As a fellow recipe developer, I found this post SO relatable. It's truly about the little wins! My husband and I love your recipes (especially how riffable they are!), and we really appreciate how much effort and thoughtfulness goes into them.
My biggest learning has been trying not to overthink during the testing process. My best recipes tend to be inspired by meals I've put together for an impromptu dinner, when there was zero pressure for it to be "perfect" (and I'm actually thinking like a home cook). When I try to force a technique, ingredient, etc. I often come away with frustrated; the resulting recipe reads as overcomplicated, or the flavors don't quite work. Sometimes I need to take a break and walk away from the process to clearly see what's not working.
Absolutely so true. Some of my favorite recipes in my own cookbooks started as casual saturday afternoon meals or dishes I've made a thousand times for my family.
Hi Carla! So happy to follow you to substack or wherever you go! I had a question -- I noticed that for a few of your YouTube videos that were new recipes, the link for the written recipe goes to a public Patreon post that no longer exists. Is there somewhere that we can access all these recipes? Right now I'm looking for the Summer Fregola with Pancetta, Corn, and Basil! Thank you!
Oh! Amazing catch. Thank you. I am currently in the process of hoovering my Patreon content over here and that is DEFINITELY one of the recipes that should rise to the top! I'll make sure you have a copy.
As a fellow recipe developer, I found this post SO relatable. It's truly about the little wins! My husband and I love your recipes (especially how riffable they are!), and we really appreciate how much effort and thoughtfulness goes into them.
My biggest learning has been trying not to overthink during the testing process. My best recipes tend to be inspired by meals I've put together for an impromptu dinner, when there was zero pressure for it to be "perfect" (and I'm actually thinking like a home cook). When I try to force a technique, ingredient, etc. I often come away with frustrated; the resulting recipe reads as overcomplicated, or the flavors don't quite work. Sometimes I need to take a break and walk away from the process to clearly see what's not working.
Absolutely so true. Some of my favorite recipes in my own cookbooks started as casual saturday afternoon meals or dishes I've made a thousand times for my family.
Hi Carla! So happy to follow you to substack or wherever you go! I had a question -- I noticed that for a few of your YouTube videos that were new recipes, the link for the written recipe goes to a public Patreon post that no longer exists. Is there somewhere that we can access all these recipes? Right now I'm looking for the Summer Fregola with Pancetta, Corn, and Basil! Thank you!
Oh! Amazing catch. Thank you. I am currently in the process of hoovering my Patreon content over here and that is DEFINITELY one of the recipes that should rise to the top! I'll make sure you have a copy.