Before I even begin to cook, I thoroughly sort and sift for REAL recipes to see if they meet up to my personal standard.
Yes, I wrote 'Real Recipes'.
I'll throw in the disclaimer that not everyone has the same perspective of food. Nor does everyone have the same factors that dictate a perspective of food.
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This post is not written to hurt anyone feelings or make fun of anyone's taste in foods or how they prepare meals. We are all different and that is BEAUTIFUL! I love it that way! I can't be different and stand out, if you all look like me!
At the same time, I like belonging to a community of folks with common interests. So with that out of the way, here are my basic rules.
Basic Rules When Sifting For Real Recipes
- Will my family eat it? I can eat anything, but my family is different.
If yes, go to #2. If no, move along - there's nothing to see here.
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- Does it call for ingredients I have on hand?
If yes, yea!
2a. If there's special ingredients, can I use them in other recipes?
If no, move along - there's nothing to see here.
2b. Are the special ingredients hard to find & expensive?
If yes, move along - there's nothing to see here.
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- How long will it take to get the dish to the table?
Close to one hour, from prep to serve is realistically good. 45 minutes is better. 30 minutes is great but sometimes stressful if not well prepared. 20 minutes or less is practically homemade fast food, but doesn't always make the best meals.
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- How many bowls, pans and cutting boards will I have to dirty up?
One skillet, one pot, one mixing bowl, one cutting board - VERY GOOD.
One pot or skillet, one cutting board, no bowls - PERFECT.
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Great list. I especially like recipes that are made from ingredients that are usually on hand. I can deal with one or two specific purchase for a recipe, but more than that and its not worth it.
AMEN Brother!