WHAT is for dinner tonight? A question asked every day, and we find ourselves looking in the fridge to see what we can throw together with minimal fuss.
But in our busy lives, we soon find ourselves falling back on the same handful of quick and easy staples we build into our repertoire.
Nothing wrong with a few family favorites and steady standbys – but it can get dull quickly.
Yet food is such an important part of our lives and offers so much enjoyment, it is worth taking the time and effort to experiment a bit.
We have moved past the point where only certain things are allowed in combination – the fusion food concept is here to stay. If it tastes good and you like it, go for it.
Challenge yourself this week to try a new gastronomic experience. It could be as simple as trying a new recipe or picking up an ingredient from the store you have never used before – and as our stores have become more global there is a lot more choice in every department.
We all have favorite flavors – Google your key ingredient and see what other dishes and meals it is used in. There are bound to be many recipes you have never even heard of. Explore that flavor and see where it takes you – you may soon find all sorts of new dishes to enjoy.
And, of course, many ingredients and flavors come from around the globe, as our immigrant populations bring their favorite traditional dishes with them. Naturally, our stores like to sell what people buy and the range of ingredients easily available just continues to grow. Is there a country you have always wanted to visit? Well make yourself taste it – look up its cuisine and get to work in the kitchen. You may not be on the beach itself but trying new foods on vacation is one of the greatest joys – and we can do that at home while we cannot travel.
Next time you are in the store, deliberately pick up something you have never tried before. In the greengrocery there are fruits and vegetables from all over you have never even looked at before – yucca roots anyone? Pick one up and give it a go – after all, the worst outcome is saying not again but the best and you have a new favorite.
The kitchen is a great place to be – you can experiment to your heart’s content and literally spice up your world. Mix and match flavors and textures. Find out what pairings work well for you. After all, someone decided to put chilis in chocolate and it is delicious. Julia Belle’s offers some great seasonings, rubs, and mixes that are perfect and easy for adventuring into a world of new flavors.
And do not forget your greatest resource – friends, and family. What do they like? We all have our favorites and family secrets, so get sharing those recipes. You will soon have a new take on dinner time.