Do you share recipes?

When I was dating my hubby, we would go to one of his relatives for holidays. One of the cousins would bring delicious homemade desserts. A few holidays later, I asked the cousin what gave one of the desserts its texture. (I wasn't asking for a recipe, just one ingredient.) She spun around and announced, "I don't give out my recipes." I giggled because I thought she was kidding and then stopped giggling when she didn't join in.

I started searching and I found the recipe on the inside of a cream cheese box. I thought that she invented the recipe and didn't want to share. I could understand if it was an old family recipe for sauce and it was to be kept in the family.

I think her theory is that if we have the recipes then it won't be as special when she makes it. I don't mind giving out recipes. I think it breaks the ice when I'm at a party and someone likes what I made and asks what's in it. So, what are your thoughts on recipe sharing?

Re: Do you share recipes?

I always give out my recipes. Usually when I ask someone for a recipe I offer one of mine in return.

My Dad's mom used to give out her recipes - when she did she would leave an ingredient out so it was never as good when someone else made it. Nice, huh?

Re: Do you share recipes?

Posted by MrsR

I always give out my recipes. Usually when I ask someone for a recipe I offer one of mine in return.

My Dad's mom used to give out her recipes - when she did she would leave an ingredient out so it was never as good when someone else made it. Nice, huh?

Re: Do you share recipes?

Posted by CC0203

Posted by MrsR

I always give out my recipes. Usually when I ask someone for a recipe I offer one of mine in return.

My Dad's mom used to give out her recipes - when she did she would leave an ingredient out so it was never as good when someone else made it. Nice, huh?

This reminds me of an episode of EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND - Debra wanted one of Marie's recipes so Marie gave it to her but left out an important ingredient and replaced it with something else!!

Re: Do you share recipes?

Posted by CC0203

This reminds me of an episode of EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND - Debra wanted one of Marie's recipes so Marie gave it to her but left out an important ingredient and replaced it with something else!!

Re: Do you share recipes?

I always share. Nothing is so original anyway! It's a nice compliment if someone asks.

Re: Do you share recipes?

my uncle's wife is like that... she has an apple pie recipe thats amazing that got passed down from her family. but she WON"t give it out, no matter what.
i have no problem giving out recipes- they're usually from a cookbook anyway! every year for thanksgiving i make chocolate chip cookies that DHs family is like amazed by! but all it is is the recipe on the back of the nestle chocolate chip bag! so i have no problem telling them that. its too funny!

Re: Do you share recipes?

I have no problem sharing recipes. The challenge is that my measurements are rarely 'exact' since I am usually just going by taste when I cook. But I give approximations and the ingredients.

I think you are right.. your SIL probably felt like giving you the recipe would make her own stuff 'less special'. But I think that it's more than the ingredients that you put into a dish that make it taste great.

Re: Do you share recipes?

i share recipes if someone asks

Re: Do you share recipes?

I share recipes, but I get really annoyed when people change them and still call it "Jen's recipe" when now it tastes like crap.

One of my overly-health-conscious friends made a recipe of mine and swapped out regular mayo for fat free mayo. It tasted like crud and she didn't own up to my comments that she must have changed something, until after everyone left the party.

Great, now everyone thinks MY version tastes like that too. Idiot-b!t*h!

Message edited 10/28/2007 11:11:32 AM.

Re: Do you share recipes?

speaking of sharing recipes, did you see the contest for original recipes on the recipes board?

i submitted my mom's cabbage soup recipe

Re: Do you share recipes?

I do, because I'm so excited when I can make something! I'm actually not as bad as I make myself sound, but I think it's fun to share...

Re: Do you share recipes?

I share because I once worked with a woman who refused and I always thought that was ridiculous. They should be proud to share in my opinion.

Re: Do you share recipes?

Yes! It's like the teacher complex...some teachers never share ideas or lessons...I'm sorry, but how do new cooks learn?

Re: Do you share recipes?

I always share recipes, and anything else anyone wants to know about something I have or do.

Life is too short to hoarde the good things!

My ex-coworker's wife used to make this coffee cake that was to DIE for. Each time she made it, I would nag him for the recipe. Finally, the day I left the company, she gave it to me. She just didn't want me to start bringing it to the company parties and force her to do something else.

Re: Do you share recipes?

I am always willing to share recipes...what's the point of keeping something delicious to yourself?