I started with one recipe: split pea soup. I got this recipe from a coworker, followed the instructions exactly and started with a success. This made me want to try other things, and I got turned onto Good Eats with Alton Brown, easily the most entertaining and informative cooking show.

Then I just started collecting and trying recipes. I eventually got enough experience to try modifying recipes and toying around with ideas.

Especially at the start, recipes are your friend. Try a broad array of them, follow them exactly, and get the experience. Also, use tools. Yes, people can punch a steak to see if it’s about done, but that will never beat a thermometer.

If you’re into baking, avoid recipes that don’t use weight as a measure of ingredients. Those recipes get different results every time.

These are the best tips I have for starting out. As you get experience, discard the ones that no longer apply.