OH, Forks!™ How we Create our Recipes

When I first began the Oh, Forks! Brand, I was revamping old family recipes to be made gluten free, and more “my own.” More recently and with the release of the first coil bound cookbook, I’ve really grasped recipe creation and execution very well. While most everything I create is gluten free, I do still make “normal” food, too. Not for myself, but when people request it, or for non-allergy specific orders. I enjoy creating recipes that can be altered super easily for a multitude of allergies. Whether it’s solely gluten, soy, dairy, grain, or food additives- I wanted to be able to offer the choice to the food preparer.
Nowadays, I utilize social media like Pinterest, Facebook and the like to scroll through pictures of recipes. However, up to five years ago when these awesome apps were invented I used the library! In new recipe creation, I’ll often scroll through food pics and magazines to get ideas on presentation, and new ways to prepare certain foods. In certain groups I am in, we’ll put together flavor test sheets, and see what we can come up with. Same with ingredients; we’ll pick a few, and try to create the best dish. I prefer to use “normal” ingredients, and things you won’t need to search for, or order from a high end market. I also create recipes with kids in mind, and adding simple steps so they can help, too. At this point, we do not post or blog ALL of our recipes, as we are trying to build an empire here 😉 Or at least a small, solid side business. That will be changing slightly, as our website will be getting a load of recipes added to it very soon!
Some have asked where I learned to cook, and my knowledge on how to pull of killer new recipes. When I was young, I was lucky to have two Grandmas and a Mom who let me help in the kitchen. Always, even when I mixed the wrong things together. Cooking is always something I’ve loved, and done very well. Once my daughter began showing serious food issues (among other things) when she was a baby, I threw myself into learning about food, nutrition, and the how-to’s of it all. The role foods play with chronic illnesses and auto immune issues is so important, and many have not yet discovered this fact. In my learning, clean and simple foods are always best; but remembering to wisely choose something better than the worst thing is always a step in the right direction.
I believe that everyone’s food journey is different. Some choose a specific diet, while other only watch portion size. Some exercise six times a day, seven days a week, and some only cut calories and continue to be sedentary. Some stick with the same plan for years, and others change it up frequently. For years I’ve eaten gluten free, but in the past few had turned more Paleo. This year proved the biggest challenge, with now being forced into a Gastroparesis diet- which is liquids and softs only, if you’re wondering. I’ve dabbled in Ayurvedic living, which seems to be easier on my gut these days. So, on our site, you’ll probably see a good mix of many diets: gluten free, low glycemic, paleo, vegan, dairy free, egg free, soy free, no salt, grain free, and more.

So, whatever you’re here for, we hope you enjoy the upcoming recipes, blogs, and fun!