Cooking is a fun hobby that becomes more meaningful when you experiment with new recipes. Here are a few ideas for where to look.
But now that you're ready for the next kitchen challenge, where do you find new ideas? Here are a few hints for locating delicious new dishes that will be fun to make and eat.
1. Contact the distant relatives. While you've probably enjoyed all the usual specialties that local family members bring for holidays and parties, it may be that you've lost touch with some of the older or more far-away relatives in your extended family. Look up Great Aunt Bertha's telephone number, and give her a buzz for that wonderful peach pie recipe you've heard about for years but never tasted. Or find second cousin-once-removed Andrew's email address to ask about his roast beef-and-beer oddity that everyone raves about in Iowa. Not only will you add great new ideas to your kitchen collection, you'll re-establish contact with family members you've seldom or never met.
2. Browse bookstore cookbooks and cooking magazines. You don't necessarily have to buy before you try. Many stores like Borders provide cafe-style lounging areas for customers to savor a beverage and dessert while pouring over their favorite reads. You can check out Caribbean fare or "new things to try with sausage" while chugging a chai with a bagel, for example. Leaf through women's magazines, and jot down tempting recipes to take home with you. Go ahead and purchase any publication that is full of great ideas.
3. Host an exchange party. Select a party theme, like Christmas cookies, for example, and sponsor a cookie exchange a few weeks before the holiday. Invite everyone you know who enjoys baking cookies and suggest they bring two dozen of a new recipe or an old favorite, along with the same number of recipe copies. Provide tea and coffee, and then have everyone sample each other's cookies, perhaps taking some home if there are enough (depending on the number of participants).
4. Search online. Use a search engine and type in a few favorite ingredients, like brown sugar and walnuts, to see what comes up. You will be amazed at the variety of recipes that are available for free on the Internet. Many sites are sponsored by the makers of popular baking ingredients, like evaporated milk, cooking chocolate, or shortening. Click through the links until you find the ones you want. Then print them out for future use. This is a great way to figure out what to make for a last minute dessert or meal when you have only certain ingredients in the house and no time to shop.
5. Don't be afraid to experiment. If the broccoli soup recipes you've tried so far are too bland, start with a base recipe, and add a few tangy ingredients like red pepper, garlic, or onions to find the taste you want. You may have to experiment a little bit to get a final result you're happy with, but when you do, write it down and keep it for future use.
Cooking is a fun way to relax, be creative, and surprise or nurture others. Add new recipes to your repertoire to make your kitchen time even more enjoyable.
