In an era of takeout apps and meal delivery services, a growing number of Americans are finding themselves out of practice in the kitchen. Such was the case for Aaron Miller, a 34-year-old software engineer in San Francisco, who recently took on the challenge of cooking for himself — only to be met with humbling results.
After years of relying on DoorDash and UberEats, Miller decided to prepare a homemade meal for the first time in nearly a decade. Armed with a recipe he found online, he attempted what should have been a simple pasta dish. “I figured it couldn’t be that hard,” Miller said. “But after a few bites, I had to admit — it tasted like dogshit. Zero stars.”
His culinary venture quickly became a viral tale, as he documented the process on social media, captioning each step with a mix of confidence and, later, brutal self-assessment. Photos of his burned garlic, overcooked pasta, and bland sauce drew thousands of empathetic comments and humorous support from fellow kitchen novices.
Cooking experts see Miller’s experience as a relatable symptom of a society that’s grown distant from the kitchen. “Basic cooking skills have become rare,” said Chef Helen Barker, a culinary instructor. “Many people don’t realize that it takes practice — and a few failures — to learn how to make even simple dishes.”
Miller isn’t discouraged, however. “Next week, I’ll try grilled cheese,” he said, laughing. “How hard can that be?”
