I love to cook but when I got married I did not know how to make anything at all! I bought a cookbook and started with that. I've improved over the years (I think). I now often do not measure accurately and often make substitutions. Sometimes I make something fantastic that I can never replicate because I am unsure of the quantities of anything in it. Oh well. I am so glad of your cooking success especially because you wanted to be able to welcome and nurture your family with meals they would love. It sounds like you've aced it!