The orange and red embers were waltzing to an eccentric rhythm, the smoke alarm was blaring at a screeching pitch, and I was shrieking and bawling in a manner so comical it would have been hilarious had the oven not been on fire.

That was my first attempt at baking cookies.

I am notorious in my family for being culinarily-challenged. I am known for burning pancakes to inedible crisps, accidentally sprinkling salt instead of sugar in cookies, and heating tin foil in the microwave. The only recipe I have learned to successfully make without too much of an incident is instant ramen. Yet, even though my kitchen abilities are, quite frankly, terrifying at times, that hasn’t deterred me in the least; my ebullience for cooking is as passionate and strong as the day I got my hands on a frying pan.

Cooking allows me to crack open a cookbook and attempt new recipes of my choosing, and I often find myself willingly venturing towards uncertain waters. I walk along the Great Wall of China and the bustling, vibrant Chinese markets as I make a somewhat overcooked, nonetheless heart-warming PiDanZhou (Century Egg Congee). I see the cascading cherry blossom petals and the variegated Tokyo city lights as I prepare an overly salty, yet scrumptious miso nikomi udon. I feel the shadows of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Palace looming over me as I bake a slightly burnt, but still delectable quiche lorraine. Each recipe a risky adventure, each attempt a personal accomplishment, I relish in exploring the unknown.

Although not every adventure or recipe ended up being a success, and more often than not I found myself scrubbing burnt ovens and scorched pots, I am slowly, but surely, adding to my collection of life experiences. And perhaps in the future, as I become inspired by a new episode of Masterchef or a random "Tasty" video, I’ll think of more dishes, more recipes I want to try in the future. A crème brûlée? A clam chowder? Who knows. Just make sure there is a fire extinguisher nearby.