Live to eat, but cook only when necessary

After 30 long years of my life, I have noticed that I am not much of a cook, and unfortunately so has my husband. I read a recipe and follow directions like a champ, but the whole "throw something together" gene was not inherited by me from my father. He has this uncanny ability to find random things in the refrigerator and combine them for a semi-gourmet meal. He can cook his beloved Arroz con Pollo almost blindfolded and I can only boil water and toss a salad. As a half Italian, half Puerto Rican, it is embarrassing.

Now, don't get me wrong, I can make cupcakes from scratch, whip together a frosting without a recipe and bake a souffle, but the entree portion of the meal is just not up to par. The only thing I make without a recipe is garlic chicken cutlets, and I already made them for my parents and they were less than impressed.

And what does "salt and pepper to taste" mean? Why doesn't the recipe just say 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper? Measurements are easier to read and follow. And, I have tried the Cooking for Dummies books and there aren't any pictures. What good is a cookbook without any pictures?

To be honest, I have made a recipe from Giada's cookbook and that came out great, but I haven't really mastered anything at all. My kids are in trouble...

So, I ask: Is there any advice that you received when you started to cook that you could offer up to us young and culinary-challenged? Please comment.

Living with my parents; two weeks in

After 17 days of living with my parents, we are completely content. On Thursdays and a Wednesday, I cook for everyone and on Friday, we get takeout or go to a restaurant. So far, I made crock pot BBQ ribs, mac and cheese with Dorito crumbles and garlic chicken cutlets. My mother says I need to cook, not to give her a break, but so that I can learn how to cook for my family, when I get one. I agree. I love to eat other people's cooking, but my own, I just muscle through.

One serious bonus of living with my parents is that I see Mister Softee a lot more and I seriously love his products and the dependability of his service. The only problem is that he shows up when I get home from work and before I eat dinner. It ruins my whole meal plan. But, it is delicious and worth the $2.50 I pay for a vanilla cone with chocolate sprinkles. What's better than good ice cream that is delivered to you? I can't think of anything either.

TK has his own set of interests while living here. He compares it to living in a hotel. There are fresh, clean towels every day, dinner on the table every night and breakfast every Saturday and Sunday morning. He is completely satisfied, especially since I prepare lunch for him to take to work every day. He is living the life. I am just afraid he will get used to it...

We had my uncle and aunt visit this weekend and it was great to hang out all day, have our dog here and not have to worry about packing up to go home after a long day. When we got tired, we just put on our pajamas and went to bed. I grew up in a house with my parents, my brother, my maternal grandparents, my mom's five brothers and my mother's sister. I enjoy a full house and when I go home I always feel like I am missing something. At least, for now, I won't feel that way. Right now, I am gaining a lot.