Recipes aren’t a major feature of this site. Why not? Because I believe they can be a deterrent to cooking. If you’re new to the kitchen, you’re probably familiar with the panic that comes from a long list of ingredients. Complicated recipes might mean a trip to the store, scouring aisles for things you’ve never heard of while worrying whether you’re going to follow the directions correctly and enjoy the final product. Minimal recipes are often boring or dependent on processed foods high in salt.
I use recipes less and less these days. I’m more interested in learning the principles behind the things I like to eat, so I can make dinner with whatever I have on hand. This approach has made me a more confident cook and has resulted in less wasted food. It’s the approach I’d like to share with you. Here’s what you’ll find in my recipe posts:
- Basic Formulas: These posts give you specific instructions about the process you should follow but generalized instructions about the ingredients you need. The goal is that you can use what you have without worrying about messing up a recipe because you are missing something.
- Easier Than It Looks: These posts take a process that might feel intimidating and break it into its most basic components. Once you have confidence that you can use this technique without ruining your meal, you can refine your approach.
- Step-by-Step: These posts do contain complete recipes in case you want to make an exact replica of what I did.
- Stolen Salads: These posts contain complete recipes for salads inspired by outstanding salads I have ordered at restaurants (hence the “stolen” part of the title). If you are having guests for dinner, include something from this category–they are impressive.
- Emergency Meals: These posts are designed to help when you are short on time and options. They contain shopping lists as well as meal suggestions so you’ll know what to keep on hand.