The Cook Versus the Recipe

With every fiber of her being, my mom believes a great recipe turns a good cook into greatness. I've been sworn to secrecy over any recipe I've gotten from her. Even recipes we've gotten together, she warns me to never share-- like our recipe for chicken liver pate that makes me swoon. Every time I mention it, she repeats not to share the recipe. But WE took it from Gourmet!! All of this begs the question -- does a great recipe lead to an astonishing meal or can a good cook work with anything given?

A few weeks ago, Kristen talked about sloppy joes, which made my mouth water for my mom's recipe. It's a blend of sweetness, tartness and just the most amazing comfort food I can put in my mouth (not to mention quick to make). I would ask for it as my birthday meal until age 18 (and maybe even after). I couldn't get enough.

I finally got the chance to make the recipe tonight. While I was cooking, I was debating whether I should blog about the recipe. Is it fair to write (and positively gloat) about a recipe that I can not share? But if I share it, I risk never getting a hold of one of mom's recipes again. That's not even an option.

By the time my sloppy joe mixture was finished cooking, I went in for a taste. This wasn't the same flavor that I had grown up with. I played around with the ingredients further, trying to recreate the sloppy joes of my childhood. Still not quite right. Not sweet enough? But then it wasn't tangy enough. How does my mom always get it so right?

That's when I decided. It didn't matter if I gave the recipe or not. The recipe is only magic in my mother's hands for no one can make it like her.

Comments

[rachel]

I love sloppy joes! We made one with bourbon once that was really good!

[Tamara]

I know what you mean. My nannie made the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and also the best sweet tea. No one can make them quite the way she use to. Everyone says I am very close but I feel it is not quite there.

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