Megan, your search function is working perfectly fine. I just did the same search and also came up with the thread entitled "The best workout DVDs I have ever owned"; this is because the word "recipe" is contained within that thread. What you need to do is REFINE your search, as Abbie and Carly mentioned above. There are S-E-V-E-R-A-L ways to do this, some of which - again- are mentioned above. I will reiterate some of them for you
1) you need to be more specific than just "recipes". Again, if that word is contained within the thread, your search has done it's job and found every thread with the word "recipes".
2) Narrow your search to the sub-forum that applies to your category of choice. Do not search the entire forum.
3) If you still come up with too many threads, try different keywords that may apply.
4) If there are still too many threads, try to narrow it down by searching for your keyword within the title instead of within the thread.
And please, if you are still having trouble and we are closing your threads because they seem useless... don't start a thread apologizing to us. PM a mod so we can help you directly. We are trying to save forum space so things can run more smoothly for everyone.
I am now going to close this thread since this information is plastered across the forum already. If you continue to have issues, please PM a mod.