It's not your Gramma's recipe!

Gramma's recipes are wonderful, when you want comfort food. But if you're tired of the same old recipes, try these tips to spice up old favorites and turn them into today's specials. These tips are guaranteed to make your favorites taste brand new. And remember, THESE recipes may be "Gramma's" recipes a few years down the line!

·         Switch out one spice and add a different and complementary one to add new undertones. Try to stay in the same general family: replace cinnamon with a little ginger and nutmeg, for example.

·         If your recipe calls for rice, try noodles. If it calls for pie crust, put the contents on the bottom and cover the top with biscuit dough. Don't be afraid to try different approaches.

·         Try a different fat. Use coconut oil for an exotic eastern flavor, sesame oil for a smoky tone, or chicken fat for a delightful undertone.

·         Try adding a different meat to your regular recipe. You may not realize it, but most of the time you can switch pork, beef, and chicken in a recipe with minor changes to the time.

·         Consider making your main dish into a casserole. Instead of serving chicken cacciatore as noodles, chicken, and sauce, use boneless chicken in a spicy red sauce with peppers and onions. Mix with sautéed chicken bits. Heat, covered with a layer of mozzarella. Delectable.

·         Try sautéing the ingredients lightly, instead of frying. You can even sauté with a tablespoon of water, for no added calories.

Don't stick your old faithful recipes in the back of the box. Instead, try a different way of looking at your recipes and spotlight your great cooking skills. Chances are, your family will think it's a great new food that "reminds them of something". Only you will know the secret!