom TRIED to teach me to cook was probably Kraft mac'n'cheese. However, it wasn't until college that I could actually make it. I burned it once or twice and I had been known to add too much or not enough milk. I can make a million other things great, but boxed mac'n'cheese and I do not get along.
I also have a tendency to burn popcorn.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:05 AM , AJ said...

Cupcakes - for my class on my birthday sometime in elementary school.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:09 AM , Anonymous said...

Probably frying eggs. I had a kid's cookbook and everything.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:09 AM , Meredith said...

My parents always kept a Sam's Club box of Krusteaz basic cookie mix in the cabinet. I could vary it to make chocolate chip or snickerdoodles (and, I'm sure, a few other varieties.) It was great.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:11 AM , Wendy said...

I can't remember one specific thing that I first learned to cook. I do remember always being in the kitchen helping my mom.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:20 AM , Dots in Flip Flops said...

First thing I learned to cook was CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH (so I guess that means cookies too?) Still make the same recipe today and its still a crowd pleaser =)
At February 21, 2012 at 7:27 AM , Dorothy said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was macaroni and cheese, and not the kind from a box- my mom didn't let us have that, we made it from scratch.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:28 AM , katiem said...

I learned how to make kraft macaroni and cheese, my favorite thing to eat!
At February 21, 2012 at 7:31 AM , Anonymous said...

Cornbread I think. I remember trying to take it out of the oven once with a wet rag and setting it on our linoleum because it was burning me. Now there's a perfect melted ring in the linoleum. Why I didn't have the sense to set it on the STOVE I don't know.... Guess I was just young. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 7:35 AM , Paula F said...

Aside from mac-n-cheese in a box, the first thing I learned to cook was a cold, tuna noodle casserole.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:42 AM , AmyB said...

First thing I learned to cook was noodles.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:54 AM , Anonymous said...

Potatoes! My mom would have me peel them and put them on to boil before she got home from work to get a head start on dinner. Those were the days when we had potatoes with every meal unless it was pasta night!!
At February 21, 2012 at 7:56 AM , Helena said...

Chocolate chip cookies, pretty sure I haven't stopped making them since.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:59 AM , YqW14 said...

The first thing I've learned to cook is scrambled egg!
At February 21, 2012 at 7:59 AM , Jessica @ Stylish Stealthy and Healthy said...

The first thing I remember learning how to cook was spaghetti sauce. I still make it just how my mom taught me, too.
At February 21, 2012 at 7:59 AM , TLC said...

I'm pretty sure it was chocolate chip cookies :)
At February 21, 2012 at 8:05 AM , Jeanne Dillon said...

I think it was probably nachos in the microwave!
sharidandillon@yahoo.com
At February 21, 2012 at 8:05 AM , Hertzey said...

Strawberry soup, a tuna dish (that I honestly can't remember the name of) and animal cookies. They were from my first cookbook/cooking set when I was about 7 or so. Not to long later I was making all sorts of messes in the kitchen.
At February 21, 2012 at 8:05 AM , Beth said...

The first thing I remember cooking is "1-2-3 Fudge Sauce!"
At February 21, 2012 at 8:08 AM , Unknown said...

The first thing I ever learned to REALLY cook "by myself" was chocolate chip cookies. :) I still love, love, love to bake, bake, bake! :)
At February 21, 2012 at 8:10 AM , JBP said...

The first thing I learned to cook was actually a variation of the black bean quesadilla you recently posted. Instead of a homemade seasoning mix, I went the college-kid route and just used some Tony Chachere's Famous Creole seasoning!
At February 21, 2012 at 8:14 AM , SW Knudsen said...

I think the first thing we made were those english muffin mini pizzas in our toaster oven. But I quickly moved on to the Nancy Drew Cookbook - I remember being so proud the first night I made dinner for the family! And the first family recipe I learned was my dad's spaghetti sauce.
At February 21, 2012 at 8:18 AM , Diana P. said...

Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (from a can). My dad hated cooking, and that was his go-to meal for us when mom was gone, so he taught us kids to make it pretty young (so he wouldn't even have to cook that!).
At February 21, 2012 at 8:21 AM , leanne galletly said...

The first thing i learned how to cook was baked alaska with my mom
At February 21, 2012 at 8:30 AM , gobblegobble said...

Mean-as paninis. But there's not much cooking involved in that, so probably omelettes!
At February 21, 2012 at 8:30 AM , Lesli M said...

I'm pretty sure it was eggs or PB&J, but I clearly remember learning how to make meatloaf at a very early age.
At February 21, 2012 at 8:31 AM , Tara said...

My grandmother taught me how to make buttermilk cathead biscuits without using a recipe... it's all by sight and feel. I still make them about once a week!
At February 21, 2012 at 8:31 AM , Unknown said...

