I did it. I finally learned how to cook. Well, I finally learned how to read directions properly, boil water and cut some peppers, if that’s what you call cooking these days.

A few months ago, I received some HelloFresh coupons. I’m sure you know what HelloFresh is. It’s actually a brilliant idea. HelloFresh is one of those meal delivery websites that deliver pre-prepped and measured out ingredients to make delicious recipes.

I don’t remember how I acquired these coupons, but I figured I might as well use them. Unfortunately, the website was down, and I was a little relieved. I didn’t know how to cook anyway, so why learn now?

However, months later, I felt like I had unfinished business. The thought dawned on me: I’m 19-years-old, and I only know how to heat up frozen food, cook eggs, pasta and the occasional grilled cheese sandwich. In a few shorts months, I would be studying abroad, and I really do not want to put a large gaping hole in my wallet from eating out all the time. Cooking is just a skill I would have to learn.

These thoughts led me to make one sort of impulsive decision, with only two weeks left of school and a meal plan still waiting to be used: I used my coupon and order HelloFresh. I did it with the click of a button, and in just a few days, I would receive three different meals.

Considering I had once almost burned down a kitchen in my friend’s building last year making microwave popcorn, I was a little nervous. I asked my friends to keep me company while I cooked, and they actually ended up doing some of the cooking.

That week, I cooked three different meals (with some help from others): Chicken with orzo and vegetables, salmon with couscous and arugula salad, and a failed attempt at stuffed peppers. To my surprise, the food tasted pretty good (minus the stuffed peppers... but that was the recipe, not me).

I admit it, I’m not good at following directions, and I don’t have common sense sometimes when it comes to cooking food, so if I can do it, you can too. Maybe it’s because everything in HelloFresh was already portioned out for me, or it's because all of the recipes were so tasty anyway, but after that week, I felt way more confident in my cooking abilities.

After using HelloFresh that time, I will definitely be trying it again, and my wallet will thank me.