"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." - Mother Teresa

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Confessions of a fair to middlin' cook

Have you ever looked at your life and said, "What is the one thing I could do that would make the most difference?" I don't usually do it, but at this point, it is hitting me over the head. I know that if I could really immerse myself in cooking, it would really improve my family life. But, I just don't do it. It isn't that I don't want to (okay, maybe it is) but mostly it is that I don't know how. I would love to spend a month or so at a good cooking school (alright, just about anywhere but doing dishes would be good) but, like most of the rest of the world, I just can't. So, I continue to plod away, making the same kinds of things, day in and day out, and not really enjoying it. It isn't that I can't follow a recipe, I can! I am actually pretty good at following a recipe. I just don't have enough recipes I really like, and I am horrible at recognizing good ones! And there are very few things I detest more than putting a bunch of work into something and then having it turn out like slop! So my question is, how do you identify good recipes? Really, I would love to just request everyone's favorite recipe. I figure, if I could get one GREAT recipe from everyone I know, I could toss out the ones that just don't match my taste and still have a good stockpile of tried-and-true recipes. So, who wants to share? I know, I wouldn't really take the time to do it either, but here's hoping!

9 comments:

Becky Jensen said...

I think that is a great idea. we should have a recipe share party, where everyone brings a dish and the recipes (copies for everyone) we used to have parties like that in my ward in utah, its a fun way to try new things, and you get to try them before you make it!

Tara said...

Great idea!

Jen said...

DITTO!! I hear you! I don't even TRY a new recipe unless I've had it before, or it has ingredients that I know I like. Our ward has been doing what Becky wrote about, but I haven't been able to attend the nights they've done it. I'd love to see some of the recipes you gather since we are so far apart...maybe post them on "A Place for Food"?? ;)

Lyndee said...

I will have to get your email from you because I have a killer soup recipe. If you like soup? :) It's sooo good! (but maybe it's just me who thinks that!) :)

Chivaun-o-rama said...

So, one year my mom made a family cook book.

That's all you'll ever need... ;) J/K...I think sharing recipes is the best! I dunno about you, but if i can see a picture...usually I can tell...especially if I'm hungry. ;)

Nerell said...

Beck's Idea sounds fabalous. I have a really good chicken, garlic, broccoli braid that I make. Yummy..... I think I need to go and eat breakfast, I'm hungry

Linda said...

Tara the best website I found for recipes is allrecipe.com you can type in any ingredient and find recipes and the are rated 1-5. It has helped me recently in trying new things. But I love the idea of a recipe exchange. I think we always need new ideas

Anita said...

If you have your recipe exchange there, you have to share on your blog so those of us who are way too far away can benefit, too. I'll have to think about what one of our favorites is. Once I figure it out I'll share with you via email.

KellyAnne said...

I'm in. I always need new good ideas too. I get so bored with the things I cook!