oh, NOnny, this is funny. Im sure you eat rocket everyday in your salad Im not a very good cook either but i think i just feel under pressure when there's a lot of people around and im expected to "perform". try simple things, like making mashed potatoes,frying bangers etc. Pureed stuff you can get in tins. Just stick to prepared ingredients if you can but please dont beat yourself up. Im sure you have other wonderful skills.

If hubby can cook, then by all means get him to do it i prefer for a guy to cook for me, but i can clean up, scrub pots etc. the pics in those recipes never reflect the real thing

Start with a good cookery book and of course practice!(delia's not a bad place to start). I am now the best cook in the world. Honest. (My kids agree, or else they go hungry).

Nonny,

I'm not a great cook but I'm okay in the kicthen. Before I could follow recipes I had to get the learn the basics by helping my mum in the kitchen. haven't you got a friend who you could help then you could build up your confidence. Otherwise there is always the microwave.

Steph

I can never make the food I cook look like the pictures in the cookery book, so I just eat the book.

I have a kitchen shelf full of cookery books, and I've never made a damn one of them work for me either. If you find a "Cookery for Dummies" book - let me know!

Ahh i quite like cooking, i just don't like the washing up. So that's the deal, I cook, he washes up.

I think I have cooking confidence because my dad used to just chuck whatever in sauces and things and it'd turn out alright. I do the same now. It's nothing fancy, but it means your taste buds aren't falling asleep. It helps that the boy is pretty easy going with food. The true test will be if we have fussy eaters as kids. Please, I hope not!

An easy recipe i've made up recently that tastes alright is a steamed fish thing, i buy a couple of fish fillets, put a bit of butter and lemon juice, and some sweet chilli sauce on top, wrap in a little foil pouch and chuck in the oven on a tray for 10-15 mins on about 180degrees celcius. It steams itself in its own juices, really easy and it tastes alright, it's something quick and easy and a bit different.

Like most blokes, not only am I a wonderful lover I'm also a fabulous cook. And modest too! )

It's all about being creative (good sex and good cooking). I'll give you a really simple and impressive cold-weather recipe (food, not sex) if you're interested.

But the reality seems to be that you've got your domestic arrangements sorted: he cooks, you don't need to. Great if you can do irt!

A Thimple Thoup
a hearty winter warmer (it's nourishing and cheap too, and quick to make)

Pea and ham soup (ham may be omitted for veggies)
Makes enough for at least 4 large bowls

2 carrots
1 onion
1 pint vegetable or ham stock (use a cube)
1 thick slice of ham "off the bone" (may be omitted)
2 cans mushy peas
a few sprigs of coriander (optional)
a few green beans (optional)

Method
Dice carrots and onion and slice the beans (if using) quite finely (about 1cm squares or a bit smaller) put in pan with stock and bring to the boil. cook on a fast boil for 10 minutes
Add mushy peas & return to boil, once it has reached boiling, turn down to a low boil/simmer. Stir to make sure is doesn'r stick. If it seems a bit too thick, add a little water. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Add the ham, chopped to the same size as the veggies and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add the coriader, chopped, and cook for 2 minutes
season with salt (careful!) and pepper to taste
Serve and enjoy!