The Search for a Great Recipe

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I have a library of cookbooks from which to plan menus at my disposal right here in my kitchen. I believe this cookbook hoarding tendency is genetic, passed down from my mother, who might need to start using the Dewey Decimal system to catalog her collection soon.

I love to read cookbooks, and get really excited when I get a new one. The best cookbooks, in my opinion, are those sold as fundraisers by different organizations. They are put together with a collection of recipes from either the public or members of those organizations. They are easy to read, use simple language and ingredients, and the recipes are usually pretty quick. Most of the recipes have been passed down through generations, and have become favorites of family and friends. I have one book with a recipe from my husband's grandmother. Without this cookbook, I probably never would have known the recipe existed!

This leads to my next suggestion. Don't be afraid to ask your family and friends for great recipes. Most people aren't like the Bush Beans guy-they will share that secret family recipe if you just ask!

If you aren't willing to spend a lot of money on cookbooks, or just don't have the time to read a myriad of cookbooks looking for one good dish, the internet is a great resource. A few websites that I use frequently are http://www.allrecipes.com/, http://www.cooks.com/, http://www.foodnetwork.com/, and http://www.food.com/. On allrecipes.com, there is an ingredient search. If your pantry is full and it's time to raid it, type in ingredients you want to use, and all recipes with those ingredients in common will come up.

Another great place to look for free recipes is in your grocery store. In most grocery stores, there is some sort of a rack with tons of free recipe cards. Most times, they are located in the produce department. Just today, I made wonderful black bean and spinach quesadillas for lunch-recipe compliments of Safeway!

Lastly, I just want to remind readers to look on the packaging of products in your pantry, fridge, and freezer for recipes. There are usually awesome recipes right at our fingertips that are often overlooked!