Invent Your Recipe: Simple Dishes Made Your Way

Hi! My name is Tom, and welcome to my blog. Are you a beginner cook looking for recipe suggestions? Are you an experienced home cook looking for a place to share ideas and offer recipe suggestions? Or are you somewhere in between? If so, you found the right place.

Here at Invent Your Recipe I make simple everyday dishes that can be changed up using different ingredients.

I offer base recipes and alternative ingredient suggestions. All brought to you by a Cook that does not like recipes! That’s right. I cook without recipes, then write down what I did! It is not for everyone, but that is my style, and I hope you like it.

If you are interested in seeing my recipe style, grab your free eCookbook and enjoy! I also hope to see you in the comments of one of the many recipes on this blog, contributing to the experience!

Latest Posts

Spinach in Pasta with Peppers

Spinach In Pasta With Peppers

Spinach In Pasta With Peppers. Conchiglie pasta mixed with sauteed peppers, eggplant, garlic, and spinach and finished with grated Parmigiano Reggiano
22 Meatless Meals For Two For Dinner Feature

Meatless Meals For Two

I present today this list of 22 meatless meals for two. A wonderful collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes to add to your starting lineup of base recipes. Pick one or two, or cook them all, and invent the version of these meatless meals for two that work best for you.
Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe. Boneless chicken breasts cut into thin cutlers, breaded, and pan-fried to perfection.
Recipe for BBQ chicken

Recipe For BBQ Chicken 5 Ways

The purpose of this blog is to demonstrate how a base recipe, in this case, a recipe for BBQ chicken, can be transformed into a new recipe with a few ingredient changes.

The Concept of Invent Your Recipe

The idea for this website came about from me trying to write down recipes for my wife, who wanted to be able to cook the dishes I love. As I began writing recipes down I found it difficult because I always change the ways I prepare dishes, I like to create, not emulate. The name “Invent Your Recipe” was a direct result of the idea of creating.

And the motto for this idea of Invent Your Recipe is: Create, Taste, Innovate

I hope that this website can serve as a platform for sharing ideas and for pushing the boundaries of contemporary dishes. To learn more about me check out the about the cook page and I look forward to inventing recipes with you!

How To Invent A Recipe Post 1

HOW TO Develop A RECIPE

Invent or Create?

I am analytical and technical in nature, so I invent my recipes, but you can use whichever word you like. After all, it is about enjoying the process and making yourself some great tasting food, without being overwhelmed.

Embrace Your Style, But Try New Things

Lean into what you like to cook and how you like to cook it. Make it your default cooking style. But also see the benefit and value in trying new things. 

Create Your Own Recipes

Are you interested in creating your own recipes? I hope so because cooking, creating, and eating is a lot of fun! Especially when you get friends and family to contribute to the cooking and eating experience.

Creating lifelong memories is an important part of cooking for me. Spending time with loved ones in the kitchen is my happy place.

Looking for a framework or guide for creating recipes? I have just the thing. Check out this page, How to Invent A Recipe, to get started.

Included are an introduction to my “base recipe” concept, steps to invent a recipe, and tips for creating your starting lineup of base recipes.

Fan Favorite RECIPES

Stir Fry Cabbage with Green Beans: Feature Image

Stir Fry Cabbage with Green Beans: A 35 Minute Recipe

Stir Fry Cabbage with Green Beans. Cabbage sautéed with green beans, tomatoes, and onions and mixed with stir fry sauce.
zucchini with beans and sweet potatoes

Zucchini with Beans and Sweet Potatoes: A 30 Minute Recipe

Zucchini with Beans and Sweet Potatoes. Zucchini sautéed with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes and mixed with beans.
Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio E Olio with Broccoli: Feature Image

Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio with Broccoli

Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio with Broccoli. Whole wheat pasta sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with garlic, broccoli, and grated cheese.
Garlic Butter Tuna Steaks: Feature Image

Garlic Butter Tuna Steaks: A Healthy One Hour Recipe

Garlic Butter Tuna Steaks. Pan seared garlic butter tuna steaks served with sautéed spaghetti squash.
About
Tom Papia
Creator Of Invent Your Recipe
My name is Tom. I am a food lover who has been cooking since I was a little kid. I am first generation Italian American. I have been cooking for about 30 years, dating back to the first time I helped my mom make Sunday dinner.

Kitchen Pantry

Want to learn more about specific pantry items such as garlic, olive oil, or vinegar? Explore the list below.

