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 21, 2012 at 9:59 AM , Anonymous said...

It was grilled cheese for my dad! That's back when we thought Velveeta was considered "the good stuff."
At February 21, 2012 at 9:59 AM , Kathy said...

When I was little I brought my mom breakfast in bed for mother's day. Knowing I wasn't allowed to get milk on my own, I brought her dry cereal with a glass of water. That was the first meal I ever made. And in that context my mom happily suffered through it!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:00 AM , blindgrrl said...

The first thing I ever learned to "cook" was guacamole. I learned to start small when a recipe calls for lime juice... (1/4 tsp by tsp... apparently I'm sensitive to sour tastes).
At February 21, 2012 at 10:01 AM , Chris said...

Oh - and grilled cheese. Open faced grilled cheese with velveeta cheese broiled. My dad still requests it.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:02 AM , Cybil said...

Scrambled eggs!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:05 AM , RG said...

The first thing I remember learning how to cook was cauliflower casserole, it reminds me of my grandma to this day!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:06 AM , Kat said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook?
Pasta! :D
At February 21, 2012 at 10:06 AM , Richard Haworth said...

First thing I ever learned to cook was cake.
My first ever was probably pound-all-round sponge cake (1lb flour/sugar/eggs/butter, scaled according to tin size, and then some vanilla extract).
At February 21, 2012 at 10:06 AM , Meredith said...

The first thing I can remember making on my own was Mac and Cheese!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:07 AM , Chadwick Fancybottom said...

Two things: sauteed chicken and broccoli and also cajun scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese. Mmmmm.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:07 AM , Lodi said...

I think one of the first things I remember to learn how to cook was a simple mayonnaise and ketchup sandwich I adore when I was little. It might sound gross and weird but it tasted so good back in the day!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:08 AM , Sarah said...

The first thing I learned to cook was brownies. :-)
At February 21, 2012 at 10:08 AM , Peggy said...

The first this I learned to cook (I think) was chocolate chip cookies.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:08 AM , Erica Rhyn said...

I guess if sandwiches count, I would have to answer with a bologna sandwich. Ate way to many of those as a kid and now can't stand them. As far as things that require heating? Probably instant grits. Ha.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:08 AM , Wade Glenn II said...

I only started cooking half a year ago when I switched to a vegan diet. The first thing I learned was simply broiling marinated asparagus in the oven.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:09 AM , CJENS said...

The First thing I learned how to cook that I remember is my mom's choclate chip cookies, every friday after school we would make them!!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:11 AM , Sophie Wood said...

oatmeal from a package! Boil water, pour over, stir et voila
At February 21, 2012 at 10:11 AM , Anonymous said...

Mac and Cheese- the Velveeta kind!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:16 AM , Janell said...

The first thing I learned to cook was basic yellow cake. On my first attempt I forgot to add the flour. Lesson learned. I still make snafu's, in fact just recently I added baking powder instead of corn starch to the (very delicious!) Teriyaki Meatball Bowls. I keep trying though!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:17 AM , eatwardo said...

The first thing I learned to cook was peach cobbler....yum
At February 21, 2012 at 10:17 AM , Rory Wallwork said...

I don't remember the first thing I learned to cook, but I do remember making "Quick Delight" all the time. Basically a cobbler made from a cake mix. Yum! Thanks for the chance to win!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:18 AM , Yvonne said...

Grilled cheese sandwiches. I was pretty young (around 6 or 7?) . We had a waffle iron that could be turned into a griddle by flipping over the plates. I felt so grown up using that thing. :-)
At February 21, 2012 at 10:18 AM , Christopher Pacheco said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook (actually bake) was Sugar Cookies. I was 9 years old. I used a recipe from "The Lucky Cook Book for Boys and Girls". The book cost 60¢ and I purchased it at school from Scholastic Books. That was back in 1970.
I later studied Baking and Pastry form the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and became and have been a Pastry Chef for over 30 years.
That book changed my life!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:20 AM , ShineyAim said...

The first thing I can remember cooking is my grandma's crescent cookies. I loved to bake with her
At February 21, 2012 at 10:21 AM , Jaime D. said...

One of the first things I remember making is sugar cookies from scratch with my mom and little sister during the holidays.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:22 AM , Bethany said...

My mother has always been the cornerstone of my cooking experience. As a kid I watched her make every meal and we would sit, around the table, and eat together as a family. My favorite dishes as a kid growing up was her homemade mac and cheese, kielbasa night (which my mother cleverly coordinated with The Cosby Show, hence, Cosby Kielbasa night), and asian beef with snow peas over rice. I turned a vegetarian when I was around 12 and with my sister a vegan and my brother a finicky eater - my mother suddenly had to cook three different meals each night to satisfy our dietary preferences. I think we might have worn her out as she doesn't cook as much anymore... I have taken up the spoon in her stead and continued the culinary traditions of yesteryear. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 10:22 AM , Bethany said...

