Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Recipes in unexpected places

Sometimes it's easy, even for me, to forget that our databases can be used for things other than classroom assignments and research papers. That's why I was so surprised when I stumbled across delicious-looking recipes while taking a closer look at some of our databases. I'm sure you're all gearing up for finals (try to get some sleep!), but you might want to take a look at these when you have a bit of time.

Alt HealthWatch - The best part about the recipes in this database is that you don't even have to know what you're looking for. Don't type anything at all in the search boxes. Instead, go to Document Type, located near the bottom right of the main search screen. Choose Recipe from the list. Then click the Search button. You'll see all the recipes available in Alt HealthWatch. I'd like to try making the Hearty Beef Stew ("Comfort Food Makeovers"), Velvet-Smooth Dark Chocolate Pudding ("Short-order Sweets"), Linguine Bolognese ("Perfectly Seasoned Suppers"), and Tortilla "Lasagna" ("'Make mine meatless!'").

Consumer Health Complete - If you're just interested in browsing, do a search for "recipes". I'd like to try making Pumpkin Soup ("Recipes: Soups and Starters"), Potato Pancakes ("Recipes: Snacks"), and Grandma's Tornado Cookies ("Follow the Footsteps").

Academic Search Complete - In one of the search boxes, type "recipes". Change the drop down menu next to the search box from "Select a Field (optional)" to "Subject Terms." There's overlap between what you'll find here and Alt HealthWatch and Consumer Health Complete, but I think there are also a few recipes I didn't spot in either of those databases.

It wouldn't surprise me if there are more recipes available in some of our databases that I don't even know about. So, have you used library databases for anything outside of coursework or research? Let us know!

2 comments:

Tracy said...

Great post Melissa!

Cathy W. said...

I used Consumer Reports (in the Academic Search Complete database) to help me choose a phone upgrade.