In the age of digital everything, collecting recipes has never been easier. With a few clicks, we can save, pin, bookmark, or screenshot an endless array of delicious-looking dishes. From vibrant salads to decadent desserts, our digital recipe boxes are brimming with culinary inspiration. Yet, the reality is starkly different for many of us: despite our best intentions, we cook only a fraction of these recipes. If you’re anything like me, you may make just 1 out of every 10 recipes you save. Why does this happen, and how can we change it?
💛 Here is my take on this conundrum 💚
The Recipe Collection Habit
First, let’s acknowledge the thrill of finding a new recipe. There’s something inherently satisfying about discovering a dish that looks delicious, is packed with healthy ingredients, and promises to be a hit with the family. This sense of discovery and anticipation can be quite addictive. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the idea of the food and the experiences we associate with it.
However, the act of collecting recipes can sometimes become an end in itself. The ease of saving digital recipes means accumulating them faster than we can realistically try them. The sheer volume can become overwhelming, turning what should be an enjoyable activity into a source of guilt or stress.
Why We Don’t Cook the Recipes We Collect
Several factors contribute to this gap between intention and action:
Time Constraints: Many recipes look fantastic but require more time than we have on a typical weeknight. Life gets busy, and the allure of quick, familiar meals often trumps our best-laid plans.
Ingredient Availability: Sometimes, the recipes we save call for ingredients that aren’t readily available or are expensive. This can be a significant barrier to trying new dishes.
Energy Levels: After a long day, the last thing we may want to do is tackle a new recipe that requires our full attention. Comfort and convenience often take precedence over culinary exploration.
Perfectionism and Fear of Failure: We might hesitate to try new recipes because we fear they won’t turn out as beautifully as the pictures. This fear of failure can be paralyzing.
Bridging the Gap: From Collection to Creation
To combat this trend, here are some strategies that might help:
Start Small: Choose one new recipe each week or month to try. By setting a manageable goal, you can gradually increase your repertoire without feeling overwhelmed. **I have already missed this goal, as I have saved and pinned hundreds of recipes. Help! **
Plan Ahead: Integrate new recipes into your weekly meal plan. By scheduling them in advance, you’re more likely to buy the necessary ingredients and set aside the time to cook. This is definitely true for me.
Simplify: Look for recipes that require minimal ingredients and steps. The simpler the recipe, the more likely you are to try it. Save the more complex dishes for weekends or special occasions.
Batch Cooking: Try new recipes on weekends and make larger quantities to freeze or use for meals throughout the week. This approach not only makes weeknight dinners easier but also gives you a chance to experiment without the weekday rush. I do this already, and then when I go through the freezer, I find a frozen tundra of dated, rock-solid food that is well past its prime; we're talking months, if not a year or more, here.
Involve Others: Cooking with family or friends can make the process more enjoyable and less daunting. It’s also a great way to share the responsibility and fun of trying new dishes.
My Personal Approach Goal
Setting aside a specific day to try new recipes works may work for me. I can call it “New Recipe Sunday.”
Ultimately, the goal is to turn cooking from a chore into a joy. By intentionally approaching our recipe collections, we can bridge the gap between collecting and creating, transforming our kitchens into culinary adventure and delight spaces.
So, let’s dust off those saved recipes, don our aprons, and start cooking – one delicious dish at a time.
What about you? Do you have any tips or tricks for cooking the recipes you collect? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Bon appétit!
Be happy, healthy and safe!
*Photos from Canva
And I thought I was the only one! I loved this post.
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