The Gourmess MESS Meter

As you know, my motto is "Cooking should be a little messy and a lot of fun." But, I've realized that some cooks have different ideas of what "messy" means. So, going forward you'll notice a new feature included with my recipes.  I'm going to start posting a "MESS" meter with my recipes. (With cookery, as with all things in life, it's good to know what you're in for...so you can plan accordingly.)

Minimal MESS/ingredients/clean-up (Category 1-3): Not much to do except grab a few paper towels, do a quick scrub of the counter, spot clean the floor, and load the dishwasher. You can have this mess cleaned up in about 10 minutes or less.

Example of a Minimal MESS, Category 2.

Moderate MESS/ingredients/clean-up (Category 4-6): Roll up your sleeves, get out the broom and maybe the clean-up wipes. Also, probably the dustbuster. You've made a bit of a mess (yes, that is butter on your forehead) but no worries, you'll be done tidying up in approximately 20 minutes or less.

Example of a Moderate MESS, Category 6.

Major MESS/ingredients/clean-up (Category 7-9): You should probably take a deep breath and then dive in. That mountain of dishes isn't going to wash itself. (Please note, letting your pet eat all of the crumbs on the floor only makes more of a mess for you later.) Also, you might want your vacuum handy. You'll be finished with clean-up in 30 minutes or so.

Example of a Major MESS, Category 8

Mega MESS/ingredients/clean-up (Category 10 and up): Put your local house cleaning service on speed dial. Leave this mess to the professionals -- or at least open a bottle of wine (or preferably gin) and ask/beg someone to help you. It may take a while...

Example of a Mega MESS, Category 12

xoxo

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