This illustration is part of my Collective Food Wisdom series, for which I asked people across different languages and cultures to share a nugget of food wisdom or advice they’ve received that they continue to carry with them in their kitchen, garden, or life.

This week’s wisdom is from Drew who writes, "I was born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a place where people cooked everything and every meal. We didn’t have McDonald's or prepared meals. It was either dining out with items that were available that day—fresh fish, flown in poultry or meats—or you used what was available at the local market. My maid brought the local inspired meals into our life, and my parents introduced us to meals from all over the world. All was created at home; most were awesome…some, well, as a kid, not so much."

What is the most useful piece of food wisdom or advice you have ever received?

Drew: Recipes are General Guidelines - When you really begin to enjoy cooking…(being that I was very young when I was being taught).. remember that recipes are only a general guideline, something that worked for someone else. And a good recipe can allow you to recreate a fantastic meal. But don’t be afraid to break from the “exact” recipe. Modify it, experiment, make it yours. And enjoy it, as well as enjoy doing it.

Who gave it to you?

Drew: I actually got almost the same advice from 2 people in my life: my maid Toy—yes that’s her name—and my father who was a “home gourmet.”

How does it show up in your life?

Drew: In 2 ways: 1) I have been cooking fantastic “gourmet” style meals for 30 years and I am always thinking of what I can change to make it better or more exciting. Many are items that you think would be weird, so to speak. But most of the time, my wife says, "Holy crap..That's awesome, I would have never thought of trying that." 2) And simply in life… try thinking outside the box. You may really surprise yourself when you look outside the comfort of the norm.

Drew and I share the same sentiment toward recipes. There are some days I follow a recipe to a T, and on (most) others I draw upon learnings of recipes past to create something completely new.

As someone who creates in and out of the kitchen, I often give more credit to the art I make with pen and paint than I do to the art I create with food. It's easy to forget that cooking is an art. But if you're cooking, you're creating. Go on, have fun with it!

To sink your teeth into more Collective Food Wisdom, and perhaps even hang a reminder of it in your own kitchen, head on over to my shop. Sometimes I sell the originals, too, so make sure you're signed up for my monthly inspiration email to be notified next time they go on sale, and you can snag your favorite.