Our Best Cooking Advice in Just Six Words

Earlier this week we spoke with Larry Smith of Six-Word Memoirs, a site devoted to the art of storytelling—in only six words. He just published  The Best Advice in Six Words, the newest in a series of Six-Word Memoir books. Feeling inspired, we asked some of our editors to share their best cooking advice in six words or fewer. Here is some Food52 wisdom, shorter:

Leslie: Eat pie for breakfast on Mondays.

Taylor: Your mistakes might taste really good.

Gabi: Read instructions first, no surprises later.

Caroline: Never skimp on what you eat.

Sarah: Yes, that does need more cream.

 

Smith told us about his mission to get people to write shorter by whittling down their ideas, stories, and advice down to six simple words. He shared some of his favorite 6-word snippets from the book and why they say so much while saying so little. 

 “Chances are, your editor is right.” —Elizabeth Gilbert

I love the sentiment from Elizabeth Gilbert, one of our time's most successful writers, that we always need an editor. I read her words as meaning an editor in writing, sure, but also in life. That editor could be your mom, best friend, partner, or your own conscience, but we all need help navigating life. 

"There is always room to moonwalk." —Abby Sher

What does she mean by these words? It's hard to know, but something tells me that when I put these six words up on a blackboard during a school talk the kids will talk about how they interpret this advice for an hour. Is it about being a little silly? Stretching your boundaries? Or just invoking your inner MJ? Who knows? And I love it. 

"Secret to happy marriage: separate bathrooms." —Mary McConnell

I've never experienced this situation... but a boy can dream.

When asked what he thought if the challenge were doubled to twelve words, he shot right back with six words of his own: 

"Then we'd all just be rambling."

Photo of cream by Melina Hammer; Photo of casserole by Ashley Rodriguez

We want to hear from you! What are your favorite six words of food wisdom and why? Tell us in the comments!