Fern and Fog

Starting to cook can feel like an intimidating task. But it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need fancy equipment, a dozen ingredients, or hours of preparation to get started. What you need is something simple, something that doesn’t make you feel like you’re about to burn down the kitchen.

If you’ve been avoiding the kitchen or trying to work up the courage to cook something from scratch, here’s your starting point. These recipes are as easy as it gets, and no one is expecting you to be a professional chef here. You’re just feeding yourself—and that’s a win. All of these recipes are gluten-free, but I’ll also give you options to make them non-gluten-free if you prefer.

1. Easy Scrambled Eggs (Because Who Doesn’t Need These?)

Let’s kick it off with something super basic, but absolutely essential. Scrambled eggs are the perfect beginner recipe. They don’t require a ton of skill, and they’re delicious every single time.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 eggs
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• A bit of butter or oil for the pan (use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option)

Steps:

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl. Use a fork to whisk them together until everything is well-mixed (you can add a tablespoon of milk or water here if you want creamier eggs).
2. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add a small knob of butter or a drizzle of oil.
3. Once the butter is melted or the oil is hot, pour the eggs into the pan.
4. Wait a few seconds and then use a spatula to gently stir the eggs. Keep stirring every few seconds to make sure they cook evenly. Don’t overcook them—they should still be a little soft and fluffy when you take them off the heat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

You can add cheese, herbs, or veggies if you want, but honestly, these eggs are delicious on their own. Simple. No stress.

2. One-Pan Pasta (Gluten-Free Option)

One pan. Minimal ingredients. Delicious results. That’s what we’re aiming for here. I’ve made this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta (which you can find at most grocery stores), but if you’re not concerned about gluten, feel free to use regular pasta.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz of pasta (gluten-free pasta if needed, but regular pasta works too)
• 2 cups of water or broth (chicken or veggie)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, but recommended)
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

1. Pour the water (or broth) into a large pan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, add the pasta. Stir it around so it doesn’t stick together.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the pasta, stirring occasionally. If the water evaporates too quickly, just add a bit more water to keep the pasta submerged. Let it cook until the pasta is tender (this usually takes about 10-12 minutes for gluten-free pasta, but check the package instructions).
4. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
5. While the pasta is cooking, mince the garlic (or use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic).
6. Once the pasta is drained, stir in the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add a sprinkle of parmesan if you want to get fancy.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or any other seasoning you like.

This is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a pro without really doing much at all. Easy, filling, and there’s no mess to clean up.

3. Simple Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free Option)

A pasta salad that’s easy to throw together, and you can add whatever ingredients you like. It’s fresh, filling, and perfect for beginners.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz of gluten-free pasta (or regular pasta if preferred)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, or use dairy-free cheese)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley works great)

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool slightly.
2. While the pasta cools, chop the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. If using herbs, chop them up finely.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with the vegetables, feta cheese, and herbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything to coat evenly.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar depending on your taste.

This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days, making it a perfect meal prep option. It’s flexible, so throw in whatever veggies or protein you like—chickpeas, grilled chicken, or olives would all work great.

4. Quick Avocado Toast (Gluten-Free Option)

You can’t go wrong with a simple avocado toast. It’s quick, healthy, and tastes so damn good. Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe 100% gluten-free, or use regular bread if you’re not worried about it.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 slices of bread (gluten-free bread if needed, or regular bread if you prefer)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional toppings: egg, tomatoes, cheese, or hot sauce

Steps:

1. Toast the bread. While the bread is toasting, cut the avocado in half and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
2. Mash the avocado with a fork until smooth (or leave it chunky if you prefer).
3. Season the mashed avocado with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the avocado on the toasted bread.
5. Top with anything you want. Egg (scrambled, fried, or poached) on top? Yes. Tomatoes? Absolutely. A drizzle of hot sauce? Go for it.

This is one of those recipes that you can change up to your taste. Keep it simple or go wild with toppings. It’s fast, filling, and great for a snack, breakfast, or lunch.

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These recipes are designed to get you comfortable in the kitchen—no pressure, no fuss. Start with these, and then branch out into your own creations. Cooking doesn’t have to be a stressful, complicated task. It can be simple, satisfying, and fun. What’s the first dish you ever made on your own? Drop a comment below, or head to my Facebook and tell me how you’ve made cooking your own. Let’s share some easy recipes and kitchen wins!