What is a Recipe Makeover?

Traditionally, a recipe makeover is  a way to preserve the recipes that you love with a little food science magic.  It's a process of trial and error - new ingredients substitute for old ones to address a particular need or concern. Most of the time the overall goal is to create healthier recipes.

One offshoot to recipe makeovers involves learning how to enjoy the vegetables that you receive as a member of a CSA -- Community Supported Agriculture -- which presents a weekly box of fresh, local, organic produce every week.  The selection is chosen by them, not you (according to the harvest), but sometimes you may receive unfamiliar items.  Questions like "What do I do with these mustard greens?" Or "How do I prepare okra?" are also valid "makeover" questions.

Recipe makeovers may fall into one or several categories:

  • Reduction of saturated fat, hydrogenated fats and/or cholesterol
  • Reduction of sugar
  • Elimination of dairy products such as milk and butter
  • Creation of  a gluten free version
  • Elimination of allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, eggs or soy.
  • Decrease in overall calories
  • Increase in nutritional value
  • Preparation of "less well known" vegetables or fruits