If you just started this whole "living on your own" thing, you know it's all about firsts — cough cough, like getting a job — and you best be celebrating each one. If you’re asking us, toasting what it means to be considered a full-fledged grown-up starts right in the kitchen. As you check off life's list of to-dos, cook up these so-good dishes with every step. (And even if you've been a bill-paying, key-wielding adult for a while now, we have a feeling these bold recipes will still resonate with you.)

Photography by Stephen Johnston

Look at you, all employed! You can finally afford groceries but might not quite be at big-spender status. If you are looking to cook a meal that's both impressive and responsible (just like you), this cost-cutting Cajun dish is just the thing. Make your shrimp work double duty: Use the shells to make a shrimp broth that enhances the flavor of the dish. And don’t forget the Champagne — or sparkling white wine (no judgments here!).

Congrats! You just signed your first lease! … But the majority of your kitchen tools are still in the boxes. Unearth at least one for a truly amazing one-pot dish: pork carnitas. After some time and TLC, you'll watch the meat go from simmering to frying, leaving you with tender chunks and crisp bites of pork for the perfect taco filling. Stock up on all the fixings and you're in business — even if you have to eat your meal on the floor.

You’ve graduated from keggers to an affair that’s a little more civilized. The wine is covered (twist-top FTW), but what will you serve? Go for this super-simple ricotta cheese. You get to decide if you'd rather make a soft or slightly firmer version. And flavor options for serving are endless — we're big fans of the classic honey and cracked black pepper.

After you hang the little pine tree freshener and program your favorite radio stations, the next step for celebrating your very own wheels is an on-the-road feast. These crispy fried chicken sandwiches are great fresh and hot at home, or wrapped in foil to take along on a joy ride in the car.

Or your friend did, while you haven’t gotten out of bed yet! Make a recovery snack to remember: This "sundae" is actually a healthy serving of fruit in a bowl with a big helping of extra energy and potassium.

Nothing woos like homemade dinner. Pro tip: Don’t forget the candle, and make a dish that’s sure to impress and difficult to screw up. The secret ingredient in this recipe is time (although there's thyme, too). Letting the pork slowly braise in the tomato sauce builds a deep and rich flavor.

Before you freak out, cook something that’ll make them proud (and still leave you time to clean the whole apartment). If you've ever roasted a chicken, then consider this Chicken Dinner 2.0 — you're sure to impress with just a little bit of extra work.