[Dean]

While I have a bunch of cookbooks, unless I am preparing something specific or planned, I seldom use recipes.

I wing most everything based on what I have on hand. Key is having a good selection of spices and what they taste like and how they make different foods taste.

Marinades are a great way to tenderize and flavor meets and poultry.

Everyone should be able to make a variety of breakfast foods. Omelets, scrambled eggs with stuff in them, pancakes, potatoes in many forms, waffles, sausage, bacon... (Try frying bacon in a pot rather than in a frying pan. No white uncooked gristley bits that way.)

Cooking should be fun. If you dread cooking, you aren't doing it right. Relax and have some fun with it.