I can't remember exactly but probably spaghetti or tuna sandwiches (but that is not cooking).
At February 21, 2012 at 8:34 AM , aparker81 said...

The first item I learned to cook was scrambled eggs. I also taught it to my daughter as the first item she learned to cook!
At February 21, 2012 at 8:34 AM , Tintin said...

I learned to bake before anything else. I remember at some point when I was old enough to stay home alone, I made an angel food cake on my own and my mother was impressed to find me and the cake, the latter suspended upside down on a wine bottle, hanging out on the screen porch. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 8:39 AM , Lauren Fulton said...

The first thing I remember making was peanut butter cookies! I just loved making those cross patterns with a fork on those cookies!
At February 21, 2012 at 8:40 AM , Judy said...

The first thing I learned to cook was mac n cheese! survived on it while my mom was at work!!
At February 21, 2012 at 8:42 AM , Kelly M said...

The first thing I really learned to cook was stove top stuffing--my brother was supposed to make it for me when he was babysitting me and he messed it up. That's when I decided to read the back of the box and learn for myself!
At February 21, 2012 at 8:43 AM , In Motion said...

The first thing I learned to cook was rice...in the rice cooker. I consider myself an expert now: I was the rice cooker in my family since I was 8 years old. I'm 30 and married and I still make the best rice cooker rice my family has ever had. I don't measure at all except maybe with my finger every so often.
At February 21, 2012 at 8:45 AM , nosh3141 said...

The first thing I learned to cook was Frosting! Because it was my favorite and there was no way I was going to go through my Mom being away on a business trip and being unable to have Frosting. Shortly after, I learned how to make the thing it went on: my Mom's Cookie Pie, which was basically the Tollhouse cookie recipe, with some added flour and baking powder, pressed into a pie dish (no crust) instead of on a cookie sheet. It was so good! And it was much thicker than those "giant cookie pies" you can get at stores.
At February 21, 2012 at 8:46 AM , Katie said...

I remember learning to bake a cake with my mom. What a great giveaway, by the way!
At February 21, 2012 at 8:52 AM , Anonymous said...

Cheese grits and eggs...breakfast of champions.
At February 21, 2012 at 8:53 AM , Mandy Brunson said...

I learned to cook scrambled eggs, bacon and canned biscuits. brunson71799@yahoo.com
At February 21, 2012 at 8:55 AM , Anonymous said...

Mashed potatoes, still a favorite in my house.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:00 AM , Anonymous said...

Scrambled eggs with hot peppers!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:01 AM , Jessica said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was a nice grilled cheese sandwich.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:01 AM , Marsha said...

I learned how to make red rice and beans w/my mom!!
your_zero26179@yahoo.com
At February 21, 2012 at 9:01 AM , Ed said...

I think the first thing I learned how to cook myself were those little coffee cakes they used to make that had a little foil pan in the box.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:05 AM , Mariel said...

The first thing I learned to cook was spaghetti. It is still my favorite comfort food.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:06 AM , NrrrdLady said...

The first thing I learned to cook was little cracker appetizers/cracker sandwiches. When I was about 5 or 6 and in kindergarden, our teacher handed us all ritz crackers, plastic knives, different spreads like peanut butter, butter, cream cheese, and other toppings like chocolate, cheese, etc... We could get creative. I remember making a cheese cracker sandwich, some peanut butter spread crackers and I don't remember what else, just that we got to make them on parents day and watched my dad eat my cracker sandwiches/appetizers.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:07 AM , Sarah said...

Mine was definitely macaroni casserole. It was delicious.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:08 AM , Anonymous said...

My mom taught me how to make french toast when I was in high school. Been making it ever since!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:08 AM , Jill said...

I can remember being super proud of myself for cooking Kraft Macaroni and Cheese when I was 11. I stayed by myself a lot, so this was a staple during those long summer days. That same year I also mastered the Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookie, and thus began a life time of food issues! :)
At February 21, 2012 at 9:17 AM , Rachel said...

First thing I could make was Spaghetti-Os in the microwave...good thing times have changed! :)
At February 21, 2012 at 9:21 AM , Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure it was Jello or Jello brand pudding. My mom always made it for my brother and I when were little so of course we wanted to help.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:21 AM , Jason Schindler said...

First think I learned to cook was stuffing for Thanksgiving.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:28 AM , Kristabella said...

The first thing I think I learned how to cook was rice krispie treats!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:29 AM , Shans Design Studio said...

I can't remember the first thing I learned to cook, but as a latch-key kid I cooked a heck of a lot of Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee. LOL
Thanks for the chance to win.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:35 AM , melle-belle said...

The first thing I learned to cook was scrambled eggs. I stood on a step stool and stirred like a maniac until they were done while my mother watched. She said, stir constantly, and I took instructions very seriously as a child.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:37 AM , Shan said...

Grilled cheese sandwiches and ramen for me!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:37 AM , Emily said...

