“Intelligent people are always ready to learn, their ears are open for knowledge.” Proverbs 18:5

The Ideal Cookbook

Headnotes: A few years ago, I discovered the beauty of reading cookbooks. This is the spot where the author captivated my taste buds with a story. It might be a story filled with intrigue in which the author has spent years trying to replicate a favorite cake from a beloved grandmother. Maybe, the author didn’t like snickerdoodles in the past but discovered that blooming cinnamon in brown butter is the secret (I am still on the fence on snickerdoodles). It could be the story of an immigrant recalling a favorite dish from their country of origin and wanting to share it with the next generation. This story must be compelling to make me try the recipe despite the number of ingredients and steps. Finally, this piece should not be an afterthought, but well-written and intentional.

Ingredients:

  • real, whole ingredients
  • no box mixes, canned soups, or canned vegetables
  • unfamiliar spices explained
  • size clearly indicated in the list of ingredients (diced, sliced thin, etc.)
  • occasionally, a favorite brand if it is important
  • a list of some possible substitutes if ingredients are hard to find

Steps:

  1. It must be tested by several different people besides the author.
  2. It leaves no room for guessing what the step means.
  3. It should offer visual cues when needed, like pea-sized chunks when adding butter for dough, or crispy around the edges when baking.
  4. It should indicate how much it serves.
  5. It should tell us how to store it for leftovers and how to reheat if necessary.

Finally, I love pictures that accompany a recipe. I want pictures to add to the story being told. Maybe it includes a picture of grandma, or it is a picture of the author’s favorite serving dish. It could even be pictures of certain ingredients like Fenugreek, or how a passion fruit looks when opened. I also love pictures from the country of origin, a street in Spain or farmer’s market in California. I even love the occasional hand-illustrated cookbook.

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