I usually figure out the general idea before noon and make sure I have prepped anything that needs more prep time. If there will be fresh baked bread that’s got to be cooked by noon or the day before.

But on I start prepping at cook time there can be a fair amount of yolo. Like I might make a loaf of bread without even knowing what it will be for and decide the next day it will be French toast. But when I go to slice it and soak it I’m looking through my supplies to see what I’m serving with it. And sometimes that means entertaining intrusive thoughts like “I already have maple syrup out for the French toast. Maybe I could use some on some green beans. Wait, that’s probably epic but nasty.”

I live off cravings.

“What do I want?” “Salty, spicy, umami, sweet?” “Crunchy, chewy, toothy, creamy?” And once I have some answers I start looking at my pantry. Potatoes can be any texture and flavor you want. Pasta can too but requires some extra effort. Crunchy beans are potentially lethal, creamy bread is a potential texture nightmare. Look through the options and find a way to make the cravings happy.

I know that’s very different from most. They go through meal ideas until they find one that sounds tasty. I figure out what will be tasty and find a meal that will do it with what’s available.

I have no favorite. But I would like more chicken wings in my life. Oh and a thick porter beer. But I haven’t brewed in ages. It got too expensive. But it makes a good meal.