In her book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life," Barbara Kingsolver emphasizes that cooking is largely about confidence, accounting for about 80 percent of the overall skill. This perspective highlights the importance of self-assurance and belief in one’s abilities when it comes to preparing meals.

Moreover, Kingsolver suggests that the journey of becoming a proficient cook often begins at a young age, symbolized by the metaphor of apron strings wrapping around a person twice. This implies that early experiences in the kitchen are crucial for developing the necessary skills and confidence that contribute to a successful cooking journey.