Do you keep recipes? Which ones do you make over and over whether or not they’re in-season?
Recipe collections are common. Some are hand written on little scraps of paper, some are bookmarked in worn out cookbooks, some are on our phones or in little boxes we keep in the kitchen. The important point is that recipes are collectible to say the least.
Qualities of a Keeper Recipe
The recipes we keep on hand and know where to find at all times are definitely special. Here are some important qualities of them:
- Quick and easy. Everyone loves a quick and easy recipe. Since life goes at a fast pace, these are usually great keeper recipes. Check out this Fresh Herb Omelet Recipe.
- Made with simple ingredients. When you stock a pantry/fridge with keep-it-simple foods then you’re always ready to make a keeper recipe. Check out this Orange & Mint Spritzer Recipe.
- Can easily be adapted to ingredient substitutions. Creativity is always welcome in recipe making. A keeper recipe can be made with sweet Bell peppers one time and with broccoli or asparagus the next time. A creative recipe can be made with a surprising ingredient like the grated carrots in this Banana-Carrot Quick Bread Recipe.
- Tastes great as a leftover. Many times, a keeper recipe tastes even better after it mellows in the fridge for a day or two. Check out this Easy Lentil Chili Recipe.
- Stores well in the freezer. Taking a day off from cooking can be very nice. So, a keeper recipe that freezes well can help a lot. Check out this Homemade Marinara Spaghetti Sauce Recipe. And, don’t forget to label and date everything you add to your freezer.
The Value of Keeper Recipes
We are all in a hurry and this is probably what makes keeper recipes so valuable. When you don’t fumble around looking for a recipe then you save time. Not only that, you make a recipe that you’ve already practiced and this makes it so much easier and less stressful. Finally, you can take a few minutes on a creative ingredient substitution and/or come up with a new side item idea. For more keeper recipe options try my Mediterranean Menu and Recipes. They’re free.