The world may as well know: I am a terrible cook. And what I do make well is the result of years of trial and charring in the kitchen. Maybe that’s why I’m so attracted to raw foods - it's difficult to ruin a carrot.

Don't let burned bread happen to you (again). For the non-Julias of the world, a friendly online resource is indispensable - especially when the in-laws are coming to dinner. Start Cooking to the rescue! This accessible site covers everything from kitchen hygiene, care and use of kitchen equipment, and even how to efficiently slice and mince garlic (long the bane of my culinary existence). Start Cooking is cheffing for the rest of us.

(P.S. Kathy Maister, the hostess, has filled the site with fun videos, step-by-step pictures and plenty of easy recipes, guaranteed to help you figure out what to do with all those pots and pans gathering dust in your kitchen cabinets.)

Image: Velo Steve