My mother has always been the cornerstone of my cooking experience. As a kid I watched her make every meal and we would sit, around the table, and eat together as a family. My favorite dishes as a kid growing up was her homemade mac and cheese, kielbasa night (which my mother cleverly coordinated with The Cosby Show, hence, Cosby Kielbasa night), and asian beef with snow peas over rice. I turned a vegetarian when I was around 12 and with my sister a vegan and my brother a finicky eater - my mother suddenly had to cook three different meals each night to satisfy our dietary preferences. I think we might have worn her out as she doesn't cook as much anymore... I have taken up the spoon in her stead and continued the culinary traditions of yesteryear. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 10:22 AM , Anonymous said...

First thing i learned to cook was eggs!! my dad taught me! :)
At February 21, 2012 at 10:24 AM , Margaret said...

The first thing I can remember making with my mom are no bake cookies. She made them every week for our lunches.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:25 AM , Gina E said...

The first thing I learned to cook was lasagna!!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:26 AM , Anonymous said...

One of the very first things I learned to cook was a homemade peach pie. And this was not an ordinary peach pie - the experience far outweighed the end result - which was a rather delicious peach pie, baked in the lid of a large mayonaise jar.
It was the summer of 1970 in Sumner, Mississippi (the MS Delta), my grandmother was the manager of the Bayou Bend Country Club of Sumner, and I was visiting her for my annual two week summer pilgrimage. I always LOVED these two weeks in the summer with my grandparents! Running around their small town of Tutwiler, MS in my bare feet.....waking up early on saturday mornings and "helping" make biscuits....I was allowed to sit right on the top of the counter!
On this hot delta summer day, peach pies were on the menu and I wanted to make one, too. Miss Essie, who cooked in the kitchen also, told me to "come on then", if I wanted to bake a pie. So I pulled up a milk crate, turned it upside down, and stood on it - so that I could see over the counter. I watched as her warm chocolate colored and worn hands rolled out the pie crust. She handed me a small ball of dough and the lid to the mayonaise jar. My small, chubby white fingers worked that dough-mimicking Miss Essie. I then gently laid my circle across the jar lid and pressed it down. Next we went to peeling peaches, I wasn't allowed a knife; but I did get to pour the sugar on top of the peaches and toss them about. I felt so "big". Once the peaches "marinated" a bit, Miss Essie and I gently folded them into our crusts, sprinkled a pinch of cinanmon on top. Then came the top crust pinched with the bottom crust, and a nice wash of egg and water and a sprinkle of sugar. Into the oven went the pies. It seemed like hours, but it was really only about 45 minutes. The aroma of of the peaches cooking in the crusts in the kitchen of Bayou Bend Country Club blended in with all of the other smells of roast beef, mashed potatoes, yeast rolls...and the sounds of children running in and out from the swimming pool to the snack bar - ordering fries and cokes, and putting quarters in the juke box - there was no place on earth I would rather be.
The pies were ready and I had big plans for mine! Oh I could've piled a big scoop of ice cream on top and devoured the whole thing, but not that day. I tiptoed upstairs where the Golf Pro lived in a small apartment. I wanted to give my pie away. I was trembling as I climbed the pale green carpeted stairs to his apartment. To my knowledge no kids had ever knocked on his door. I knocked, I waited.....no answer. Quickly I left the pie at the door and ran down the stairs. I went straight out to the pool to join my friends. I never saw the Golf Pro that day. Later that evening at home with my grandmother she smiled and said "The Pro told me he found a small pie outside his door today. He told me that it was the best peach pie he has ever tasted."
And I have been cooking ever since........
Monica Daniels
monica@myunitedway.com
At February 21, 2012 at 10:27 AM , LB said...

First thing I learned to on my own, was scrambled eggs. Otherwise I would watch my Grandmother all the time in the kitchen make stews, soups, and my favorite homemade doughnuts!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:30 AM , free indeed said...

When I was five, my mom was pregnant and sick, so from the couch, she walked me through making a beef stew. THat was my first time in the kitchen...I'm surprised looking back that she let me use a knife to peel potatoes....don't think I'd let my 5 yr old do that.
Oh, by the way, I LOVE Chicago cutlery. We have a couple of the wood handled type hubby especially likes for slaughtering beef, but I would love to have MY own complete set of these steel ones...gorgeous!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:30 AM , Madeleine said...

The first thing I remember cooking, when I was maybe 6 years old, is macaroni and cheese for my sister. It didn't go qutie as planned as I forgot to drain the water!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:32 AM , The Sassy Butterfly's Chaotic Musings said...

I used to love to pan fry sliced squash and onions... and I'd make some boxed mashed potatoes on the side..lol
At February 21, 2012 at 10:34 AM , Kristina said...

I know this isn't the first thing I ever made because I distinctly remember considered myself a pancaking flipping pro at an early age :) but the first thing I remember feeling as if I had actually made a proper meal with my own two hands was baked macaroni and cheese when I was 8 or so.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:36 AM , Anonymous said...

First thing I remember is cooking jam with my mom, I was the stirrer. On a chair with oven mits and an apron.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:37 AM , dan pinto said...

Rice. My mom taught me how to make perfect rice when I was 10 or so.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:38 AM , Sara Young said...

The first thing I ever remember learning to cook was baked whole chicken. I remember calling my mom to ask what exactly qualified as "lightly browned!"
At February 21, 2012 at 10:38 AM , Christina R. said...

Eggs over easy. Sounds simple but I used to have temper tantrums if I broke the egg yolks.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:40 AM , Anonymous said...

