Cooking is, by far, my favorite past time and probably the most important thing that I do for myself. If you come into my home, you will see a stack of cooking magazines on my coffee table and other stacks strewn around my home (I have a VERY hard time recycling cooking mags). On a regular evening at home after the kids go to bed, you can find me on the couch leafing through cooking mags (dog earring the pages of things that I want to make) or immersed in Pinterest searching the one and only category that I care about, Food and Drink. I pin and repin recipes and tips. So here I am with loads of recipes that I want to try and do I ever try them…..?
Photo Credit: Grogan Studios
Not exactly! I assure you it’s not for lack of energy and execution in the kitchen. I have realized that while I search these cooking magazines and online sites, and save (whether hard copy or electronic) thousands of recipes that I want to make, I rarely execute one exactly. Rather these sources have become my “common ground” — where I find inspiration for my own cooking. I am inspired by something in a recipe (interesting ingredients that are paired together, a new sauce, the addition of some seasonal ingredient or new whole grain) and then I let myself get creative. So, to say the least, trying new ingredients, new pairings or new preparations is great fun for me. I love the concept of sharing as it relates to food and cooking. I hope, that since you have found your way to my site, that you feel this way too!
Food is most definitely a universal “common ground” as the great James Beard observed. Not only is it a basic need of life but it is something that is invented and reinvented and shared throughout history and throughout the world. The Common Plate is a site for sharing good food and inspiring others to do the same. Whether readers follow my recipes exactly or just gather some tips or ideas….it is the idea of sharing a “common ground” with others that excites me. Food IS a common ground….let’s share good food!
Carolyn,
Love the new website! Looking forward to your future posts & cooking adventures.
GMC Commish
Carolyn,
This is awesome!! Just what I needed…will be using this blog like crazy! So proud of you and what you are up to my dear!! Following your passion and making it yours!!
Carolyn, this is wonderful! So happy for you. I am always looking for healthy recipes to cook for the family!
BEST WISHES TO YOU! XO
ANDRIA BENNETT
Good luck!!!
Let’s eat!!! Excited for you and me!!!
Love this! I enjoy cooking, but can never find the time – Now I will find the time 🙂 Cheers!
Yeay! I’m so excited for this website, Carolyn! What a treat this is for a mom who gets bored cooking the same old thing week in and week out! But the best part is that I actually know you and trust your judgement on whether something is really a good recipe or not! Thank you for doing this!
Thanks Cammie! That is so sweet of you to say….you basically gave the exact reasons for why I wanted to do this. I hope you find some things that you love.
Your recipes look great! I want to try the banana bread today! Hope you are doing great!
WOW! LOOKS AWESOME! Love the name and design and EVERYTHING!!
I will visit a lot! I know your all meals are amazing! I will start trying. So glad and appreciate it you decided to share your good recipe. Yay!
Thank you for these wonderful recipes! Lemon orzo soup Monday, sloppy joes Wednesday, and now I’m waiting for my cc banana bread! Were you feeling my vibe this week? Seriously all so delish! Thanks Carolyn!
Hey Kara! Thanks for the nice comment. I’m glad you tackled a few of my recipes. I’m actually making a big batch of Lemon Orzo Soup today. Hope things are well with you and your family.
Dear Carolyn,
1st time blogger, long time follower. I was wondering if you might have some tried and true Thanksgiving recipes for turkey, dressing, side-dishes, leftovers, and whatnot.
Cuz
Dear Commish,
I am spoiled by typically having my mother or mother in law (or Aunt in law) cook the bird so I’m more of side dish lady. In terms of what’s on The Common Plate, check out Butternut Squash Gratin as a great side, as your wife well knows or Grilled Pear Spinach Salad with White Pear Balsamic. In terms of leftovers, check out my Chicken and Stuffing Casserole (sub leftover turkey). In terms of desserts, check out Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting for the kids or make the Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies but make them with Pumpkin. You and I need to chat in person — I know you are in planning mode and I like what I see.
Carolyn…l love your blog and love cooking,baking and and creative people like you and Hillary 🙂
Thanks for your inspirations 🙂
Just found your blog:)
You and Hillary inspire me.
Love cooking,baking and taking pix of my fun and play…passions are such fun:)
Keep on inspiring me and others 🙂
Hi Andi — thank you so much for your kind feedback. I love doing my blog and sharing my passion for good cooking with others. I appreciate your reaching out to me! Best, Carolyn