Well its been about 6 months since I started by cookbook challenge. I figured it was a good time to reflect and plan ahead on what to do differently. This post I am going to share some of what I've learned, how I plan what I cook, and what some of my favorite recipes were so far. All recipe names will also be links if you want to check out the video on You Tube.
Let's start with what I have learned. First, reading the recipe carefully. I know that sounds super obvious but I sometimes have a bad habit of just skimming instructions at first glance and digging in after I bought everything. Maybe because most of these are not the most complex recipes; but that is me trying to justify being a little lazy. Some have steps or prep work that can take several hours, so I've learned to try and slow down my bad habit of speed reading. Second is patience and quite honestly this is a still learning for me. Sometimes I just want to get the recipe cooked that I start to try and rush it along, but some things take time. I learned this while making Tiana's Pecan Praline Bars and waiting for the maple syrup to reach temperature. Finally I've learned you need to give yourself grace. Sometimes you need to know when to adjust or walk away if something isn't quite going right. Like when I almost had a fire making those pomme frites. There is no shame in adapting the recipe, starting over, or trashing it and trying another day. I have done all 3!
Someone asked me once how I pick what I am making next. First, I do read the instructions for specialty bakeware; but I read the ingredients very carefully. If I can find recipes that have overlapping ingredients, I will try to do both of those in the same week. I also consider the time of year and what may be available seasonally. I knew things like the Nebraska Charred Corn Chowder I wanted to make when I could get good, fresh corn on the cob. Finally, it could just be what my week ahead looks like in terms of the amount of I time I have available to cook, and what sounds good.
On the tech side of thing I have also learned a lot about creating video. I have been doing my editing in Adobe Rush and starting to get the hang of it (still nowhere near advanced level). I am constantly playing with angles on my camera and debate on what to record and what not to record. I am no content creator expert by any means, but I do learn something all the time and that is impressive at my age! I recently spent a little money on some tools that I hope will improve some of the quality of my videos in the future.
My appearance in them is one of those things that will constantly be a guessing game. I never go out of my way to style my hair or do my makeup. I figured what is the point to try and look good just to cook. I believe these videos are a reflection of me and how I am in that moment. Its all part of the experience that I want to be authentic. The videos where I clearly am more put together are because I actually had plans that day that included leaving my house!
I have gotten questions on favorite recipes that I have made so far. For today I am going to list each of the 5 cookbooks below and my top 2 recipes from each so far. For some it was hard to narrow it down. Click on the name to watch the video!
Disney Princess Healthy Treats
The very first recipe I made on this journey and still one of my go to items. Overnight oats are a staple in my house and a go to breakfast item for me. This is one still stands out.
Starbucks has a secret menu version of this you can find during the fall when pumpkin spice season is in full swing. This version is healthier and you can make it all year round.
Cooking with Magic: A Century of Recipes
I really like a good salmon dish and this is not the only one to appear on this list. This one creates a cranberry and blueberry relish on top of the salmon. The fruit and nut combination plays nicely together with the salmon flavor. I loved it a lot that I had to go back and adjust my rating.
There is no reason to worry with this dish that is inspired by Oliver & Company. Its basically a chili dog but its hard not to love a good chili dog and this one had some smokey flavor that pair well with the dog. I also recommend a potato hot dog bun to go with this one.
Disney Princess
These are a snack that is pretty simple but tasty. To me it reminds me of a cold veggie pizza appetizer, and is a great small lunch or afternoon snack.
I can see why Rapunzel would request this dish when locked in her tower. It tasty and comforting but not a heavy soup. If you like pumpkin, I would give this a shot.
Disney Villains
Hades was on to something with this chicken salad dish. Everything works well together. The smoke and spice work well with the chicken and lettuce to create a light and refreshing item I enjoy eating for lunch often now.
I love a good frittata and another one of my go to breakfast dishes. I love making one early in the week to enjoy for breakfast the entire week. This one was light, fluffy, and flavorful.
The Official Disney Park Cookbook
My second salmon dish is much different than the first. Instead of fruit it has some heat. The nice kick to the spicey sauce that you marinade the salmon is combined with the tomato topping is perfection. I am getting hungry thinking about it and have made it a few times now.
I love a good creamy corn soup and this one really impressed me. The key is the fresh corn on the cob you roast. Even without the rivels (my country heritage loves a good rivel in soup). I am ready for when corn comes in season so I can make this again.
I hope you have enjoyed this update and if you haven't subscribed to my You Tube channel, that you will. Also if you have any of these cookbooks and have made any of the recipes, please share your experience with me!
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