Breakfast casserole was the first thing my mom taught me how to make. YUM!

Julie Dennis-Huebner
At February 21, 2012 at 10:40 AM , Cassandra said...

1st thing I learned to cook was my grandmothers homemade vegetable soup...Yummy :)
At February 21, 2012 at 10:42 AM , agore said...

How about cinnamon rolls out of the pop-can?! We had those especially on the weekend and I remember melting the icing on top right out of the oven!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:43 AM , Leanne Matthews said...

The first things I remember making with my mom were pies at my grandma's house. For a long time I mostly learned how to make desserts. It was only since going to college and now being in graduate school that I have really gotten into cooking. Thanks so much for doing this blog and letting me eat tasty things on a grad student's salary!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:44 AM , ElizabethMD Jewelry said...

The first thing I ever learned to do was canning. Does that count? I learned it on my 16th birthday because my father had just been released from the hospital.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:44 AM , Amanda R said...

The first thing I learned to cook was probably pancakes, too. But I really loved steamed artichoke with garlic butter. I made this all the time in Junior High and high school. Love it!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:46 AM , sozomomma said...

The first thing I learned to cook was ground beef and onions....I remem er standing on a chair in front of the stove because I wasn't tall enough to see the top from tbe ground!! :D
At February 21, 2012 at 10:47 AM , NevEndOnin said...

One of the first things I remember being "allowed" to help with in the kitchen was homemade meatballs - I remember my Nana telling me to make sure they were all the same size (using a spoon), and not to mess with the beef too much! As far as cooking for ourselves, my sister and I would often make what you might call burrito bowls - refried beans, cheese, and sour cream nuked in a bowl. Not extravagant, but yummy! I still make this when I'm low on ingredients and craving comfort food.
At February 21, 2012 at 10:50 AM , apcary22 said...

The first think I learned to cook was mac n' cheese!!!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:51 AM , Beckie said...

Scrambled Eggs- and I still make some mean scrambled eggs!!
At February 21, 2012 at 10:57 AM , Kayla Rice said...

I remember my mom baking chocolate chip cookies and letting me help her mix and measure ingredients. When it was time to stir the ingredients in the blender, I would stand in the middle of the kitchen and spin around really fast doing the "blender dance".
Now whenever I use my mom's chocolate chip cookie recipe, I get raving reviews. It's my favorite thing in the world to make because of all the memories it holds (and of course because of how delicious they are)! :)
At February 21, 2012 at 10:58 AM , anna pry said...

probably ramen noodles or hotdogs
thepryfamily@gmail.com
At February 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM , Anonymous said...

My grandmother helped me to make a hot dog sandwich by allowing me to use a kitchen knife to cut the dog flat and then stood me on a stool with a fork to turn the pieces in the frying pan.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:02 AM , Laura Anne said...

I did not learn to cook anything at all growing up. When I was in college I boiled some adorable star-shaped pasta, threw in alfredo and some cayenne, and cooked some chicken in Pesto in a pan (I had recently discovered pesto, and thought I was being super-cool). So "Chicken 'n Stars" was my first cooked meal, and I was proud!! My roommates and I used to eat this at least once a week. [BTW, your blog is a lifesaver!!!]
At February 21, 2012 at 11:02 AM , Emily R said...

The first thing I learned to cook was scrambled eggs.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:03 AM , Amanda Jane said...

I really started cooking out of necessity, so the first thing I learned how to cook was turkey burgers. I quickly learned that they dry out very easily, so I began putting a small pat of butter in the middle of the patties to keep them moist... and it's still a staple in my cooking repertoire!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:06 AM , Anonymous said...

the first i ever learned to cook was steamed rice the old fashioned way - cook rice while measuring the right amount of water with your fingers, not measured with cups...
At February 21, 2012 at 11:06 AM , Kenzie said...

A main staple and one of the early things I learned to cook was grilled tuna fish sandwiches,with pickles, of course! I am surprised none of us ever turned into fish, or pickles, based on the frequency we ate this!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:09 AM , Samantha Przybylowicz said...

My mom is Italian so the first thing I remember helping with was spaghetti sauce! When I was old enough to use the stove, she trusted me to make it without her. I still make it just like mom's and it is SO GOOD!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:11 AM , Amy said...

i remember helping make scrambled eggs + french toast as a kid and that is still a mid-week dinner favorite for me.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:11 AM , Kenley said...

The first thing that you learned to cook was rice.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:11 AM , looloolooweez said...

I remember helping my mother in the kitchen several times growing up... chili, gumbo, biscuits, things like that come to mind. But I think the first thing I ever cooked all by myself was a batch of cran-orange muffins as a surprise for her on Mother's Day. I got up at like 5 AM so that they'd be ready for her breakfast.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:11 AM , schiperose said...

Spaghetti - my favorite kid food!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:13 AM , Dilem*mama said...

Cheater's grilled cheese - two pieces of toast with cheese between them nuked for 20 seconds on high.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:14 AM , mamadana said...

First thing I learned to cook was Kraft macaroni and cheese!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:15 AM , Shallyse said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was Ramen noodles, if that counts as cooking. ;)
At February 21, 2012 at 11:19 AM , Lesa @Edesias Notebook said...

