Feeding time

Low carb fish pie (carrot and turnip mash on top).
From the Hairy Bikers

When the first lockdown started, my Mum made it clear to both my Dad and me: I am not doing all the cooking on my own. You have nothing to do either, so you can take over as well. And we did. We would all take our turn cooking dinner. 

Waffles.
From Norway

I quickly learnt that cooking spuds, carrots and a meatball was okay, but not really for me. Mainly because I could never get all the carrots cooked. Or the green beans or the cauliflower or whatever vegetable I was cooking, as it wasn't just for me, but for my parents as well. And we love our greens.

Pizza bianca (brie, bacon, walnuts, drizzle of honey. No tomato sauce)

Instead I turned my thoughts to other dishes. Spare ribs, fish pie, chicken with gorgonzola sauce and yes, even a vegetarian dish occasionally. I collected all these dishes, especially if they were to be repeated, in a big book. Which soon became too small to hold them all. The one book became three and I now have so many different recipes that I need at least one, if not two more books.

Rice pudding cake.
From Limburg in the Netherlands

Mind you, it's not all dinners. I also have cakes, desserts, soups, jams and plenty of other things as well. Like a recipe for hot sauce. Not for me, but for my Dad who likes things a tad spicier than my Mum and I do. 

Cardamom knots.
From Sweden

My lasagna (based on Sophia Loren's) does not just have minced meat and bechamel sauce. Oh no, it also contains salami and a lot of vegetables. A lot! The fish pie has been altered slightly to our tastes, as peas are great like peas, but not in every single meal (like the Brits do. I have always wondered whether every Brit has shares in the pea industry), so we use leeks instead. I may start off with a great looking recipe, but by the end, I have added, left out, or changed the whole thing. 

Cookbook 1 is for the basics, starters and side dishes.
Cookbook 2 is for main courses, meat, fish etc.
Cookbook 3 (most important) is for cakes, desserts and yummies.

The books are filling up. With meals I have had several times, others that need to still be tried. I get them from everywhere: I have recipes from all over the world, which I find in cookbooks or online. And if anyone has a good one: you know where to send it!