Of course I'm quoting an Onion article but it's from their AV section interviewing Mike Ruhlman who's launching a new cookbook called Ruhman's Twenty. The gist is that you pretty much only need to know 20 things to cook almost everything. Love the concept.

Adria isn't wrong about American's not cooking but I do think there's a convenience issue at the heart of the problem rather than difficulty. That said, eliminating any hurdles is a plus. Here's the source:

The A.V. Club: Ferran Adria spoke here the other night, and he said that one of the biggest problems is that with this whole foodie boom of the last 10-odd years, it still doesn’t seem like anyone’s really cooking at home. Do you think that’s true?

Michael Ruhlman: I think people are taught that cooking is hard and that they’re too stupid to cook. They’re taught by the people selling and advertising processed food on TV, like, “It’s so hard, so let us make it easy for you when you buy our product.” In reality, though, cooking isn’t hard. It’s easy. It can even be fun. It’s certainly more healthful and economical. It’s a great way to save money, be more healthful, and spend more time with your family.

That’s the way to do it, really—get young people cooking. You have to show them it’s not difficult. It’s basically just 20 things you need to know and then you can cook anything, as long as you have the desire.

There’s no question that it’s a lot easier to get Chipotle or have takeout delivered to your door. You just have to recognize what we give up when we want everything to be convenient.

And I do have to say I know plenty of "foodies" who do cook at home.