The first thing I remember mastering was scrambled eggs. I did it so well that I ended up liking mine better than my mom's!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:20 AM , JessDePew said...

Grandma's Pumpin Chocolate Chip Cookies :)
At February 21, 2012 at 11:22 AM , JessDePew said...

Grandma's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
At February 21, 2012 at 11:23 AM , Emilie said...

First thing I learned to cook as a kid was hot dogs!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:23 AM , Anonymous said...

I first learned to cook a meringue for chocolate pie or banana pudding - two of my favorite desserts!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:23 AM , Chris B. said...

The first thing that I learned how to cook was waffles. My dad and I would make them every Sunday morning for my mom and younger sister.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:23 AM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was kraft dinner and hot dogs, I learned how to do it when we would travel out to the country to my grandmas! Was something to always look forward to when we went to visit her! <3
At February 21, 2012 at 11:26 AM , Paulina said...

My favorite dish my mom ever made was spaghetti & meatsauce. It was the first thing I asked her to teach me to cook before I left for college.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:32 AM , Anonymous said...

i can't remember what the first thing i ever learned to cook was. maybe rice?
the thing i remember making most as a kid was sunshine sandwiches. my older sister and i would take two pieces of bread, hold them up to the sun, and them slap them together to trap the sun. eventually my mom made us start using wheat bread, and maybe some lettuce, to try and make them more healthy.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:33 AM , CB said...

The first thing I remember learning how to cook was pancakes... though whipping up scrambled eggs and helping brown meat for chili or tacos feels like it was around the same time too.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:34 AM , Ali said...

I was an elementary school kraft dinner wizard!!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:34 AM , Nina M. said...

An omelet. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:36 AM , Anonymous said...

This isn't cooking, but it was an important introduction to the principles of heat transfer. My dad used to sleep later than I did on Saturday mornings, but he showed me how to use the floor furnace to heat breakfast before he got up. I would turn up the floor furnace, wrap a slice of pumpkin or sweet potato quick bread in foil, and heat in on the furnace. Yum. I'm still tempted to do this now.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:40 AM , Kaiti said...

The first thing I remember learning to cook was Nisu-a traditional Finnish sweet bread from my Nana, my Grams and my Mom
At February 21, 2012 at 11:43 AM , Anonymous said...

Beef stroganoff! My mom had this ama-zing recipe and she taught me how to make it.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:46 AM , Celeste said...

Mexican chicken (I don't know what it's really called, this is what my mom calls it) is the first thing I remember cooking...probably because I still make it all the time. It's SO easy and SO good. Thanks, mom!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:46 AM , Anonymous said...

The first things I remember making as a kid was putting cheese on apple wedges and then puting them in the oven for the cheese to melt. I ate this all the time. I also remember buttering a round roll, wrapping it in foil and heating it in the oven...I thought I was fancy.

rita

gluebee at gmail.com
At February 21, 2012 at 11:46 AM , Celeste said...

Mexican chicken (well, that's what my mom called it.) Probably not the first thing I learned, but definitely the one I cook the most now. Thanks, mom!
At February 21, 2012 at 11:47 AM , Camara said...

I don't remember what I first learned to cook, but I specifically remember making "Pizza Pockets" from my 4-H 6 Easy Bites book. You took refrigerated biscuits, filled them with sauce, cheese and pepperoni, folded them in half and baked them. They were good. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 11:48 AM , Heidi @ Food Doodles said...

Haha, I think the first thing I learned to make all on my own was from a blue box :D But the first thing I learned to make from scratch was just a basic marinara sauce. It's still one of my favorite things to make.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:56 AM , Pino said...

First thing I learned to cook was il sugo (the sauce), which in our house is a red sauce rich wine red wine, Italian sausage and beef. Learned it at age 10, like all men in our family.
At February 21, 2012 at 11:56 AM , emgardner said...

I think the first thing I learned how to make were fried eggs and then scarmbled eggs.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:00 PM , Anonymous said...

I first learned how to make chocolate chip cookies. I love baking and that is probably what fueled me to love it the most. Thanks for the chance to enter.

Andrea D.
short74717@msn.com
At February 21, 2012 at 12:00 PM , heather said...

The first thing I ever learned to bake was chocolate chip cookies. Not a bad starting point!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:04 PM , AnnikaE said...

I think the first thing I learned how to make was scones...mmm
At February 21, 2012 at 12:07 PM , Anonymous said...

Scrambled eggs! I didn't actually realized I had learned how to make them until I wanted to make a special birthday breakfast for my boyfriend and he only had eggs in his house. Remembering my mother's voice in my head (milk makes them fluffier, water makes good omelets!) I added a dash of milk, some shredded cheese and made the best cheesy eggs there ever were. Upon eating them my boyfriend said...I didn't know you could cook anything?
Challenge accepted!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:07 PM , Anonymous said...

The first "real" dish that I remember making and having it turn out well was homemade spaghetti sauce and meatballs. I watched my Mom for years and finally attempted it myself. I still make them and always think of my Mom who has since passed on. It's a great reminder of her.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:11 PM , Lawrence V said...

The first thing I learned to cook was my mom's spaghetti... starting with the meat sauce and the perfect way to make a noodle!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:12 PM , Joyce said...

