Turning the Corner...No Looking Back

Rachael Ray had me intrigued.  The big change for me came when the show had a guest featured who was an everyday lady and had purchased her 365: No Repeats cookbook.  This woman was determined to try out every single recipe in the book for an entire year.  I heard terms like 'successful', 'easy', 'delicious' and 'fun'.

Is this what I have been looking for?

I decided it was worth a try and went online to order the cookbook.  I received it within a week and for the first time in my life I decided to read the introduction.  I think it's because I liked her thank you notes that preceded it.

The following is a smattering of what continued to draw me in...and has kept me coming back:

• 30-Minute Meals.  I have since learned that this does not include the prep time needed which for me was much longer in the beginning as I finally braved learning how to use of my Chef Knife.
• Her promise that you'll never get bored and that every night can be full of new flavors!  I felt like this cookbook was written specifically for me.  
• Measuring shortcuts.  I know they exist.  My Aunt does this all the time.  But I just didn't get it and have always been concerned about inconsistencies.  Somehow Rachael's explanation of how to accomplish these shortcuts (palmful, handful, stream around the pan) gave me the courage to take the plunge

I was definitely interested.  Now I just needed to get cooking.

What or who has inspired you in the kitchen?  Is it a family member or a friend?  Maybe a special cookbook that is your 'go-to' resource.  Please share!