3/30/09

Copy and Create!


Do you ever see inspiring photos of mouth-watering food that you just have to make?

I saw this photo awhile back in a Rachael Ray magazine.


I’m a firm believer in using up what you have in the fridge and not running to the store, even if you don’t have the exact ingredients.

So using a package of frozen meat/rice mixture that I had in the freezer, and some fresh whole wheat buns, I grabbed some old avocados and made guacamole, grated some cheese, and semi-created this delicious-looking burger.


I didn't have any fresh garden tomatoes - at least not yet.

But it was tasty and no one complained around my table!

Do you ever see a recipe that looks so good that you copy and create it, in your own way? 

And who cares if it’s not exactly like the photo – right?

21 comments:

ellen b. said...

Yum guacamole and meat! Looks good to me :0)

Heather said...

I just stumbled across your blog and love it!! And yes, I see food like that all the time and want to make it!

slip4 said...

I do that all the time. I use the magazine photos as inspiration. It may not end up being the same dish! The economy has dictated that I not be running to the store almost every day...and I am better for it!

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Yum, my friend!! I will pull out my rice and bean mixture and get the avocados going. :)

Myrna said...

I do this all the time. I seldom have everything on hand that the recipe calls for---and I try to avoid extra trips to the store also. My family comes to the table, and asks, "what's this called?" I have to tell them "you name it". A few dishes have been such hits, I have to quickly write it down, or the exact replica will forever be lost--the "kitchen sink minestrone" is an example.
hugs

Chicky said...

Wow - that looks SO delish!!!

Farmgirl Cyn said...

For the most part, none of my "copycat" recipes ever looks just like the original. That's OK tho. I rarely have a failure, and most everything I try to recreate is delicious! After being married nearly 38 years, I am not afraid of a new recipe, and when we entertain, it will most likely be a something I just found in a magazine or off the internet! No complaints so far!

Melanie said...

Few of my dishes ever come out the same way twice anyway! Yours looks very tasty. Avocado is always a winner with me.
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Betts said...

The photos that get me... chocolate desserts. There's a chocolate mousse in Fine Cooking that I've just gotta try.

Stacey said...

Absolutely! I'm with you..we just can't run to the store all the time. A little improvisation makes us better cooks. :)

BrightHaven Becca said...

Deelish! I usually will use a recipe the first time I make something. After that, improvisation is key. Guacamole is good on just about everything. Sometimes, we'll just have an avocado for breakfast--and love it!

kari and kijsa said...

Yum, yum, yum!
blessings,
kari & kijsa

Juliet Fieldew said...

Ooh, yummy... can I have one?

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

I am constantly taking recipes and making them my own based on what I have on hand. It's fun to create with food. I love playing with food. I love eating food! LOL.
Blessings,
Kim

grace said...

if you ask me, it looks better--it looks real. nicely done, sandy!

Christy said...

Looks yummy... I wish that I could say that I create recipes, but I can't. My Mom was wonderful at doing this but I obviously didn't inherit that gift.

Guess what I received in the mail yesterday... my Hip Hostess apron. Boy, is it ever cute! I will be sharing a picture soon:)

Gina said...

Yum-boy that guacamole looks great! And yes, we (I mean I, I'm the cook around here) are always working with what we have and improvising. Some of our best meals have come together way, oh, and because of happy accidents. (you know, when you don't follow the directions or forget to add something, or add something the recipe says not too)

I really only get groceries once a week, but that's because we plan ahead, and none of my recipes look like the pictures, ha!

Unknown said...

Your sandwich looks lovely, as you are.

Cynthia

duchess said...

Great way to improvise. It all looks good.

Kris said...

I often create recipes based on pictures or something I have had a restaurant. We live in the middle of nowhere so I have to create my own restaurant-style meals, because we don't get to eat out very much.

I think it is the mark of a good recipe when someone is inspired by it and creates their own version. I have started a blog devoted to my cooking and baking experiments. And I always forget to take pictures, but I enjoy inspiring others. If you have a chance please check it out.

Live.Love.Eat said...

This looks incredible. As much as I love running to the store to get stuff it is nice to use up what we have in the house sometimes.