Cooking is the preparation of food for eating by applying heat. Cooking makes food more appetizing and easier to digest. It also kills harmful bacteria that could otherwise cause illness. Many people enjoy cooking. Skillful cooks take great care in preparing delicious, attractive, and nutritious meals. Some people use the term cooking to refer to preparation of all foods, not just those that are heated.
Most people can prepare lettuce salad or other foods without written directions. But many foods, including cakes and sauces, turn out well consistently if prepared according to a recipe. Many cookbooks with a wide variety of recipes are available. Recipes also appear on food packages and in many magazines and newspapers.
Some cookbooks give general tips on both topics in addition to providing recipes. A beginner should first try simple recipes and meals and then go on to more difficult ones.