My earliest memory in the kitchen was chopping the veggies for salad and peeling potatoes. I think the first thing my mom let me "cook" by myself was soup out of a can. The first thing I taught myself how to make was chocolate chip cookies:)
At February 21, 2012 at 12:13 PM , Dominique said...

The first thing I remember cooking a lot was spaghetti for my dad who never cooks!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:15 PM , Erin @ My Mommy World said...

The first thing I learned to cook was cake from a mix. I looked up a recipe for the frosting in my mom's old cookbook, but didn't understand what "confectioner's sugar" was. I figured that it was just another name for regular (granulated) sugar, so I used that. The frosting was a disaster, but my dad said that it tasted good anyways!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:17 PM , locaboca said...

The first thing I learned to cook was Hamburger Helper. LOL :)
At February 21, 2012 at 12:22 PM , tavivi said...

The first thing i learned to cook was Spiced Peanut Chutney.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:22 PM , FauxCrow said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was microwaved scrambled eggs. I had a special pink plastic bowl and I would put in two eggs, scramble them with a whisk, add a piece of American cheese and nuke until fluffy. This was great on my pregnant single mom! :)
At February 21, 2012 at 12:23 PM , Anonymous said...

French toast!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:25 PM , Joyce said...

My earliest memories in the kitchen are of cutting veggies for salad and peeling potatoes. I think the first thing my mom let me "cook" was soup out of a can. The first thing I taught myself how to cook was chocolate chip cookies.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:25 PM , Andrew said...

Mom always wanted dinner done HER way and so we stayed out of the kitchen...except when she was at work, then we would make grilled cheese with ham and tomatoes in it.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:28 PM , Tim said...

It was probably scrambled eggs!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:33 PM , Connie said...

Hmmmm... the first thing I learned was "Toad-in-a-hole" at 9 years old, taught by my father. I recall thinking that was BEST tasting egg breakfast I've ever had. :) Great giveaway! Brings back great memories.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:33 PM , Hannah said...

Definitely oatmeal raisin cookies!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:34 PM , Hannah said...

Definitely oatmeal raisin cookies!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:35 PM , Erin P said...

I learned how to make cookies!! They are still my very favorite :)
At February 21, 2012 at 12:37 PM , Lisa said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook was a fried egg sandwich. Still my favorite comfort food!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:38 PM , Jenifer said...

The first thing I learned to cook was homemade chocolate frosting. My Gran got me interested in baking early on and one of my earliest memories is at her table, icing a cake :)
At February 21, 2012 at 12:45 PM , Holly said...

I think the first thing I learned how to cook was scrambled eggs. Does that count? Can't everyone cook scrambled eggs?
At February 21, 2012 at 12:46 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was Spagetti.
My parents took great cake to assure I could feel myself once outside the nest :)
At February 21, 2012 at 12:47 PM , Hannah said...

The first thing I learned to cook was pancakes. There are pictures of me in my little girl night gown, crazy hair and all.
At February 21, 2012 at 12:51 PM , Valerie Pittier said...

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies - with 5 other siblings, this was a fairly cheap treat for all of us!
At February 21, 2012 at 12:53 PM , Stephanie said...

I learned to cook scrambled eggs at a very young age - and I just taught my own son. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 12:53 PM , ilene said...

Hot dog and beans casserole
At February 21, 2012 at 12:58 PM , Jane said...

The first thing I learned to cook was a grilled cheese with my mom. With Kraft Singles of course, haha! I wouldn't dare make one with Kraft today, but I still love a grilled cheese :)
At February 21, 2012 at 1:03 PM , Kassia said...

I remember making "soup" for my dad when I was 4 or 5...I would cut up carrots and celery with a very dull knife and add hot tap water to them...bless his soul, he actually ate it (or pretended to)! As I got older, mac'n'cheese was my go-to when my sister and I were home alone. We would add canned tuna, frozen peas, and Mrs. Dash to it for a gourmet meal!
At February 21, 2012 at 1:05 PM , Sandra said...

Hmmm first thing I ever learned to cook was Chocolate Chip Cookies. I still remember my dad teaching me how to measure out the flour.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:06 PM , Jill said...

The first thing I learned to make was instant ramen, aged 6.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:09 PM , becca said...

i think the first thing i ever learned how to "cook" was scrambled eggs. i got to push the eggs around in the pan.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:14 PM , Windgefluester said...

hmmm the first thing i learn to cook .... selfmade noodles? i dont know :( so sorry!!!
At February 21, 2012 at 1:15 PM , Crystal said...

Scrambled eggs in the microwave. Still make them from time to time.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:24 PM , Heather Franzen said...

The first thing I learned to cook on my own (besides simple foods like cereal, PB&J, scrambled eggs, etc.) was an egg drop soup with vegetables and beef.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:25 PM , Anonymous said...

I honestly don't know - I remember helping my mother in the kitchen from the time I was little, but don't know what I made on my own for the first time. It might have been grilled cheese, mac and cheese or pancakes.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:26 PM , Flight Attendant Extraordinaire said...

The first thing I remember learning to make was definitely scrambled eggs, and my dad taught me.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:29 PM , Jameil said...

Spaghetti with meat sauce! It is also very possible it was scrambled eggs. Considering my love affair with eggs and pasta, I'd say that's about right!
At February 21, 2012 at 1:31 PM , megan said...

