If you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably already realized that free, online blogs are probably one of the most interesting and timely sources of information. Certainly some are better than others, that goes without saying, but I have found some really stellar blogs that have taught me some very useful and interesting things of all subjects. And most recently, for me, it’s been recipes.
I learned how to make Green Monsters from Angela.
I learned how to make breakfast cookies from Teri.
I learned how to make roasted chickpeas from Mama Pea herself.
I plan to make everything Jenna has ever created because everything looks like it belongs in a magazine.
And my biggest success so far, I made Emily’s kale and roasted vegetable soup for Thanksgiving dinner to rave reviews.
Here’s why you never need to buy another cookbook ever:
1) If it was printed, your local library probably has it. Get the cookbooks you like, photocopy or transcribe the recipes that look good and return the book to the library. You may need to put it on hold or have it transferred from another library if your branch doesn’t have it, but it’s worth the wait.
2) So many magazines have great recipes. Just like the cookbooks, borrow them from the library, photocopy or transcribe, and return. I do subscribe to certain magazines for more than the recipes, such as Real Simple, so I tear out the recipes that look good and when I’m done with the issue, off to the gym it goes for the next person toiling on the stairmaster. (Safety tip! Cut or tear off your name and address label first)
3) Blogs – so many blogs, like Oh She Glows, Eat, Live, Run and Daily Garnish have “print recipe” features. They’re asking to be printed! Daily Garnish even has “text recipe” feature! I tried it out last night just for the heck of it. Now I will always have kalamata olive hummus in my phone. Figuratively, not literally.
4) Half of what you find in a cookbook you won’t like, so don’t bother buying recipes you’ll never make. Me personally? Can’t stand bell peppers, so anything with bell peppers as a main feature automatically gets the axe.
So, that’s why you never need to buy another cookbook. Notice I said “need” not want. Me personally, I think they make nice décor for the kitchen =)
Share with me some of your favorite recipes! Links included would be great!
P.S. Thanks for everyone who chimed in on yesterday’s post as to what to do with my training schedule. Still taking input and suggestions!
P.P.S. I hit my 10 lbs lost goal at Weight Watchers last night, woo hoo! Back in the 140′s. Yessssss.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Very cool on the WW goal! I have a few favorite recipes:
Brownie roll-out cookies: http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/04/brownie-roll-out-cookies/
Zebra cake (!): http://bakemeaway.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/bundts-gone-wild-zebra-bundt-cake/
And I love making the cheese sauce from this recipe with reduced fat Cabot cheddar: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000222589
(goes great on veggies or grilled chicken)
mmmmm cheese sauce mmmmmmm
I have the Katie Lee Joel Cookbook and love it! But I agree, it is hard to buy a book when you only love a few recipes.
I just got it from the library because I had heard good things about it! I’m definitely going to keep a few of the recipes!
Finally, someone else who hates bell peppers!!! I can’t stand them and thought I was the only one. Pepper haters unite! xo
Loves it!
I agree with you on the cookbooks. I have a few left in my bedroom (nowhere else for them) and I am in the middle of adding them to my online cookbook. I find that most ideas I change around a little bit anywhays so I really only use the cookbooks for a few ideas but I watch the cooking channels also for ideas. I need the space and money more than I need cookbooks taking up space at the house.
I LOVE Oh She Glows!!! I rarely skip my daily green monster! What do you put in yours?
I stick to fruit, greek yogurt, oats and greens! Simple and refreshing!