Here are a few things to try when you’re tired of those old recopies
When a recipe calls for vanilla flavor I like to substitute maple instead. If you still would like some of that vanilla taste and smell just try going half-and-half. This small alteration will often yield such a rich and new flavor that people will ask about your secret.
When my cookbook calls for cinnamon I substitute pumpkin pie spice in the fall/winter season and apple pie spice in the summer/spring. If neither of these seem like they will fit, well there is always allspice. They all add so much to the flavor, you will be surprised. (Don’t have it, just make your own pumpkin pie spice and apple pie spice).
At times honey is too expensive and I try not to use it excessively. I like to substitute either half corn syrup and half pancake syrup, or half molasses and half corn or pancake syrup. (note that this will make the batter a tad thinner than if you were to use honey. You may need to add some four).
Now I love chili. But I discovered a new trick. Instead of using the full amount of chili power I always substitute at least two, maybe there, tablespoons of taco seasoning. It’s all to taste and what you personally like, just experiment with it. This is just so much better than your average chili.
