Nothing beats looking forward to what you’re going to make for dinner tonight.

Even better is when you already have the leftovers in the fridge, and all you have to do is heat them up. One of the simplest ways to feel a little happiness without too much effort is by cooking an easy, well-loved recipe for ourselves; there is a reason that they call it comfort food. 

Knowing how to cook isn’t just a valuable skill. Many would argue it is essential if you want to live a successful independent life. While it may be possible to live on takeout if you don’t care about your budget or your health, there is something very beneficial about using your brain to figure out what can be made with the remaining handful of ingredients in the cupboard the day before your next big grocery shop. In a world where we are told to prioritize convenience, it is good to try to be resourceful instead.

That isn’t to say that cooking always has to be about being sensible and saving money. Depending on the recipe or the occasion, a home-cooked feast can turn out to be mighty extravagant as well. We only need to look to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday to be reminded of that. The great thing about learning to cook is that you can make food whatever you want it to be, so long as you have the patience and dedication. Considering that you can make many delicious meals in under 30 minutes, even that doesn’t have to be too hard.