Food Issues and a weaning baby

[xStarGirl]

Need a bit of help ...
I have issues with food. A bit love/hate - I adore eating, but most of the time I won't make myself food and am loath to even consider making anything more strenuous than sandwiches. Most of this comes from the fact that I'm shit at cooking, and get all panicky and flustered even if I have a recipe to follow.

I need advice as to how I can get around this and start cooking meals for me and DP that we can share with our son. We're currently living off cheap, processed stuff and DS (9mo) is still on jars and the odd bit of fruit.

My mum took us out to dinner last week and DS looked so happy to be sampling everyone's food that I couldn't help but feel bad we don't do this at home

Any suggestions are welcome!

Sounds like you'd benefit from some encouragement and maybe a course (local college or nightschool) on improving your cooking skills. It's all about confidence and that tends to come with practice. You and DP could both attend the course and try out the recipes on each other. But you have to keep trying rather than panicking & falling back on junk. :)

I always think a good place to start is to master something fundamental and basic like a real tomato sauce. If you can make one of those you've instantly got a nice pasta dish and, by adding a few bits and pieces you can stretch your repertoire to bakes, casseroles and other simple dishes.

Alternatively, try a reliable cookbook like Delia Smith's 'Complete cookery course'... she starts with boiled eggs & other traditional foods and works out from there. Jamie Olivers '30 minute meals' are supposed to be very good and Ainsley Harriet's 'Meals in Minutes' has been recommended to me.