I think one of the things that Rachel Ray does (for all of the non-cooking aficionados like me) is she makes cooking FUN.

Not only does she use fun & catchy phrases to describe everyday cooking terms, but she really doesn't give a hoot about being precisely accurate or doing things "by the book" when she's cooking. For me, that takes a lot of the stuffiness associated with the act of cooking like a pro.

For me, what it all comes down to is this:
Recipes are meant to be tried, experimented with, and enjoyed... the way you like 'em!

I have to say... I am thoroughly enjoying my latest stint as a "cook". (Of course, I'm using that word loosely.)

This go-around, I've been taking tips from the "pros". Experimenting with lots of fun new easy recipes. And organizing recipes (including photos) in a recipe program I've had for years, but never fully utilized until now.

So far so good. Everything's been edible. And Jim seems to be enjoying this process, as well.

My biggest motivating factor has been The Food Network. For the past few weeks, I've been addicted to the Food channel on TV ...which before now, simply made me hungry. Now, it makes me want to try new things.

I'm at it again... my quarterly attempt to "try cooking up some fun recipes again". I consider it a personal challenge... and an attempt to overcome my lack of confidence in the kitchen.

I've decided that a large part of my frustration in the past has been threefold:

#1 ...trying to find enough quick & easy recipes that utilize ingredients that I already have on hand.

#2 ...trying to find enough tasty recipes that are quick & easy. Period.

#3 ...having enough decent cookware & tools on hand to make meals that will last more than one sitting (thus eliminating the need to cook so frequently).

My overall goal is to lessen the number of times Jim & I eat out each week. (Trust me, it's a lot!)

I'll address #2 and #3 in future articles. For me, Phase One in this process is to remove the intimidation factor by simply making the recipes adapt to my pantry (...rather than making my pantry adapt to the recipes).

Following is a brief video showing some fun holiday shortcuts that will wow your guests -- even though they're so simple that they make it seem like you're cheating.