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My first cookbook was something that I helped to create in grade school as well. I shared my grandma's recipe for ravioli and cheese balls.

My first gourmet cookbook I've purchased was The Joy of Cooking.

We've had square pizza and the peanut butter & jelly sandwiches wrapped in plastic. Once a week, the caf served french fries - people pooled their money for that. I particularly liked the beef barley soup and pizza.

I did get a card with a list of certain foods. Bacon wasn't on the list specifically, but I wanted to be cautious. Chocolate wasn't on the list, but it is a dark brown food and I would think it'd stain my teeth.

@Robbo: the book is called The Practical Cookbook - A book of Economical Recipes by Margaret W. Howard. Her title was listed as Head of Domestic-Science Department - High School of Practical Arts, Boston, Massachusetts. There is a stamp dated March 31, 1923 - Property of the NYC Board of Education. I can only surmise that this was my grandma's book for home ec. class. Pasta was called "macaroni" - listed under the heading starch. Here is actual text from the book:

Macaroni

Source. Made in Italy and America, from wheat flour containing much gluten. Spaghetti and vermicelli are forms of macaroni, also Italian paste, letters, etc., for soups.
Food Value. Contains protein and starch.
Cost. Macaroni, 15 cents per pound. 4 c. = 1 lb.

General Directions. Break macaroni in inch pieces, wash, and cook in the boiling salted water until very tender (45-60 mins.), stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Drain thoroughly and pour cold water over the macaroni to keep pieces from sticking together.

You should check your local community college for adult learning courses. I've taken a cake decorating class at Brookdale - Freehold campus. I believe it was $85 for two sessions.

You can also check out Michael's Crafts - they host Wilton classes.

I have my grandma's home-ec book. It was published in 1914 and it said to boil pasta for one hour.

http://www.ecookbooks.com/p-11744-biscotti.aspx

Peel Me a Grape - Diana Krall.

While I've never had a chocolate shake, Burger King had a black cherry shake called the Love Shake. It came out on Valentine's Day. I wonder if those are still made.

In my opinion, breadsticks are for The Olive Garden, not pizza.

Homemade chicken noodle soup...it's fun to slurp the noodles.

Or, creamy garlic mashed potatoes with plenty of butter.

I thought bratwurst would have been a better protein for Green Bay.