When delicious food is served at a restaurant, it can be gobbled down by a hungry customer (26) ________ minutes. He does not give a thought about the amount of time or effort required to prepare the dish. Preparing a complete meal is (27) ________ challenging and interesting as advance planning and preparation are necessary.

Cooking can be relatively easy once you learn how to do it and constantly practise it. For people learning to cook for the first time, they should (28) ________ help and advice from friends and family or read up cookery books for ideas. Before making a trip to the provision shop to buy the ingredients for the meal you intend to cook, make (29) ________ that you have the right utensils and condiments in your kitchen. To gain the confidence you need, start with a simple dish or two that does not require too much preparation time. Before cooking, prepare the (30) ________ like cutting up the vegetables and thawing and seasoning the meat. When everything is ready, you can start to cook.