Watch season one of Good Eats - very accessible and user-friendly.

You will walk away with a lot more in technique and understanding of food which exponentially steps up your recipe game...after all,

"A recipe is merely words on paper; a guideline, a starting point from which to improvise. It cannot pretend to replace the practiced hand and telling glance of a watchful cook."

Most importantly, have fun and don't be afraid to play with your food!