Frustrated Cook

I have always been interested and a fan of cooking shows ever since I can remember. I think I got the habit from my mom, who is a good cook (at least in our books) by the way. And since I am also willing to try out new things to eat, I always make it a point to have a pen and paper ready so that I can jot the recipe down. I've got tons of recipes already but I have yet to cook them for myself. Cooking can be time-consuming, you see, and time right now for me is very much a precious thing, especially with the little girl around.