Full on Faith

Ever notice how most of us end up cooking the same few dishes over and over? I know that I am guilty of this! If you’re like many Americans, your mealtime routine probably revolves around a small handful of go-to recipes. I’ve heard that most families have about 7-8 familiar recipes that they rotate through regularly. While variety is awesome, let’s be real: it’s super easy to fall into a cooking groove that feels comfortable but a little boring. So, why do we do this, and how can we shake things up and make cooking fun?

The Comfort Zone

Cooking can feel like a chore, especially after a long day at work or running around with the kids. When we’re tired, it’s just easier to whip up that one pasta dish ( I do love a good spaghetti, I can’t lie) or those tacos we know by heart. There’s something comforting about sticking to recipes that require zero thought. After all, when you’re exhausted, who wants to deal with a complicated new dish?

Time Crunches

Let’s face it: life is busy! Between work, school, and everything else on our plates, time is often hard to come by. When you’re juggling so much, it’s no surprise that people reach for quick and easy meals that can be cooked in under 30 minutes. Who has the energy to experiment when you’re just trying to get dinner on the table?

Fear of the Unknown

Trying out new recipes can be intimidating. What if you end up with a total flop? One time I made a chicken noodle soup in the crock pot and got a little crazy with some rosemary and it was one of the most disgusting things I have ever tasted in my LIFE! Many of us would rather stick with what we know and love than risk a dinner disaster. So, we end up in this cycle of cooking the same few meals, which is cozy but can get a little stale.

Grocery Budget Blues

Another reason we stick to our favorites? The grocery bill! Most of us want to keep food waste down and save some cash, so we tend to buy ingredients that fit into our tried-and-true recipes. This makes it even easier to keep cycling through the same dishes week after week.

Time to Switch It Up!

While there’s nothing wrong with having a few go-to meals, it can be refreshing to break the routine. Here are some fun ideas for expanding your culinary horizons without losing your mind:

1. Theme Nights: Try assigning themes to different nights—like “Meatless Monday” or “Taco Tuesday.” It’s a fun way to experiment while still keeping things familiar.
2. Batch Cooking: Pick a new recipe to make on the weekend. If you love it, great! If not, no biggie—just try another one next time.
3. Recipe Swap: Get together with friends or family and trade your favorite recipes. This way, you get fresh ideas without having to search the internet for hours. Or just keep your eyes out for my blog posts 😉
4. Use Apps: Check out meal planning apps or websites that help you find recipes based on what you already have at home. It’s a great way to discover new dishes that fit into your current pantry stash. One of my favorite is BudgetBites.com!
5. Mix It Up: Take a favorite recipe and switch things around. Change up the protein, toss in some new veggies, or try different spices. You’d be surprised at how a small tweak can make a dish feel brand new! Like one time I put a SMIDGE of fresh rosemary on some baby potatoes and they were SO GOOD!

So, yeah, it’s totally normal for most of us to stick to a few recipes that we love. But stepping outside that comfort zone can be a game changer! Embrace your favorite dishes while also exploring new flavors and ingredients. You might just stumble upon your next go-to meal—and who knows, cooking might even become a little more exciting! Happy cooking!

Bye Besties,

Julianne