Cooking Oils: Feature Image

Cooking Oils

It is hard to envision a cooking pantry without cooking oils, especially my favorites; olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil..

Read More
World Of Garlic: Feature Image

GARLIC

A Closer Look at Varieties, Growing Tips, and Culinary Recommendations. From soft neck to hard neck garlic and their uses.

READ MORE
All About Tomatoes

TOMATOES

To me, nothing says summer like fresh tomatoes. Learn more about the types of tomatoes and even how to grow them.

READ MORE
World of Vinegar: Body Image

VINEGAR

Vinegar is an essential ingredient in countless recipes and has been a staple in kitchens worldwide for centuries..

READ MORE

Chicken Recipes

Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Fried Chicken Cutlets Recipe. Boneless chicken breasts cut into thin cutlers, breaded, and pan-fried to perfection.
Recipe for BBQ chicken

Recipe For BBQ Chicken 5 Ways

The purpose of this blog is to demonstrate how a base recipe, in this case, a recipe for BBQ chicken, can be transformed into a new recipe with a few ingredient changes.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs

Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs. Boneless chicken breasts, bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini are placed on skewers, marinated in BBQ sauce, and grilled to perfection.

ITALIAN COOKBOOK

In Invent Your Recipe Italian, Thomas J. Papia introduces you to his concept: the idea that when you INVENT YOUR RECIPE, these Italian recipes simply become guidelines. 

Get My Copy
Invent Your Recipe_Italian Cookbook_Front Standing

Seafood Recipes

3 Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe Ideas Feature

3 Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe Ideas

This blog aims to demonstrate how a base recipe, in this case, quick shrimp scampi recipe ideas, can create a new recipe with a few ingredient changes. First, we create a recipe, then taste the recipe,
8 Recipes with Frozen Shrimp Feature Image

8 Simple Recipes with Frozen Shrimp

I present today this list of 8 simple recipes with frozen shrimp. Shrimp is a staple in my kitchen so I use it as an ingredient in may dishes.
Shrimp Zucchini Scampi Feature Image

Refreshing Shrimp Zucchini Scampi

Shrimp Zucchini Scampi with Carrots. Traditional shrimp scampi with a twist. Shrimp sautéed in a lemon butter white wine sauce with shredded zucchini and carrots.

INGREDIENT SWAP GUIDE

Get my highly requested ingredient alternatives list! Over 60 ingredients and suggested replacements. Expand your pantry and flavors!

Get the guide
Ingredient Swap Guide_Blurred_Vertical

Vegetarian Recipes

22 Meatless Meals For Two For Dinner Feature

Meatless Meals For Two

I present today this list of 22 meatless meals for two. A wonderful collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes to add to your starting lineup of base recipes. Pick one or two, or cook them all, and invent the version of these meatless meals for two that work best for you.
Zucchini Fritters with Spelt Flour Feature Image

Zucchini Fritters with Spelt Flour

Zucchini Fritters with Spelt Flour. Shredded zucchini mixed with eggs, grated cheese, and spelt flour and then pan-fried in olive oil.
Roasted Tomatoes and Onions Finished

Roasted Tomatoes and Onions: A 30 Minute Recipe

Roasted Tomatoes and Onions. Tomatoes and onions mixed with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper and roasted in the oven.
Italian Cacuzza Stew Recipe: Feature Image

ITALIAN CACuZZA STEW

Home Grown

Italian Cacuzza Stew Recipe. Cacuzza sautéed with garlic and onions and cooked down with crushed tomatoes and basil.

Traditional

I am sure some of you are wondering, “What the heck is a cacuzza, or a gagootz?” Well, gagootz is the way my family, and a lot of Italian-American families pronounce the word cacuzza.

Pasta Recipes

Spinach in Pasta with Peppers

Spinach In Pasta With Peppers

Spinach In Pasta With Peppers. Conchiglie pasta mixed with sauteed peppers, eggplant, garlic, and spinach and finished with grated Parmigiano Reggiano
Peas and Mushrooms Pasta Finished

Peas and Mushrooms Pasta

Peas and Mushrooms Pasta. Elbow macaroni cooked with sauteed mushrooms, peas, onions, and garlic. As you may already know from …

See More

3 Easy Gnocchi and Tomatoes Recipes For Dinner Feature Image

3 Easy Recipes with Gnocchi and Tomatoes

3 Easy Gnocchi Recipes With Tomatoes will feature gnocchi cooked with tomatoes differently. What will change the most in these recipes are the complimentary ingredients.