The Single Girl's Starter Kit for Cooking

For the single gal on the move, we know cooking is quite the delicate subject. The thought of tossing aside the Ramen for some real home cooking shakes your world to the core, but come on, don’t be scuured.

According to Chef Aaron McCargo of The Food Network, all it takes is a little bit of love.

“If you don’t love what you’re making, whether it’s a bowl of cereal or grilled cheese, it’s going to be the worst,” notes the popular chef. “You have to walk into the kitchen with the right attitude.” So, put your fabulous foot forward, bask in your greatness, and just have fun, in the kitchen.

We’ve put together a little care package to get you started.

Okay, miss cutie on duty, safeguard your precious duds with a deliciously chic apron and oven mitt set. Bib Audrey Cupcakes Apron ($32.95, theconsumerlink.com) and Mitt ($6.95).

Cooking shouldn’t be a hassle, just a scrumptious means to an end. Perfect your technique with this easygoing, nonstick pan set from Cook’s Essentials ($126.60, qvc.com) and Metro Kitchen’s 7-piece utensil set ($20.41, qvc.com) .

Reel in that guy with help from our friends, the Get Em’ Girls. With over 120 easy-to-make recipes, there’s no way you can go wrong. The Official Get ‘Em Girl;s Guide to Cuisine ($15, amazon.com).

Season for taste, not cardiac arrest. This essential herb set contains all the trappings for a good meal (without the salt). Salt Free Seasoning Pack ($29.95, americanspice.com).

For the fabulous new foodie, safety always comes first. We love this HomeHero Kitchen Fire Extinguisher ($30, Home Depots nationwide). It’s small enough for petite fingers and, unlike most extinguishers, not too bad on the eyes.

Finally, “Be clean and be neat,” says Chef McCargo. “If you’re [not] clean in the kitchen, it’s going to feel like you’re working ten times harder.”

There’s also nothing wrong with being the recessionista chef either. Many of the items that are hidden deep in your cupboard are perfect for cleaning surfaces squeaky clean. Baking soda, distilled white vinegar, eucalyptus or lavender plant oils, lemon, and olive oil all make for great cleaning supplies.

So, now that your resources are plenty, it’s time to get gritty (well, clean) in the kitchen.