Some advice...

Don't be afraid...

First thing to scare beginners is the fear of making mistakes, to change one's first steps into cooking in a huge mess... Well, it's quite simple: don't! Even if you did everything wrong, you'll know how to do better next time! You sometimes have to make mistakes before succeding! Yet, with recipes from this selection, there shouldn't be any problem.

Taste and taste again!!!

If there is ONE thing to keep in mind, this is it... Taste your dish while cooking. It's necessary to know if you put too much or too little salt/pepper/spices/sugar/vinegar/oil/anything, whether it's cooked or not, and... if it's good! Don't get burned, have a small bowl besides to put some samples and wait a few seconds for it to cool a bit before tasting. You can also try on some bread.

If your sauce is acidic or sour, add some sugar! All cooks do it, especially in winter, when vegetables are not in full season. You can also add some spices (ground pepper, paprika, cinammon for a sweet and sour taste), but be careful: not too much! :-)

A recipe is just a start

Don't feel stranded in the recipe. It is only a basis and you can change ingredients at will. You'll learn with time what can be changed and what can't. For example, in pastries or cakes, don't change quantities (or the order in which you add the ingredients). But when a custard is ready (and cold), feel free to add some flavouring (some rum, amaretto, orange flower extracts...).

If you don't know, just ask!

Don't be afraid to ask for advice! There is no stupid question, the only stupid thing is not to ask.

Use all Frenchy-cooking resources, such as converters (temperatures, units), or the glossary of culinary terms.

So now, go ahead and try! And let us know how good you're doing.