Cooking is an education—in chemistry, culture, history and sustainability. A few years ago I began creating a “Cooking Bucket List,” jotting down ingredients or recipes to expand my repertoire and palate. Some, such as “lentils” or “duck,” are foods I’d never prepared—or, in the case of rhubarb, had never even tasted! Others, such as “fish and chips” or “coq a vin,” are international classics. And then there are a few foods, such as “ricotta” or “applesauce,” that I typically purchase already prepared, but could learn to make from scratch.
I’ve slowly crossed items off the list, discovering some recipes worthy of sharing (for those, I’ve included a link) and others I’ve gradually morphed into my own creations (marked with an asterisk*). Think I’ve missed something? Leave a suggestion or recipe link in the comments. I’d love to hear what you’re cooking!
- Whole fish
- Lobster
Scallops- Mussels
LentilsRhubarbVanilla bean- Figs
- Lamb
- Short ribs
Saffron*- Truffles (the mushroom)
- Tuna
- Mahi mahi
- Duck
- Veal
- Chocolate croissant
Roasted chicken*Homemade pasta- Beef Wellington
GnocchiSoufflés- Bread pudding
- Macaroons
- Creme brulée
- Chocolate babka
- Churros & chocolate sauce
PavlovaButtermilk biscuits- Cheese
- Yogurt
English muffins- Pineapple upside-down cake
- Gougeres
SpanakopitaRavioli- Crackers
- Eggs Benedict
- French onion soup
- Tiramisu
- Chinese dumplings
- Matzo ball soup
- Pirogues
- Ratatouille
- Coq a vin
- Challah
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Spaetzle
- Roasted peppers
- Shrimp cocktail
- Huevos rancheros
- Paella
- Meatloaf
Kolaches- Clam chowder
- Orange marmalade
Jam or jellyChicken stock*- Frozen custard/gelato
- Tamales
- Peanut butter
- Butter
- Caesar salad dressing
- Truffles (the chocolate)
- Baked beans
Panna cotta- Veal
- Flan
Guacamole*- Salsa
Risotto*- Kimchi
- Bulgogi
Pad ThaiTabbouleh*- Sorbetto
Gazpacho- Romesco sauce
- Butter chicken
Ricotta*Thanksgiving turkeyDoughnutsGritsPotstickersSoft pretzels*Falafel*Black-eyed peas*JambalayaCheesecake- Sourdough bread
Lasagna- Baklava
- Crab
- Fish and chips
Spaghetti sauce*Tomato soupAngel food cake- Pudding
Applesauce- Ramen
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