Dare to Be Bold: Cook Something Bold Day on November 8th!

Do you find yourself uninspired in the kitchen these days? Are you looking for new ways to spice up your mealtimes? You’re in luck because November 8th is National Cook Something Bold Day! This day is designed to encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and cook something new, bold, and daring. Grab your aprons, pots, and pans, and get ready to be bold!

Ways to Make Foods More Exciting

Now you may be wondering, “how do I cook something bold and exciting?”. Before jumping into any recipes, here are 6 ways to make foods more exciting:

1. Experiment with new, unique spices and herbs. Break away from tradition and those familiar seasonings this November! Try expanding your flavor horizon by trying a few less-common herbs and spices. Create your own dry rubs, marinades, and special spice combinations to make any dish BOLD.

Here are some ideas! Want something with a lot of depth and flavor for roasted veggies, soups, and stews? Try adding curry powder or star anise. Do you need a new rub for your meats and fish? Try Herbs de Provence. There are so many unique herbs and spices to choose from, you will be sure to find your new favorites!

2. The sauce is boss. Like the herbs and spices, venture out of your comfort zone by adding new sauces to your grocery list, or even creating your own. Add the new sauce to your pasta dishes, grilled chicken, or seasonal veggies. If you’re feeling extra BOLD, making your own sauces and condiments is simple and fun. Try a homemade sweet chili sauce, homemade chimichurri, or even barbeque sauce just to name a few.

3. DIY salad dressing. Jazz up your typical salad, veggies, and marinated meats by curating your very own dressings at home. Making dressing doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply mix two parts olive oil and one part acid, such as vinegar, lemon juice, lime juice or mustard, along with your favorite herbs and spices (tip: use some of the new herbs and spices we just mentioned). Shake it up and it’s ready to go!

4. Start zesting. Give your meals some extra pizzazz with citrus zest! Try adding lemon, lime, or orange zest to your favorite meats and fish, salad dressings, marinated, desserts, baked goods, yogurt, smoothies and so much more. Citrus zest will give these dishes an extra zing and wake up your taste buds.

5. Embrace umami. Umami is often described as a meaty, broth-like, or savory taste. Adding an umami flavor to your cooking can be easy! Use umami-rich ingredients like dried mushrooms or parmesan cheese, fermented foods or aged cheese to bring out that savory taste.

6. Try kebabs. Everything is just way more fun on a stick! Put your sliced or cubed chicken, vegetables, and even fruits on kebab skewers for a fun way to enjoy your meals.

Recipes to TRY

Now that you’ve learned a few tips and tricks to spice up our own recipes. Here are 5 Big and Bold recipes to try out this November:

1. Chicken, Carrot, and Potato Curry: Grab your favorite skillet and brown carrots, chicken, and potatoes with some curry. Season with cayenne, paprika, or another bold flavor of your liking.

2. Chile-Garlic Shrimp: This dish takes minutes to make and doesn’t require many ingredients. Simply grill shrimp with your favorite chile flakes and garlic until browned.

3. Sichuan Bok Choy Tofu Stir Fry: Fry up any vegetables of your liking with tofu, bok choy, and various cooking oils. You can make your own sauce to toss over your food or you can buy some premade.

4. Harissa and Maple Roasted Carrots: There is nothing more delicious and perfect for this time of year than roasted carrots! Roast your carrots until fork tender after coating them in harissa paste and a dollop of maple syrup.

5. Thai Crunch Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing: Create a salad with your favorite greens and shredded cabbage. Coat the salad with a delicious peanut dressing for added protein.

Use your imagination on November 8th to cook something out of your ordinary. Let’s take the time to celebrate the many different herbs, spices, and cooking techniques available throughout the world– and try applying them to our own meals! Try these tips, tricks, and recipes to create something original in your kitchen this November. Now, get to cooking!

Your Turn to Take Action: How will you cook BOLD on November 8th? Let me know in the comments below.