I would have to say lasagna! So good and so easy! :)
At February 21, 2012 at 1:32 PM , MegMar said...

The first thing I remember learning how to cook was cake in an ice cream cone! My sister and I learned at our local YMCA in a kid's cooking class. We were SO excited to get home and show our parents! I think we ate those things for dessert for about a month before we got tired of them!
At February 21, 2012 at 1:37 PM , Caitlyn said...

The thing I remember cooking the most growing up was pasta, butter, & cheese! We were easy to please.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:39 PM , StephTowne said...

The first thing I cooked was mac and cheese on a hot plate in my dorm room!
At February 21, 2012 at 1:45 PM , Hannah B said...

I think it was Ramen Noodles :)
At February 21, 2012 at 1:46 PM , Nick Mikail said...

Eggs. Eggs were the first thing I learned to cook.
At February 21, 2012 at 1:49 PM , Sara said...

I would cook alot for my family when I was little and help my mom in the kitchen. The first thing I remember cooking totally solo in the kitchen was a peanut/sweet and sour like chicken recipe for dinner. I think I was about 13-14. IT was really good, and my mom still talks about that dish to this day. I am 32 now, and LOVE to cook-- stir fry dishes (or anything I can squeeze a boatload of veggies in) are my favorite! Love your site!!
At February 21, 2012 at 1:50 PM , Unknown said...

The first thing I remember learning how to make was scrambled eggs. I would go into my Mom's cookbooks and look up the recipe. Now I laugh thinking scrambled eggs needs a recipe?
At February 21, 2012 at 1:58 PM , kirsten_elise said...

The first thing I learned to cook was a grilled cheese sandwich! I must have been about 9 or 10 years old.
At February 21, 2012 at 2:01 PM , Lindsay said...

I learned to cook as an adult but the first thing I learned to cook was baked ziti.
At February 21, 2012 at 2:03 PM , Rachel said...

Mashed potatoes. Yum. We had homemade ones at least once a week, probably more often. Only now do I realize how spoiled I was.
At February 21, 2012 at 2:12 PM , Rhiannon said...

probably fairy cakes! i used to make cakes with my mum a lot when i was young
At February 21, 2012 at 2:15 PM , Vicki S said...

Growing up in Southern California, I was the family's daily salad maker--fresh greens, sliced scallions, tomatoes, cukes, and homemade dressing (complete with rubbing the wooden bowl with a garlic clove). I still love salad!
At February 21, 2012 at 2:19 PM , Anonymous said...

Mac'n'cheese! Even if it was from a box:)
At February 21, 2012 at 2:21 PM , Katie Rose said...

Pancakes when I was about 4 years old, but I obviously didn't do them myself. The first thing I made completely on my own were Chocolate Chip Cookies that I decided I needed to add milk and peanut butter to. They were...interesting? Yeah, that's it. But obviously not bad enough to just throw away because my siblings scarfed them all down :-D
At February 21, 2012 at 2:24 PM , AprilAllYear said...

My sisters and I made pasta - usually the after school mac 'n cheese. But most memorable began when once we didn't have cheese in the house, so my sister took out a small can of tomato paste (yep, tangy and STRONG flavor, but then my whole family LOVES tomatoes in all forms) and some parmesan, added both to the elbow macaroni, and ¡VOILA! -- a new after-school special. I loved those noodles, and made them often in the years leading up to my HS graduation.

Hmm... wonder if they'd be good now? I think I'll have to go try.
At February 21, 2012 at 2:26 PM , ChristyW said...

The first thing I remember cooking was an Egg in the Nest. Bread with a hole cut out of the middle to cook the egg. I thought they were so cool!
At February 21, 2012 at 2:30 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was egg salad. I helped my aunt crack and peel the eggs and mix all the ingredients together. I loved it!
At February 21, 2012 at 2:31 PM , Becca said...

The first thing I learned the make was sauce and meatballs. Growing up in an Italian household, that was a staple and I "needed to be able to feed my family that some day." Thanks to my Dad, it's still one of my favorite meals... my hubs happens to like it too
At February 21, 2012 at 2:37 PM , Suz. said...

the first thing i learned to cook was scrambled eggs. my mom was bed ridden and wanted breakfast!
At February 21, 2012 at 2:37 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to cook was Kraft mac and cheese. I fine tuned the perfect combo of milk and butter, and to this day, I don't follow the amounts listed on the package.
At February 21, 2012 at 2:40 PM , Anonymous said...

I always helped my mom in the kitchen but my earliest memory is making lumpia with her. It's a Filipino egg roll except with less vegetables and slim. No one can ever eat just one, so we spent a lot of time making armies of those things! But they were great because there was a sense of pride that I rolled all those (especially as a kid)!
At February 21, 2012 at 2:40 PM , Yan said...

For me it was Brownies *yum*
At February 21, 2012 at 2:41 PM , Anonymous said...

I remember cooking Hamburger Helper for my family when I was 12. I was so proud of myself! Thanks for the great giveaway!
At February 21, 2012 at 2:41 PM , Yan said...

For me its brownie *yum*
At February 21, 2012 at 2:43 PM , Anonymous said...

