Finding recipes and inspiration

There are so many food blogs, food magazines, cooking shows and cookbooks out there.  Where should everyone start?

My cooking streak was not always apparent.  Although I have always enjoyed food, it’s not until fairly recently that I have taken the time to realize where it comes from, how it’s made, and what ingredients make up each dish.

It takes time to find recipes, read about the latest food trends or to remake dishes- but I think it’s well worth the dedication.  When Sam and I cook our breakfasts, lunches or dinners there is a certain pride in preparing a lip-smacking delicious entree (especially from scratch)!

Where do I find new ideas and inspirations? (not in any order)

• cookbooks
• food blogs
• food magazines
• supper club
• book club (the person hosting also makes dinner)
• wandering down the aisles of grocery stores
• farmer’s markets
• restaurants
• cooking shows (Top Chef, The Layover, No Reservations)
• traveling & eating new foods

There are so many places you can spot or taste something that can really inspire you.  If you do find it, definitely take charge in the kitchen.  And if it flops once, don’t give up.  Cooking is definitely a trial and error sport!

I’d love to hear how all of you find inspiration to cook something new, or redo an older recipe.  When I saw this list of the notable cookbooks of 2011 I wondered where everyone come up with new ideas.  Also, if any of you have one of these books- pass on your opinion- I always like getting my hands on a recommended cookbook!  There is something therapeutic in flipping through pages of recipes with a glass of wine in your hand.

Hey, if this furry guy found out that he liked celery- you never know what you might learn!  (this is my cat- Van Gogh)

New Cookbooks!

Over the last week or so, I’ve gotten 3 new cookbooks which I’m very excited about.  Sometimes it’s hard to find the right cookbook.  First, my favorite are the one’s which have pictures for every recipe- that way, I can compare if my dish came out correctly!  I try to find cookbooks which have recipes that I can try out without buying too many new ingredients or too many fancy steps.  So be on the look-out for new ideas from these books:

Power Foods: 150 Delicious Recipes with 38 Healthiest Ingredients
The chapters are divided into: breakfast, snack, sandwiches, soup, salad, main dishes, side dishes and desserts.  Lots and lots of gorgeous pictures…makes me want to make every single thing!

Easy Vegetarian
Includes lots of easy recipes incorporating even more vegetables (our favorite!).  It has salads, sides, soups, appetizers, breakfast and pastas.  Lots to choose from.

Easy Everyday
This is the same brand as the “Easy Vegetarian”.  I liked how they had beautiful pictures, and that the recipes did seem easy, but once you can also make changes to.  These recipes would be great for last minute dinners during the week.

I’m going to try to post the pictures of the books (it’s easier to find them in the bookstores when  you know what the cover looks like), hopefully sooner rather than later!

Happy Groundhog’s Day!