Definitely can't recall this, but I my mom keeps a photograph of me at age 2 or so covered in brownie mix--so I guess brownies?
At February 21, 2012 at 9:38 AM , Christy W. said...

The first thing I learned to cook as an adult was Red Beans and Rice. It was always my favorite comfort food as a kid and I still love it to this day on a chilly fall or winter evening. I remember making open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato and fresh oregano with my mom every weekend as a kid. Loved those things!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:39 AM , Greg Underwood said...

Does Toast count? The first think i learned to do was toast bread!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:42 AM , Cora said...

The first thing I "cooked" was a frozen jello pie. When I went to take it out of the freezer it slid out to the floor and the pie pan shattered into a million pieces! That was about 30 years ago and I don't think I have made another frozen jello pie since! Today I'm a stay at home mom who cooks almost everything for my family from scratch. I am always looking for ways to feed these kids healthy, yummy and low cost food. Love your blog!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:46 AM , Kelly said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was a grilled cheese sandwich, usually with ham! Of course, I burned them until I was 12.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:46 AM , Gabi said...

The first thing I really remember cooking was something I called "Parmesan pasta." I think I found the recipe on the back of the can of shake-on cheese. It was really just buttered noodles covered in the type of Parmesan that you find on the table in pizza parlors, but I LOVED it. I was such a weird kid.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:48 AM , mmonitello said...

First thing I learned was Oatmeal Scotchies off of the Tollhouse bag. Still making them today!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:49 AM , The Big Dreamer said...

I grew up in the country with lots of apple trees on our property. The first thing I learned to make on my own was fresh apple cake! I think it's why I'm in love with all things apple. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 9:49 AM , MandaCann said...

Mac and cheese
At February 21, 2012 at 9:50 AM , Bri said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was mac and cheese from the box! I used to make it in the summer all the time for me and my siblings. I also remember making pancakes on the weekend mornings! Congrats on 10,000! :)
At February 21, 2012 at 9:50 AM , kelly marie said...

The first thing I learned to cook was my mom's Tenderloin Tips with Gravy and homemade Mashed Potatoes. Growing up I was always impressed by the attention she used when selecting her choice or meat, and how carefully she cut and prepared the meat. The hours she spent observing the tips and mashing the potatoes could only be matched by the hours she spent telling my and my brothers, how much she loved us.
Thank you for the opportunity to enter this contest; I love your recipes & helpful tips!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:50 AM , yardsailor said...

The first think I remember was at Girl Scouts, I was about 11, we made scrambled eggs in a double boiler, Mrs. Masterson taught us.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:51 AM , Diorell said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was a microwaved cake. I saw the cartoon ingredients in a Goldilocks commercial (Goldilocks is a bakeshop chain in Manila). I think I was around 10 years old at that time.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:51 AM , LaurensMom said...

The first thing I learned to cook was a grilled cheese sandwich :)
At February 21, 2012 at 9:52 AM , Wende said...

My grandmother showed me how to make her famous bread pudding. It was so gross to me at the time, stale cuban bread soaked in milk. I really liked it, but wished I didn't know how to make it at the time. LOL Thanks for the chance to win CC knives, they are the ultimate!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:52 AM , Tricia said...

The first thing I learned to cook was a fried egg, sunny-side up. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 9:52 AM , karla Kwist said...

The first thing I cooked was a fried egg. Yolk NOT intact.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:52 AM , Djinn said...

First thing I learned to cook? Scrambled eggs. With cheese, of course.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:52 AM , Camila Lopez said...

cheesecake with my mom!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:53 AM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was lasagne! I still use the same recipe!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:53 AM , Anonymous said...

Cheese sandwiches.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:54 AM , Stephanie said...

The first thing I learned how to cook (that was not from a pre-made mix) was mostaccioli when I was about 12. To this day, it's still my favorite meal.
At February 21, 2012 at 9:56 AM , Angela said...

Learning to cook was not on the list of priorities when I was young. I wasn't allowed near the stove without supervision until I was in the double digits. Oddly enough though, my 5-year-old self did learn how to prepare blue soft-shell crab with my dad, which includes fighting the claws and cleaning out the gills and shells. I felt very grown up, being my dad's helper and watching my mom season the crabs to steam for 15 long mins. So simple and delicious!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:57 AM , Jen said...

The first thing I learned to cook was frosted cut out cookies. When I was a little girl, we had a baking weekend every year just before christmas. My aunts and grand mother would come down from LA and my sister and I would sit in the kitchen and watch (and taste test of course). Because we were young, we were always put in charge of frosting the cut out cookies...
At February 21, 2012 at 9:58 AM , Chris said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was chocolate chip cookies. They were my dad's fave so mom would make them all the time. She is the best teacher!
At February 21, 2012 at 9:58 AM , Kacey said...

the first thing i learned to cook was mac n cheese!