How often do you use recipes when cooking? Every day, only for certain items, special occasions?

I rarely use them for every day unless it's something new. (but I don't tend to make casseroles and such) I mainly use recipes when I am planning a dinner party or special event..that's when I get to do the fun cooking!

By Pamt on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 08:52 am:

Every Monday is *new recipe night* and I try at least one new recipe, but sometimes the whole meal consists of new recipes. Sometimes it works out really well and sometimes we end up eatng pb & j (like the time time I made Carribbean Pork Roast in the crockpot....disgusting!!) Monday is the night I have the most time to plan and cook. Other "recipes" have become so familiar that I don't need them anymore. We also have dessert on Monday and usually eat by candlelight and/or on the china and sometimes have a theme night, like Hawaiian or Japanese food with decorations.

By Emily7 on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 09:03 am:

That is a good idea Pam. I use recipes at least once a week & only new ones once a month, if that.

By Conni on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 09:52 am:

Well, since I bought the Eating For Life cookbook, I use a new recipe from it almost every night. They have all been pretty good so far!

Usually though I have to use recipes around the holidays or when baking. Alot of times I use recipes for meal out my Southern Living magazine or cookbook. And they are usually all EXCELLENT but very fattening. So I am trying to cut back on those. lol

I need to organize mine too like someone else posted.

By Conni on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 09:53 am:

BTW, that is a good idea Pam!

By Angellew on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 09:57 am:

I'm almost fanatical about new recipes!!! I LOVE buying cookbooks and cutting recipes out of magazines! I use a new one every chance I get. Unfortunately, that turns out to be less than I would like. But, one night a week is an excellent idea!!!!

By Mommyathome on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 11:16 am:

I usually only use recipes when trying something new, or when baking cookies.
As for casseroles and stir fry's, meatloaf etc., I know the recipes by heart because I've made them a million times
We need to try more new things. We tend to get into a rut and just repeat the same meals about every two weeks.

By Tink on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 11:52 am:

Robin, we do the same thing. My kids are picky eaters and of course everyone likes something different. I have about 10 tried-and-true that I use over and over. New recipe once a month, maybe. My kids have to eat the same number of bites as their age of each thing but that may have to change as 7 bites of green beans is not working for my oldest. I don't need a recipes for my usuals but I wish that I had more.

By Melanie on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 12:00 pm:

I also love trying new recipes. Dh jokes that when we hit on a really good one he needs to enjoy it that night because he will never get it again. LOL. We have a few regulars but we usually do several new recipes each week.

By Eve on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 12:15 pm:

I cook a lot without recipes. I do a lot of stir fry or my own pasta dishes and I just toss things together. Or chicken with a veggie and some couscous, not rocket science. LOL!

Sometimes, there are things that I have to refer to the recipe to make sure I have not forgotten something. Other than that,I will follow a recipe if it's something new we are trying. Or baking--I need all the help I can get in that area! LOL!

By Texannie on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 12:33 pm:

Eve..sounds like we cook very similarly.