Don't be afraid to adapt new ingredients into your own techniques, and traditional ingredients into new recipes.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
The first time you make something, follow the recipe, then figure out how to tailor it to your own tastes.
Recipes tell you nothing. Learning techniques is the key.
It's always good to go over the recipe beforehand, so you can easily think of the next thing that needs to be done.
There's no way I'm going to stand up for bad ingredients. We love seasonal ingredients. It's a false dichotomy to say that modern cooking is at odds with that, but some people want to have a great ingredient and no technique.
It is important to experiment and endlessly seek after creating the best possible flavors when preparing foods. That means not being afraid to experiment with various ingredients.
I like to cook with the philosophy of using great ingredients and not altering them too much.
I may find something that looks interesting and then go on to alter the recipe by adding spices, things of my own. I also look for time-saving recipes, dishes that can be prepared ahead and stored.
You don't have to stick with these recipes. They're guides. As I say, they're a way in. Have fun with them. It's an easier way to cook in a busy life, once you get the hang of it.
Simple ingredients prepared in a simple way - that's the best way to take your everyday cooking to a higher level.
Once you have mastered a technique, you hardly need look at a recipe again and can take off on your own.