I started the Ugly Duckling Bakery blog in 2021 to share the recipes that I make for my family, ranging from 30 minute weeknight meals to more complicated weekend cooking, baking projects made from scratch, and classic cocktail variations. I realized recently that I identify personally with heirloom tomatoes - my goal isn’t to create recipes that are the equivalent of artificially ripened but tasteless tomatoes we get year-round. We’ll get along if you’d rather eat a tomato that is bursting with summertime flavor but perhaps looks misshapen and imperfect. My tiramisu cake doesn’t look like it came from a commercial bakery, but no one complains about how it tastes.
Take a Peek at My Panties (Oops, Pantry)
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Hello Reader I've been continuing to muse this week about why the "what's for dinner?" question is so hard. I'll say again: it's not because there aren't enough recipes. There are so many recipes out there, and I'm not sure you need me to keep creating more. Pointing you towards ones I love? Yes. Absolutely. But I'm coming to believe that part of the solution for all of us is learning a few basic techniques with staples you can vary based on your energy and what's in your pantry and fridge. Take last night. No plan. I threw together a sheetpan dinner with sausages from the freezer, potatoes, shallots, and grapes. Plus salad. Was it the best dinner we've ever had? No. Was it easy to put together around work and music lessons and everything else going on? Yes. Was everyone satisfied? Absolutely. And sometimes that's exactly what dinner should be. So this week I wanted to share what's in my pantry with you. Your pantry is likely going to be different, because you likely cook differently than I do. And that's ok. But my challenge to you is this: figure out what you like to cook on a semi-regular basis, and keep those things stocked. And let me know in a week or two or seven if that makes that annoying "what's for dinner?" question just a little less annoying. Not interested in thinking about pantries?I get it. Maybe you'll find something to inspire you among a few of my favorite recipes:
That's it for me. I hope you find something here that makes your life just a little more delicious. 💜 Joanne p.s. Please leave a rating and comment on the blog if you make any of my recipes. It really helps, both me and others! |
Ugly Duckling Bakery
I started the Ugly Duckling Bakery blog in 2021 to share the recipes that I make for my family, ranging from 30 minute weeknight meals to more complicated weekend cooking, baking projects made from scratch, and classic cocktail variations. I realized recently that I identify personally with heirloom tomatoes - my goal isn’t to create recipes that are the equivalent of artificially ripened but tasteless tomatoes we get year-round. We’ll get along if you’d rather eat a tomato that is bursting with summertime flavor but perhaps looks misshapen and imperfect. My tiramisu cake doesn’t look like it came from a commercial bakery, but no one complains about how it tastes.
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