Lovely, articulate, and well argued post. I just finished experimenting in my kitchen with two invented dishes. Ironically, I react to recipes, the same way I do arbitrary sex (or even health/diet) tips. All those activities are personal, involve humans, and therefore, in my humble opinion, require a custom fit. Getting to know the likes and dislikes of your own body and your mate’s is half the fun, allows you to rely on your own likes as a viable source, and prevents addiction to other people’s approval/advice. Feeling free to experiment in your kitchen, at either activity (wink) is pretty essential to the learning process. Love this. Glad to have found your site.

Jen/@MissIve

I happen to know you’re a phenomenal cook!

Since you have amazing culinary skills, I’m sure your casseroles rock.

<3 SJA

But not on the casseroles. A truly homemade casserole can be a thing of beauty, just as much as a steak.

My homemade chili with melted cheese and a cornbread crust … or a truly homemade pot pie made with leftover roasted chicken and roasted veggies … or a summer appropriate zucchini, sweet onion, fresh tomatoes and italian sausage with cheese and bread crumbs on top!