Recipe? What Recipe?

http://www.foodhism.com/

I love posting my recipes.  And let me issue a disclaimer: My recipes are not things you will find in a Betty Crocker Cook Book. I didn't go to culinary school and I rarely use measuring cups. At the grocery store I have a list for basics, but outside of that it's basically a free for all. 

When explaining how I make things I use words like a scootch, a dash, a touch, a pinch, a handful, a little bit... It's just not how I cook.  Often times you'll see my recipes and I'll have multiple options because I believe that in almost every recipe you do!  I empower you, as cooks and bakers to use seasonings and spices how you see fit and to boldly step outside the lines of the conventional when you cook.  It's not uncommon to see me stop, mid stir, suddenly stare off into space, grab something out of my spice rack, fridge or pantry and toss it into whatever I am making with a flourish.

The bottom line for me is that, precision and accuracy have no place in my kitchen.  I am what I like to call an "inspired chef" so I let my mood, my friends, music (most of these recipes have a song too), moments, experiences, and places move me and it creates dishes that are memorable and unique.  My recipes all come from somewhere and have a back story so when I talk about them, share them, prepare them, and eat them I am reminded of where they came about and I think that is the last special ingredient that makes it delicious. 

My "inspired" cooking ensures a few things:
1. It's Different EVERY time.  Even the same "recipe" is never totally the same
2. I Use it all!  I don't waste anything.  I find a recipe for anything and everything in my pantry or fridge before it goes bad.
3. I'm bold... and random!  Why shouldn't you use onions, garlic, cranberries, lime and tequila as your marinade when they are the only things you have in your kitchen.  (True story - and it was delicious). I get to be creative in the kitchen and while shopping so I can try new things and not be a slave to a recipe.  It doesn't always work, but it usually does.  Remember that all these recipes are clean, hearty, and healthy so don't let the names fool you! 

Some of my personal favorites are:
Catey's Kick you in the Face Pancakes 
Broadway Drunk Chicken Fitness Fiesta
Houston Honey Teriyaki Kabobs
J&J's Protein Power Bars (These have to be made while listening to ANYTHING by Journey) 
Lafawnduh Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Balls
Casey's No Pain Novocaine Chicken Chili
Payne Train Sweet Potato Pie

I'll be posting each of these recipes soon along with the story and maybe even a song or two to get the creative juices flowing.  You have to enjoy the process of cooking, the inspiring moments that the recipes carry with them.  Each one has a story, a history and when I make them, when I share them, I am reminded of the blessed life I have and how I have to savor every bite.