Cooking at home is good for the mind and wallet, and once you get into the habit it can quickly become a fun and healthy new obsession.

Here are five simple steps to get you on your journey to becoming a home cooking champion:

1. Dust off that old recipe book, or build a new collection

In the age of cooking TV shows like My Kitchen Rules, MasterChef or following other home or travelling chefs, there’s plenty of inspiration for improving our skills in the kitchen. 

But there’s a big difference between converting what we see on TV shows into kitchen chemistry at home. An easy way to get the ball rolling is to get back to basics and work on growing your cookbook collection.

Whether it’s an old one passed down from your grandma, an unread gift or one you bought in a fit of inspiration, now’s the time to dust them off.

2. Watch step-by-step videos from the pros

Sometimes changes in cooking terms can confuse what you might find in a hand-me-down cookbook, especially when trying to compare imperial and metric measurements. 

In this instance, you might find it easier to follow along with some of our Kleenheat Kitchen recipes for easy and delicious meals. You can also visit YouTube or social media to watch video tutorials and cooking shows to help you get inspired and learn the basics.

3. Get the kids involved

Things are probably going to get a bit messy if you include kids in preparing meals and snacks, but what better way to get them curious and help them learn than by having them batter the fish or fold in the flour with you?

Cooking with kids helps them become more adventurous with what they’ll eat, and chances are they’ll look forward to trying a new food they’ve made themselves.

It’ll also encourage you to seek out recipes you both love that are healthy and (maybe surprisingly) delicious.

4. Look for local grocers or meal kit delivery services

If you’re looking to up your fresh ingredient game – avoid the major supermarkets and find a grocer near you.

You’re likely to enjoy fruit and vegetables that are bigger, fresher, and locally-sourced. If you want to stay home, a quick search online will reveal plenty of suppliers who’ll deliver the ingredients you need to your doorstep. 

Alternatively, why not try a meal kit delivery service? Companies like My Foodie Box and Dinner Twist are a great way to up your cooking skills with delicious end results. Looking for more suggestions? Check our tips on improving meal time flow.

5. Cook big and save it for later

There’s going to be days where things do get a little too crazy for extra time in the kitchen, and sometimes that can’t be helped. But rather than giving into temptation and ordering takeaway, cooking big and saving leftovers offers a simple, guilt-free solution.

Soups, curries, stews and pasta dishes are perfect for storing in the fridge for a few days – or even longer in the freezer, (they sometimes even taste better the longer you leave them!) 

Keeping fruits, vegetables, meats and meals fresh can be tricky without the right appliances, cookware and storage containers. These can be expensive items to stock up on too, so check out the Flybuys online shop for a great variety of cookware and kitchen appliances that will help your cooked and fresh foods keep for longer.

6. Get handy on the barbecue

If you’re looking to slowly build your home-cooking skills, a good place to start is alongside the trusty barbecue. We’re lucky to spend a lot of time outdoors in backyards, in parks or at the beach barbecuing – so start simple on the grill and build your confidence as you go. 

WA has a heap of quality fresh produce perfect for cooking outdoors, including vegetables and fruits, local meats and fish – the list goes on. And ensuring you’ve got all the right gear for a barbecue means you’ll always make barbecuing a breeze.