Cook? Who me?

New fiscal year. New leaf. Pot-ay-to, Pot-ah-to.

I decided of the last few days that I wanted to learn how to cook. Well, I know how to cook -- I don't have to ask how to boil Ramen noodles, let alone water itself. But I would like to hone my culinary skills, since my skills basically lie in making things out of a box or frozen bag.

I think I probably knocked my boyfriend out of his chair when I mentioned this to him today.

It all started at a little cupcake shop called Teacake Bake Shop in Emeryville. I was only looking to break my $20 bill in order to pay the $1 parking and I thought that $2 for a cookie was a little pricey, but it was the best $2 I have spent in a long time. The cookie was that good. It was of the simple chocolate chunk variety, but something about it made it special. The bake shop touts that only the finest ingredients are used, and I believe it. Visit the site and make your mouth water.

This got me to thinking: what a great business! Making cookies and cupcakes. I was talking to my sister about this idea -- especially since she is the baker/pastry artist in the family -- and it got some wheels turning. Now, of course, this was just an idea that felt like it came from out of the blue. But who knows, a couple of years out and a few business plans down the line, and we two could have a lucrative enterprise. And a profile on the Food Network. Hey, a girl can dream big.

So how did I decide that I wanted to learn to cook? The idea of making baked goods can only get someone so far. Baked goods are fantastic as gifts and peace offerings, but after time will make you rotund. Also, I'd like to not eat like a college student for the rest of my life. Ramen noodles and Mac N Cheese aka "Struggle Food" as we like to call it, is not sustenance. I realize now that eventually, I'll be the one who is relied upon for food, and what will I have to show for it? Nothing at the moment. So this is my new fiscal year resolution. Learn to cook a few "go-to" recipes.

Here I go!