Cooking recipes can range from a simple grilled chicken breast to the exotic, such as Beef Wellington. The problem is that most people become intimidated by the thought of stepping outside of their comfort zone. The chefs on TV make it look simple yet when we stare at the recipe, we get lost in the myriad of ingredients and cooking techniques needed to bring the dish to life. The reality is that anyone can cook a great meal if they know some easy shortcuts and tips.

Healthy cooking has become the mantra of today’s health conscious society. Everywhere we turn there are ads telling us “No trans fats” or “zero calories” not to mention the hype surrounding carbohydrate-free meals. The secret to cooking recipes low in fat and healthy for us is to use the outer aisle. No, the outer aisle is not some weird third dimension. In a grocery store the outer aisles are where you can find vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs and breads. Most layouts follow this floor plan.

Low carb recipes are very easy to prepare once you’ve the necessary ingredients. Avoid carbohydrates that are not filling. When making a choice between white flour and whole wheat, select the whole wheat. It is more filling and has the essential nutrients you need without the abundance of carbohydrates. Cooking recipes that utilize fresh vegetables and lean meats are a great way to avoid too many carbohydrates.

If you’re a vegetarian, look to the salad bar at your local grocery store. Many people find themselves lacking the time to cut and chop vegetables. The salad bar takes the work out of whipping up a quick stir-fry dish. The vegetables are already cut, washed and ready to eat. For protein consider adding tofu or chickpeas. A vegetarian meal does not have to be bland. There are lots of free recipes on the web for vegetarian meals.

We are a world on the go. Between work, play and family our free time is whittled down considerably. Perhaps that’s why cooking recipes that help us prepare 30 minute meals have become so popular in cooking circles. The meals are healthy and easy yet are abundant in flavor. They do not require a lot of work and can be elegant enough to serve guests. We have the ability to thank Food Network’s Rachel Ray for this rise in popularity.

We’ve all experimented with cooking recipes that resulted in food fit only for the garbage disposal. Take heart from the mistakes and know that every cook has made them. Find the recipes that appeal to you and experiment with them. Fit them to your taste and lifestyle and you will meet with success. It is important to have a good time in the kitchen. Invite a few friends over and have a dinner celebration. Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we begin all over again.How

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