Aside: My 2021 Kitchen Rule Book

I’ve always enjoyed food—from preparing and styling to eating, of course—but over the past year I spent time finding ways to be even more inspired and I challenged myself to share back what I was working on.

In the process, I learned a lot. Sure, I failed a lot too, but it makes me really excited to look back on all these photos and memories, and even more so to make new ones.

Here are some of the things, a rule book of sorts, I embraced in the past year and that I want to keep top of mind in the year ahead.

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See more photos, read, and share. Take a look at my Instagram Guide.

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No. 1
It’s okay to play with your food.

No. 2
Taking time for proper plating and styling is important.

No. 3
Baking doesn’t have to be an intimidating feat.

No. 4
Keep the simple, go‑to recipes nearby at all times.

No. 5
A shortcut here and there doesn’t hurt anyone.

No. 6
Dough is easy. Timing and planning, not so much.

No. 7
Repeat recipes aren’t unoriginal, they’re just good.

No. 8
Sides can be stars.

No. 9
The sauce is where it’s at.

No. 10
Spontaneous picnics are a creative challenge.

No. 11
Brunch fits work‑from‑home life perfectly.

No. 12
Always make time for coffee.

No. 13
Entree salads are more than enough for dinner.

No. 14
It’s okay to fail if you find a way to learn from it.

No. 15
A cocktail can be the perfect appetizer (or dessert).