1/22/09

You Probably Don't Want One of My Recipes

There’s a reason I’m hesitant when someone asks for one of my recipes – recipes that have typically come from Mom.

Those that come from Mom haven’t been handed down in printed form. For example, years ago when I was a newlywed (the first time), I called Mom and asked her how she made her yummy salmon gravy.

Since I didn’t know how to cook back then, I told her to be specific and I wrote down exactly what she said.

I still have that piece of paper. On it are her instructions: “Kinda brown by kinda stirring kinda fast.”

Another time when trying to get a different recipe, I asked her how much milk to add. Her answer was this: “You know, until it kinda looks right.”

That’s the way she still cooks, and it’s now the way I cook. If I use a recipe, it’s as a guideline.

And it usually works out just fine.

Kinda.

6 comments:

Sandee said...

That's exactly how my mother cooked too. I don't think she really had a recipe of anything. She did it by feel or looks.

Have a terrific day. :)

Patricia Rockwell said...

I agree. All my "recipes" from my Mom are in my head and I got them by observing.

Bo said...

OK.. I must say you are EX-asperating...but I don't EX-pect anything more Ex-quisite! Just having EX-ceptional fun today! ;-) Bo

The Brantley Boys said...

I guess that is why you can never "put your hands on" the pound cake recipe that I have been asking for. I guess I am thankful, b/c grandma's instructions don't work for me.

Babs (Beetle) said...

That's the way my mum cooked, and that's the way I cook. The only time I ever used a recipe was when I cooked a special Chinese meal.

Unknown said...

Patricia: I don't know that I'd trust just having them in my head; I have to keep notes.

Sandee: By feel or looks? That's the best way for cooks.

Bo: Quite creative!!!

Babs: I'd have to use a recipe for Chinese, too.

The Brantley Family: I'll give you the basic recipe - that I don't exactly follow - when you're home next week.

 
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