What’s for dinner? This is the dreaded question that most adults face on a daily basis. Eating the same five meals over and over again can get rid of the guesswork, but is it really that satisfying? Although the habit may be difficult to break, it can be quite easy and fun to find new recipes and get inspired to cook.
Don’t limit yourself when it comes to meals either. Feel like having homemade ramen for breakfast or buttermilk pancakes for dinner? Do it without hesitation. Rules don’t exist when it comes to satisfying your tastebuds.
When it comes to the world of culinary arts, the possibilities truly are endless. Here are 10 tips to break the curse and find new meals and snacks to make. The following information is interchangeable with baking as well.
1. Browse on Pinterest to Find New Recipes
Pinterest is notorious for making users lose track of time. Access hundreds of thousands of recipes with a simple click. Recipes can also be saved for later viewing pleasure and, hopefully, as a reference for whatever you choose to make. You can check out a broad topic like dessert recipes, or you can get really specific and scan through some Sicilian recipes.
The more you browse, the more your algorithm changes. Eventually, your home feed will be covered with delicious opportunities for you to craft up.
2. Check Out a New Cuisine
It’s time to broaden your palate and expand your foodie horizons. Dive into the vibrant world of Mexican food or indulge in some delectable Thai cuisine. Travel the world using your senses. Check out Lebanese, German, Peruvian, or even Korean foods. Dinnertime is now a flavour fusion with international delights.
3. Grab a Menu for Inspiration to Find New Recipes
Restaurant menus can be the key to finding the next best thing. You have either one of two options. Either dine out and photograph the menu while you’re there or search for menus online. Most menus typically have the name of the dish and some of the ingredients listed underneath. All you have to do is see if you can find a similar recipe online by typing in the name of the dish.
Think outside the box, as it doesn’t have to be a local menu. Search for restaurants in Puerto Rico, France, Dubai, or Los Angeles.
4. Discover “Copycat” Recipes
Don’t feel like going out? Now you can enjoy your restaurant favourites in the comfort of your own home. Simply type the name of your restaurant or chain of choice followed by copycat recipe into an online search engine. You’ll discover a whole bevy of famous favourites that taste just like the eateries you know and love.
Here are some ideas to get the ideas flowing:
- Cheesecake Factory copycat recipes
- Cracker Barrel copycat recipes
- Olive Garden copycat recipes
- Panera copycat recipes
- Starbucks copycat recipes
5. Jazz Up Something Plain
Find a simple or basic recipe and go crazy. Something that’s just the bare bones. Now, grab your lab coat and goggles, because it’s time to experiment. Swap out an ingredient or two. Try a different substitution. Make the recipe vegan or gluten-free.
Fair warning though, as I don’t recommend going too crazy unless you’re an advanced culinary artist who really knows their flavour profiles.
6. Check Brand Websites to Find New Recipes
The next time you have a bag of pasta, a can of soup, some cream cheese, or even a bottle of ketchup, pay attention to the brand name. Type the brand name into any search engine and check out their website. A lot of brands have recipes online, with their own ingredients listed, of course.
Need some suggestions? Check out the following:
- Barilla pasta recipes
- Coca Cola baking and cooking recipes
- Kraft baking and cooking recipes
- Redpath Sugar baking recipes
- Rio Mare tuna recipes
- Wasa crispbread recipes
You might hit the jackpot at a local bookstore as well. Some brands even have their own cookbooks and baking books available.
7. Back of the Box
This tip ties into the one above. Do you have a treasured family recipe? You’d be surprised to find out that something that’s been in your family for a while actually just came from the back of a box. Some very famous and well-loved recipes simply came from a box of cocoa powder, a can of condensed soup, or a bag of pasta. The next time you buy something, scope out the packaging to see if you can craft up something delicious.
8. Flip Through Some Magazines
Looking at food centered magazines is an obvious choice. Search in places that might surprise you. Most magazines, even if they aren’t centered around food, may have a small section or a few pages with recipes. Have a look at different magazines, such as those on fashion, travel, health, celebrity gossip, or general interest.
Don’t live in the country or near the coast? It doesn’t matter. Even magazines geared toward a specific geographical demographic could still hold the key to your next favourite creation. Think outside the box and search anywhere you can think of.
Bonus: Most magazines have a website as well. So you can also check for recipes there.
Not sure where to start? Check out:
- Chatelaine
- Country Living
- HELLO! Canada
- Southern Living
- Woman’s World
9. Find New Recipes by Ingredient
This is a great tip if you’re trying to get rid of anything that’s getting close to expiration. Type “recipes with [insert ingredient here]” into your search engine of choice. You can try doing a broad search like “recipes with chicken” or “recipes with broccoli”. Another option is to get down to the specifics as well. Try typing in “recipes with fresh thyme” or “recipes with turmeric”.
10. Get Inspired by the Pros to Find New Recipes
Sometimes, visuals can be the key to a delicious dish. It’s helpful to look at others for inspiration and new recipes. In-person or video demonstrations really help you see the entire process as well.
Check out a cooking show, YouTube, or a celebrity chef demonstration. Maybe your neighbor from down the street has intense cooking skills that they display on TikTok.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can sign up for a local cooking or baking class.
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