Ever get into a recipe rut? I do… constantly. I feel like I make the same things over and over and eventually, I’m just sick of it all. Toward the end of this past winter, when everything started changing and dining at home became much more common and necessary, I decided to switch things up. I would open my cookbook cupboard for inspiration, only to grab the same go-to recipes I always make. I’d look at all the other lonely cookbooks that have sat unopened for years and wonder if I’d ever get to using them.
I love reading cookbooks, I love finding new recipes, so I have no idea why I fail to pull them out while meal planning for the week. Truly, it is easier to stick to the basics, but why have all these cookbooks then? I didn’t want to get rid of them. Some we’ve accumulated while traveling, some are from my grandma’s kitchen. This just wasn’t an area of my home that I felt needed to be minimized. So instead, I decided to get creative and give myself a cookbook challenge.
The challenge
Honestly, its the simplest thing! I’m challenging myself to try at least one recipe from each of my cookbooks by the end of the year. Easy peasy, right?
Why did I give myself the whole year? First, I hate not fulfilling something I put my mind to. Second, as new parents, our weeks can get out of hand pretty easily. I don’t need this to be a stressful thing, it should be fun. And so far, so good.
Recipes I’ve tried so far
Mexican chicken & rice casserole from The Simple Kitchen (5 stars)
I absolutely love this recipe. I can see myself making this regularly from now on – so easy and simple to whip up anytime.
Chicken alfredo tortellini soup from The Simple Kitchen (4 stars)
The flavor is outstanding in this recipe. I plan to make it again once the weather cools off. But if you have a good alfredo recipe already, this probably won’t blow your mind.
Summer corn fettuccine from Rachael Ray’s Look + Cook (2 stars)
I’m sure when Rachael makes this recipe, it’s amazing. But for us, it was an epic fail. I think I messed up the corn step, but either way, this one was just disappointing.
Baked chicken with bacon bottom & wild rice from Magnolia Table (3 stars)
I think I chose the wrong recipe to start in Magnolia because I have no doubt Joanna Gaines has much more to offer. This one just has flaws (i.e. makes your oven smoke like crazy) & adds unnecessary calories to a simple concept in my opinion. Giving this book another chance.
I’ve barely made a dent in my collection, but I’m patting myself on the back for starting. Some of the ones I have left will definitely push me out of my comfort zone (hello, Thug Kitchen) and others will make me nostalgic for home (those fundraising cookbooks are the best). If you’re intrigued by my challenge, make sure to follow me on Instagram. I’m sharing each “adventure” on my stories. Stay tuned!
Can you relate or do you use all the cookbooks you own?
xoxo. B
