[imcarthur]

It often boils down to what you have at hand. When I do a recipe search, there are always those pesky ingredients that aren't in the fridge. Or that spice that is out of stock. So I substitute. Or I combine 2 recipes. Or flat out wing it. This leads to at least one throw-away dinner per year (I had one 3 nights ago) & several edible fails, but also some successes that surpass the original. I will often net search for recipes with 2 unconnected ingredients & it leads to some interesting combinations.

I have been the principle cook in every household I have been in since I was 20. So at 57, I am seriously bored with dozens of great recipes that I have made for years & I am always looking for a different twist.

Ian