We grew up very poor so the only thing I knew how to cook were potatoes and beans. My first dinner I made for my husband had instant mashed potatoes (he bought them). I had never made them, or heard of them. I messed up them so badly. Now I get compliments from all over and my kids do too because I instilled cooking in them. I even get compliments on how well I taught them. It might take a while but if you want to learn, you can do it.