30 Foods You Should Make Before 30 (or At Least Someday)


I am celebrating my birthday this week, which is always cause for a lot of reflection. Especially this year- I am turning 29, which means next year I will be hittin’ 30! I’ve been thinking long and hard about everything I have accomplished in my life so far, as well as all the things I haven’t done but want to! I don’t think it’s too uncommon to have a “30 by 30” list, or a list of 30 things you should or want to do before you turn 30. However, the kitchen opens up a whole new world of possibilities! Sure, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean I’ve tried my hand at everything ;).

While this list will definitely differ from person to person, here is a list of basics that will help any aspiring chef!

  1. Boil an egg

  2. Bake cake from scratch

  3. Cook the perfect steak

  4. Perfect the art of cooking chicken on the stovetop- not too dry or underdone!

  5. Find the perfect chocolate chip recipe

  6. Make pico de gallo and guacamole- the perfect addition to so many meals!

  7. Make homemade pizza- because- PIZZA.

  8. Bake a loaf of homemade bread- wheat, white, banana…. Or all of them ;).

  9. Make a pan of lasagna- such a great meal to take to neighbors!

  10. Roast vegetables- because they’re healthy and tasty!

  11. Grill the perfect hamburger- because it’s never a bad day for a good burger ;).

  12. Make perfectly creamy mashed potatoes

  13. Make a pot of perfect homemade chicken noodle soup

  14. A favorite chili recipe (white chili is the best!) is always good to have on hand!

  15. Make a basic grilled cheese- delicious and comforting!

  16. Bake sugar cookies from scratch

  17. Every chef needs a good basic frosting recipe- you can’t go wrong with buttercream ;)

  18. Bake brownies from scratch

  19. Pie is such an American classic- it doesn’t matter what kind, you want to have at least one good recipe under your belt!

  20. Fry the perfect fish fillet- salmon or halibut are both great choices ;).

  21. Roast a whole chicken or turkey- Thanksgiving isn’t the only time you can enjoy this skill!

  22. Make scrambled eggs- such a basic recipe, but one that can be hard to master!

  23. Pancakes- and I’m not talking about the boxed mix stuff ;).

  24. Concoct a delicious fried rice

  25. Make a basic, but delicious, spaghetti sauce

  26. Cook a delectable pot roast- the perfect Sunday meal

  27. Make a basic smoothie- great for breakfast or dessert!

  28. Make a basic caesar salad (or really any salad that will pair well with several meals)

  29. Fajitas- or any good favorite Mexican recipe…. Because that’s pretty much all we eat at my house ;)

  30. A good soup made from a vegetable (like cauliflower or butternut squash soup)

Now if this list is a little too basic for you, here are some more creative options!

  1. Homemade marshmallows

  2. Macaroons

  3. Divinity

  4. Ratatouille

  5. Creme brulee

  6. Street tacos

  7. Homemade ice cream

  8. Kabobs

  9. Muddie buddies

  10. Sheet cake

  11. Trifle

  12. Twice-baked potatoes

  13. Homemade mac n’ cheese

  14. Tres leches cake

  15. Ribs

  16. Chicken cordon bleu

  17. A fancy bundt cake

  18. A delicious cheese ball

  19. A really good bean dip

  20. Homemade jam

  21. Orange chicken

  22. Baked homemade French fries

  23. Molten lava cake

  24. Egg rolls

  25. Homemade fudge

  26. A great fruit dip

  27. Homemade chicken broth

  28. Cinnamon rolls

  29. Blueberry muffins

  30. Homemade pretzels

So what would be on your 30 by 30 list? Which basic recipes would you add, and what more fun and crazy recipes would you add? I’d love to hear your suggestions!

Sources:
  •   https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/our-favorite-spaghetti-and-meatballs-56389489

    Camille Hoffmann
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
    Email the author! camille@dvo.com


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