All my life I’ve watched people cook. Whether it be my family whipping it up in the kitchen, me watching my food get prepared at a hibachi grill, or viewing Food Network late at night with my sister and our big bowl of popcorn. However, I myself, have never been interested in concocting a meal for myself or anybody else. No matter how hard anyone tried to get me to learn how to cook. I’d rather stick to ramen noodles and grilled cheese.

Before this past summer, I could count on one hand how many times I’ve prepared something to eat, if you don’t count ramen noodles or Kraft macaroni and cheese. However, I decided to really turn myself around and grow up. You’ve gotta start somewhere, right?  

So, without further ado, sit back, relax, grab some snacks, and read all about my newly discovered hobby at sixteen years (and seven months) old. Cooking (and baking). Also, a huge thanks to my sister Mackenzie for showing me the app that completely transformed me, Tasty.

The first thing I ever cooked completely by myself was macaroni. Weak, I know. But it wasn’t boxed macaroni. I bought the pasta, blocked cheese, milk and butter. All by myself I put the water on the stove and once it was boiling. I added the pasta. While the pasta was cooking I shredded the cheese. I went back and forth between stirring the pasta and shredding the cheese. Once the macaroni was done, I added the milk, butter and cheese and mixed it to perfection. And then, I put the macaroni in a pan, added cheese on top, and threw it in the oven.

It was delicious.

One of the simplest foods you can make inspired me. Now, I cook fajitas, hamburgers, pasta, salads, and I even know how to make homemade salad dressings.

So if you want to learn how to cook but don’t know where to start, download Tasty.

Or if there are any other hobbies you would like to enjoy I say go for it. Don’t let self doubt drag you down. It doesn’t matter if you’re 16, 25, or even 50 years old. Find what you’re passionate about and stick to it. Find your beat.