Trying Something New

Whenever I am thinking about a new recipe, I am typically a little hesitant to make a mistake. I know that the best way to learn and develop new meals is to explore, but it is also a little frightening to me to make something that I am not sure my family and friends will like. I find the best way to overcome these feelings is to just make small adjustments at a time. Rarely do I completely overhaul a traditional recipe all at once, but, instead, I make small adjustments at a time in order to preserve flavor but increase the nutritional value.

I want to make something clear about my recipes. I do not always try to make things necessarily healthier. My real goal in cooking is not just healthier and lighter, but also new twists on the classics. For example, my family loves Asian cuisine. Sometimes we incorporate Asian flavors into our cooking both from researching of recipes and also from sharing of meals with friends of different cultures. As this blog continues, I will not only share my classic Southern recipes, but I strive to publish recipes that also broaden the standard collection of all cooks.

So I would like to know, how do you feel about trying new recipes? How do you overcome the fear of making a mistake? Feel free to post responses below.

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Lentil Burgers

Last night I cooked a large pot of lentils as part of our family dinner, which means that today, I was left wondering what I could do with all these lentils for the coming week. My typical use for lentils is in chili or soups, however, that is not something that I really wanted on this bright, spring day. Instead, I thought about how I could morph the leftovers into something new that I could use throughout the week, and that is when I thought of revamping my normal veggie burger recipe. Now, as promised, since this is the Quarantine Cooking Series, please feel free to use whatever beans or greens you have in your house. While I love the way this recipe turned out, it is more important that you use what you have and the technique to create a delicious meal for you and your family. Additionally, I like my veggie burgers on the spicy side. However, this is another place when personal modifications should be made to your palate preferences. 3 Tablespoons canola oil, divided

Black-eyed Pea Croquettes

So it is well known that I make Black Bean Burgers all the time. I love the versatility of the recipe and the ability to make a week of lunches in about 15 minutes. Today, I found myself with a bowl of leftover black-eyed peas in the fridge and the desire for something new. This recipe is also great because I always have canned black-eyed peas in the pantry since they are one of my husband's favorite vegetables, which means I can make this recipe anytime. So whether you use leftover homemade, like I did, or canned, this recipe is great. Additionally, these are not coated and fried like traditional croquettes, which makes them an even better option. Enjoy these as a side dish, on a sandwich, or with a side salad for a delicious, healthy, and easy meal. These do not hold or reheat well, so enjoy them while they're hot. 2 Cups Black-eyed Peas, drained and rinsed 3 Scallions, whites and greens thinly sliced 1 Clove Garlic 1 Egg, lightly beaten 3/4 Cup Bread Crumbs,

Banana Zucchini Bread with Raisins and Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

It is that time of year again when I am working to develop new and interesting ways to use up all of the vegetables coming from the garden. Last year, I posted "The Best Zucchini Bread" recipe; this is still a great recipe but this one is even better! Since entering my last trimester of pregnancy, I am craving cinnamon raisin bread. This recipe was created to help merge the two flavors while also adding in some nutrients from bananas, as I always seems to have 2 or 3 that get left over and become a little too ripe. This bread is so fragrant, moist, and delicious! If I had some walnuts in the freezer, I might even finely chop some and incorporate them into the swirl for even more texture. This bread is perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or even dessert. I hope you will give this recipe a try. 2 very ripe Bananas, mashed 1 cup Zucchini, grated 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil 1 Egg, beaten 1 teaspoon Vanilla 3/4 cup Sugar 1 teaspoon Baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon Bakin

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