I got into cooking about 15 years ago because my other half didn't enjoy doing it. I used to follow recipes exactly and some turned out great and others were a bland disaster. Then I started doing my own thing, learning how to season food properly makes a massive difference. I've never read a cookbook that actually teaches you how to season. If something tastes bland, try adding a little more salt, stir then taste again. when adding pepper, you want to taste a little kick. If the dish is too bitter or acidic, try adding a little sugar or add some sweet vegetables like carrots next time you cook the same dish. if something is a bit dull and boring, squeeze in a bit of lemon, lime or add a dash of vinegar. When you figure out how to season, you can make most things taste great. I've now got 2 young kids and they love their food. they'll eat whatever we're having, which is usually a meal cooked from scratch most evenings. I usually cook on a budget and most things don't take too long.