2 - Research Time

 

Welcome back!

Now that I have a question decided, it is time for some research...

                                               Fullerton, Alex. (June 5, 2018). "8 Tips for Writing a Cookbook" (online image).

                                                                            [https://images.app.goo.gl/GtJBXMxDQ1ARHurz9]

Research

What makes a good cookbook?

With a little bit of digging through some of my favourite cookbooks, and taking inspiration from some talented bakers and chefs, I was able to create a list of things I will need to create this cookbook.

When I think of a cookbook, I think about pictures of the delicious meal I am about to prepare, an ingredients list so that I can go shopping, instruction, serving sizes, amounts, and maybe even a little about the inspiration the chef had for the dish. So, what I have learned is that I need to create a cookbook that is focused on one topic. No one liked anything that is all over the place, so I must stick to what I came here to do 'student worthy, nutritional quick meals'. The cookbook must also include pictures because it is most definitely a commonality in all cookbooks I am seen. Instructions that are clear, concise, and uniform throughout the book. As well as, a little bit of uniqueness for why that dish has found a spot in the book. 

I took inspiration from a few chefs, bakers, and cookbooks that I have enjoyed cooking with to determine what path I should take. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Anna Olson
• Baking Day with Anna Olson: 120 Sweet and Savory Recipes to Bake with Family and Friends (2020)
• Rachel Ray
• 30-minute meals by Rachel Ray and Dan DiNicolo (1998)
• Valerie Bertinelli
• Food Network Host
• Jamie Oliver
  
• Food Network Chef
• Ree Drummond
• AKA The Pioneer Woman

Here are some criteria I will be following to create the cookbook (Johnson, 2013)

• Recipes that work - Too obvious? Why waste time making food that will fail?
• Useful Photos - Designed to instruct or inspire
• Proper Instructions - Too long or detailed and you get lost, Too short and you're making assumptions as the author
• Teaching Value - New skills? New flavour combinations?
• Index - Organization is Key

Learning Opportunity

I learned that creating a cookbook is easier said than done! I will need to place a lot of effort into researching what type of meals students such as myself are looking for or should be indulging in instead of takeout. However, by taking a combination of photos, writing, storytelling, and recipes we can create something magical that blends together to form a cookbook. I am excited to see what I am able to create along the way. 

Up Next

My next questions for research are: What foods should I be including in my diet to fuel my brain? What would a student want in a cookbook? & What meals or ingredients do students like? 

Sources

Johnson, Amy Allen. “What Makes A Good Cookbook?” Today's Mama, Today's Mama, 3 Jan. 2013, todaysmama.com/food/what-makes-a-good-cookbook.