Thje fist thing I learned to cook was Cinnamon Toast using white bread. I had to lite the gas oven and the age of 6 almost blew off my face.
At February 21, 2012 at 2:47 PM , Kristen said...

The first thing I learned to cook was toast! Does that even count? In my defense I was only 3 or 4. On Sunday mornings I would pull my little stepstool up to the kitchen counter and toast bread while my father cooked eggs and bacon. It was a really big deal at the time because I was entrusted with a knife with which to butter the toast.
At February 21, 2012 at 2:48 PM , Caitlin said...

First thing I ever learned to cook was tuna salad- and it's still one of my favorites!
At February 21, 2012 at 2:53 PM , Amelia Hadley said...

I'm sure I learned how to make super simple stuff when I was little, but the dish I remember making most often was porcupine meatballs. My mom showed me how when I was about 11 and I made them all the time. They're still my favorite. SO good!
At February 21, 2012 at 2:53 PM , Brooke said...

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich! I think that's pretty good for a four-year-old. (I was just a little independent an impatient.)
At February 21, 2012 at 3:01 PM , Anna W. said...

The first thing I learned how to cook, I kid you not, was the following: take a banana, peel it, unwrap a Kraft singles, wrap it around the banana, and enjoy. Trust me I know how this sounds, but it's truly delicious.
At February 21, 2012 at 3:04 PM , Claire said...

The first thing I learned to cook was my mom's spaghetti! I hate jar sauce, so I had to learn hers!
At February 21, 2012 at 3:17 PM , JustinB said...

The first thing I ever learned how to cook was pasta with beef stew. I know it's not exciting but when you are 7 years old, boiling some egg noodles and mixing in some Dinty Moore was pretty cool. Even though my tastes have grown a lot since then, I still like my Dinty Noodles every once in a while just for old time's sake.
At February 21, 2012 at 3:20 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I ever cooked was macaroni and cheese. I learned the hard way that you have to bring the water to a boil BEFORE you add the noodles. We tried to eat the cheesy paste it turned into, but my usually-polite family just couldn't do it! On the up side, I have never added the noodles before the water is boiling, since!
At February 21, 2012 at 3:22 PM , Ashley Anne said...

Spaghetti!! I thought I was doing it all on my own by boiling the noodles and pouring the ragu on :)
At February 21, 2012 at 3:23 PM , CharityH said...

I think bread was one of the first things I helped my mom with.
At February 21, 2012 at 3:25 PM , Jena Ryssman said...

The first thing I learned to cook was waffles!
At February 21, 2012 at 3:28 PM , Anita H. said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was the spicy Mama ramen noodles with sliced hotdogs thrown in, lol! If I didn't have the Mama noodles, I would just use anything I had in the pantry and add some Sriracha to it. Sometimes I would throw in an egg or two. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 3:28 PM , Samantha Doile said...

The first thing I remember learning to cook was spaghetti with my father. I remember us tossing noodles against the wall. He said when they stick, they're done. I still fling one from time to at the wall and smile : )
At February 21, 2012 at 3:31 PM , Gretchen said...

The first thing I learned to cook was scrambled eggs!
At February 21, 2012 at 3:33 PM , Amy said...

Chocolate chip cookies!
At February 21, 2012 at 3:34 PM , Kelli said...

The first thing I learned to cook was scrambled eggs! First meal I learned to MAKE though was pb&j when I was much younger. These are both still staples in my house, haha.
At February 21, 2012 at 3:35 PM , Katie Simon said...

Probably mac and cheese or pb&j, but I'm also going to give a shout out to waffles, pancakes and french toast. I can't believe how many adults don't know how easy it is to make french toast!
At February 21, 2012 at 3:36 PM , Anonymous said...

It's hard to say what the first thing I learned how to cook was. I've always cooked with my mom and love to cook for my friends since I've left mom's. I know when I was very young I would always help mom with baking. My favorite cookies to bake were mexican wedding cakes, which we affectionately call snowballs.
At February 21, 2012 at 3:37 PM , City Girl and Country Boy said...

First thing I learned to cook was probably cookies
At February 21, 2012 at 3:50 PM , Jessie said...

The first thing I learned to cook was oatmeal cookies..pretty easy!
At February 21, 2012 at 3:58 PM , Jess S said...

I helped my mom a lot in the kitchen, but I think the thing I first learned to cook on my own was grilled peanut butter and jelly. My dad made them the best, and it was a nice change up to the grilled cheese that my brother was always requesting!
At February 21, 2012 at 4:00 PM , Qian Wang said...

The first time I learned to cook was Chinese dumplings. I had a lot of fun making the dumplings with my family.I remember how my late gramma taught me how to boil the dumplings to perfection.
At February 21, 2012 at 4:02 PM , Jamie said...

The first thing I learned to cook was mac & cheese!
At February 21, 2012 at 4:10 PM , Ian said...

A fried egg!
At February 21, 2012 at 4:12 PM , S_Cain said...

Macaroni & Cheese. My older sister, whom now can eat at a restaurant then go home and recreate the dishes, taught me. When she gets a really good recipe, she'll email me with the details to try it. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 4:14 PM , tara marie said...

