From Beer-Basted Boar Ribs to Giant Clam Scorcho, there is no recipe too obscure or odd to avoid notice from the Chefs of Azeroth. Food is used in the game to heal players out of combat, so they can get back to fighting as quickly as possible.
As you're traveling around the world, you'll notice that you often receive pieces of meat, which, instead of being sold to merchants, could be used to create food. If you're a player that relies on food, such as a non-healing player or a player that solos, food should become very important to you.

You can buy food from merchants, but the food gained through cooking is nearly free and it is actually much more effective. Cooking is also a great "flavor" secondary skill because you can entertain players with the funny and interesting dishes you can create. Hand someone some Gooey Spider Cake, Giant Clam Scorcho, or a Curiously Tasty Omelet and you'll see what we mean.

Becoming a Cook

First, find an NPC who can teach you to Cook (look for the words "<Cooking Trainer>" under the NPC's name). These trainers will likely be somewhere near a fire or cooking pot and can make you into an Apprentice Cook. Once you've become an apprentice, you will need to buy the appropriate recipe ingredients from a trade merchant and you'll finally be ready to cook it up!

Recipes
You can get new recipes in several ways: as a reward for a quest, as loot from a monster or chest, or even by buying them from a merchant. You can even have your friends be on the lookout for new recipes for you. Cooks are not as common as other tradesmen and this will allow you to have an easier time finding recipes. People may even be more willing to donate recipes to you!