fake it till you bake it // recipes that make it look like you know what you're doing

I was raised to be a food snob. Don't mistake me-- I'm not a picky eater. I'll eat every last brussel sprout on my plate, no problem. No, I'm a food snob because, to me, quality has no price tag. That's right-- I don't just eat because I'm hungry (although, most of the time I am). I eat because food is an experience. There just seems to be something special about a meal made fresh, authentic, and skillfully. Call me crazy-- maybe I am.

Because of my love for food, I've, within the past few years, taken up learning how to better cook and bake. But, I have to admit-- I'm no expert. So, over time I've collected a handful of recipes that are not only relatively easy to follow, but also make my snobby tastebuds sing. Interested? Take a look at the recipes I use that make it look like I know what I'm doing in the kitchen.

breakfast // baked oatmeal

I first ate baked oatmeal in this little train-themed coffee shop that sat right next to a set of railroad tracks and let me tell you-- I fell in love. I like to describe baked oatmeal as a cross between a granola bar, cereal, and cake... trust me, you'll understand once you try it. My absolute favorite thing to do with baked oatmeal is to set my piece in a bowl of warm cream-- my mouth is watering just thinking about it! A perfect mix between sophisticated and homey, baked oatmeal is wonderfully easy and the perfect way to mix up your mornings. Check out Cooking Classy's take on baked oatmeal here.

lunch // mac & cheese

I've made this dish so often I don't even look at the recipe anymore-- I love it that much! Homemade mac & cheese blows the box kind out of the park; homemade tastes phenomenally better, and-- get this-- it takes the same amount of time! My favorite part of this dish is the paprika. Personally, I like to add a little more than suggested because I just love the pop it gives. If you want to make it for yourself, head on over to My Own Meal Plan by clicking here.

snack // pretzels

About two or so years ago I found myself craving soft pretzels like there was no tomorrow. I was honestly ready to drive myself over to the mall before I figured that I might as well see how hard it would be for me to make them myself. I remember reading through a recipe and thinking that the steps looked very, very daunting... but I rolled up my selves and drove right in! I kid you knot (Ha, get it! Like a pretzel knot... no?), these are so much fun to make, especially with another person or in a group. I love to eat my first one hot out of the oven with melted butter and salt, and then the second covered with cinnamon and sugar. A perfect thing to do on a stay home, budget friendly week-end, this recipe has endless opportunities. Head on over here to The Spruce Eats to give it a try!

dinner // carrot soup

If you've talked to me any time since fall, I'm sure you've heard about my total infatuation with this carrot soup recipe by The Cook's Pajamas. Seriously-- I can't get over how good it is! Sweet and creamy with a little bit of a kick, this soup honestly gives me tears of pure joy. It has taken me a few tries to get it down (this recipe is not for the faint of heart), but I promise that it's worth every second. Want to taste and see for yourself? Check it out here!

dessert // triple threat

Sue me-- I couldn't pick just one dessert to put here! I won't say too much about these totally different sweets except that all three are super easy and that all three are also sure to highly impress.

Want a more fancy treat? Head on over to The Kitchen Mccabe for Chocolate Dipped Italian Butter Cookies.

Looking for something exempt from the possibility of burning? Just a Taste has you covered with Strawberry Frozen Yogurt.

Need something just about everyone will love? Check out The Stay-At-Home Chef's tried and true Brownies.

I truly, 100% believe in faking it till you end up making it, especially when it comes to cooking and baking. No one starts off as a master chef, so by finding and trying recipes that are both easy and delicious, you not only build your kitchen skills, but your kitchen confidence as well.

Happy eating!