Lemon bars with my Grandmother. I was three and the recipe was out of my mother's cookbook from when she was younger. I still have the picture of both us covered in powdered sugar!
At February 21, 2012 at 4:15 PM , Stephanie McCullough said...

the first thing I learned how to make/cook were hamburgers. My stepdad had his technique and i learnt how to keep them from crumbling on the BBQ!
At February 21, 2012 at 4:20 PM , Jessa said...

The first thing I ever learned to cook (besides simple sandwiches) was scrambled eggs. It was when I was eleven years old, and my grandmother was teaching me to use the stove. I was never a big fan of plain old scrambled eggs, but she put a lot of cheese in them for me, and showed me how to make them. I got a little overconfident, though, and the next day, I wanted to make them for my mom for breakfast after my grandma had left for work. I wanted to surprise her, so I didn't wake her up. I turned my back for a minute to get something out of the fridge, and the stove caught fire! I was terrified, but everything worked out okay. My mom put the fire out with some flour, and I was teased endlessly for my supposed inability to cook (it turned out that the stove actually had a problem with the range and had been catching fire a LOT, at the time). Thankfully, I didn't give up, and today, I'm actually a pretty fantastic cook, if somewhat lacking in fancy tools - but that's just helped me learn to improvise!
At February 21, 2012 at 4:24 PM , Cheerios626 said...

First thing I learned how to cook was pasta. The exact type may have been angel hair... but not too sure. I was so young I can hardly remember it, but my grandparents have a picture of me on a step stool reaching over a pot of boiling water with a spoon and smiling. They always say "you were just sooooo fascinated by the noodles going from rock hard to soft. You'd come over and say "can I cook you some spaghetti", and We'd always let you." HAHAHA... such a weird kiddo I was...
At February 21, 2012 at 4:26 PM , Leftie65 said...

The first thing I learned to cook was my grandpa's special Sunday morning scrambled eggs with left over(cooked and chooped up)spaghetti noodles. Sounds strange but it sure is yummy and I have taught my son to make it.
At February 21, 2012 at 4:38 PM , Lauren said...

Grilled cheese, in the microwave. My grandfather taught me.
At February 21, 2012 at 4:42 PM , taniamorse85 said...

The first thing I learned to cook was a quesadilla.
At February 21, 2012 at 4:50 PM , Julie Guidry said...

The first thing I learned to bake was blueberry muffins! The first thing I "cooked" on the stove was a bag of Ramen noodles when I was about 7 or 8. :) The first REAL food I cooked on the stove was scrambled eggs, yum!
At February 21, 2012 at 5:11 PM , Krystyna said...

Grilled cheese was the first thing I ever learned to cook. It is still my favorite thing to make.
At February 21, 2012 at 5:13 PM , Jesse said...

First thing was Chef Boyardee in a can, but not how you'd think. I was 10, ma had no time to cook anymore, showed me how to use the stove to cook for myself. I found the spices above the stove and set out on a mission to make that shit yummy. I still credit that experience as my most important lesson in learning flavors and how to combine them, as well as learning new cooking techniques to change the texture of that garbage.
At February 21, 2012 at 5:17 PM , Jenna H said...

The first thing i learned to cook was probably frozen food! i really learned to bake first - christmas cookies!
At February 21, 2012 at 5:17 PM , Anonymous said...

Chocolate chip cookies for my daddy. He would carry them around the house, one between each finger. He was the original cookie monster and never gained a pound.
At February 21, 2012 at 5:19 PM , maddy.b said...

The first thing I remember making by myself was salad dressing. My mom's best friend would come over and as we were making dinner, she would help me to make the salad dressing. I still remember her saying, "mustard is your friend" and to this day I almost always make salad dressing with mustard. Don't forget, MUSTARD IS YOUR FRIEND!
At February 21, 2012 at 5:19 PM , Anonymous said...

One of the first things I cooked on the stove was ramen noodles. I started baking peanut butter cookies on my own right around that time too. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 5:20 PM , Anonymous said...

I first learned to cook eggs because I was a very picky child and eggs are versatile. I now cook them with hashbrowns and ketchup (yes, I COOK the ketchup). Yum!
At February 21, 2012 at 5:20 PM , Danielle Z said...

The first thing I learned how to cook was pasta salad. My sister and I made it all the time as kids and is still one of our favorites as adults!
At February 21, 2012 at 5:21 PM , Elizabeth Quigley said...

Hmm, hard to remember the first thing but I do have fond memories of making pancakes on Saturday mornings. Also, helping my mom with holiday dinners.
At February 21, 2012 at 5:23 PM , Anonymous said...

I remember the first time my mom asked me to help her with dinner she made me make the green beans. I was so nervous about making them perfect that I forgot to put in the salt. And what are southern style green beans without salt? Nothing!
At February 21, 2012 at 5:24 PM , Anonymous said...

The first thing I learned to make(all on my own!) was either scrambled eggs or grilled cheese. It's funny to see how many other people share these same first cooking experiences!
At February 21, 2012 at 5:27 PM , Stephanie said...

The first thing I learned to cook was scrambled eggs.
At February 21, 2012 at 5:29 PM , Anonymous said...

Chocolate chip cookies with my mom. :)
At February 21, 2012 at 5:33 PM , Lydia said...

Scrambled eggs! Or, does toast count? :) Clearly I love breakfast.