I went to the gym this morning. Though I said I'd take it easy, I went for an hour and a half. It was glorious. During my last 25 minutes, I watched the Food Network on the bike. I didn't realize how much I missed the Food Network.
The problem I have, though, is the feasibility of using the recipes in my everyday life. Upon occasion, I'll go out and find a recipe I like, gather the ingredients at the store, then make it. But when I have a number of ingredients at home already, it's hard to find a top notch recipe that will fit them. There are always unusual ingredients like red wine vinegar or fresh tarragon. Is there some kind of essential pantry list somewhere that I'm missing? I'm a bit afraid of some of the ingredients, too. Between things like lentils, broccoli rabe, and onions, I'm not sure how to expand my palate without going hungry every night. It seems like, with one notable exception, all of the recipes I've tried lately were really nasty. I guess the only option is to try weekly meal planning again and ignoring any cravings that come my way.
Prepare Your Family with the “What if …?’ Game
6 hours ago
I love browsing for new recipes, but I end up actually making only a small percentage of those I look at. First it has to sound good. Second, I have a much higher likelihood of making it if I actually have most or all of the ingredients around. If something sounds really good then I will plan it into my next menu and buy what I need for it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you need a pantry list. Just keep around what you use. When I was first married, I kept Bisquick and potatoes around all the time because my mom did. But I never used the Bisquick and the potatoes always spoiled, so they're not on my mental list any more.
On the other hand, I have added some items to my pantry too, such as quinoa and capers and lime juice, because I've ended up cooking with them enough to justify it.
I've never watched Food Network before. I think that might be a good thing: I'm afraid I'd get addicted.