I am celebrating my birthday this week, which is always cause for a lot of reflection. Especially this year- I am turning 29, which means next year I will be hittin’ 30! I’ve been thinking long and hard about everything I have accomplished in my life so far, as well as all the things I haven’t done but want to! I don’t think it’s too uncommon to have a “30 by 30” list, or a list of 30 things you should or want to do before you turn 30. However, the kitchen opens up a whole new world of possibilities! Sure, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean I’ve tried my hand at everything ;).

While this list will definitely differ from person to person, here is a list of basics that will help any aspiring chef!

1. Boil an egg

2. Bake cake from scratch

3. Cook the perfect steak

4. Perfect the art of cooking chicken on the stovetop- not too dry or underdone!

5. Find the perfect chocolate chip recipe

6. Make pico de gallo and guacamole- the perfect addition to so many meals!

7. Make homemade pizza- because- PIZZA.

8. Bake a loaf of homemade bread- wheat, white, banana…. Or all of them ;).

9. Make a pan of lasagna- such a great meal to take to neighbors!

10. Roast vegetables- because they’re healthy and tasty!

11. Grill the perfect hamburger- because it’s never a bad day for a good burger ;).

12. Make perfectly creamy mashed potatoes

13. Make a pot of perfect homemade chicken noodle soup

14. A favorite chili recipe (white chili is the best!) is always good to have on hand!

15. Make a basic grilled cheese- delicious and comforting!

16. Bake sugar cookies from scratch

17. Every chef needs a good basic frosting recipe- you can’t go wrong with buttercream ;)

18. Bake brownies from scratch

19. Pie is such an American classic- it doesn’t matter what kind, you want to have at least one good recipe under your belt!

20. Fry the perfect fish fillet- salmon or halibut are both great choices ;).

21. Roast a whole chicken or turkey- Thanksgiving isn’t the only time you can enjoy this skill!

22. Make scrambled eggs- such a basic recipe, but one that can be hard to master!

23. Pancakes- and I’m not talking about the boxed mix stuff ;).

24. Concoct a delicious fried rice

25. Make a basic, but delicious, spaghetti sauce

26. Cook a delectable pot roast- the perfect Sunday meal

27. Make a basic smoothie- great for breakfast or dessert!

28. Make a basic caesar salad (or really any salad that will pair well with several meals)

29. Fajitas- or any good favorite Mexican recipe…. Because that’s pretty much all we eat at my house ;)

30. A good soup made from a vegetable (like cauliflower or butternut squash soup)

Now if this list is a little too basic for you, here are some more creative options!

1. Homemade marshmallows

2. Macaroons

3. Divinity

4. Ratatouille

5. Creme brulee

6. Street tacos

7. Homemade ice cream

8. Kabobs

9. Muddie buddies

10. Sheet cake

11. Trifle

12. Twice-baked potatoes

13. Homemade mac n’ cheese

14. Tres leches cake

15. Ribs

16. Chicken cordon bleu

17. A fancy bundt cake

18. A delicious cheese ball

19. A really good bean dip

20. Homemade jam

21. Orange chicken

22. Baked homemade French fries

23. Molten lava cake

24. Egg rolls

25. Homemade fudge

26. A great fruit dip

27. Homemade chicken broth

28. Cinnamon rolls

29. Blueberry muffins

30. Homemade pretzels

So what would be on your 30 by 30 list? Which basic recipes would you add, and what more fun and crazy recipes would you add? I’d love to hear your suggestions!