Mainely Martha

With the boys on vacation this week, we have been out and about enjoying sites and attractions and eating some really bad food! I know that I am a bit of a food snob (ok, a huge food snob) but some places, especially those that cater to children, are serving more food product than real food. I am pretty sure the pizza I had yesterday was a processed lump of cheese substitute atop a form of tomato paste and cardboard….YUCK! Real food please; if not for me, how about for the kids?

Thus, I appreciate good food made with the best and freshest ingredients even more. If you are what you eat, I only want the good stuff! I know dried spices, jars of minced garlic or marinara are quick and easy, but the taste of fresh herbs, garlic, etc…are delicious, so why skimp?!?!?!  And honestly, it really isn’t costing more money or time. If you haven’t used fresh garlic or herbs for sometime or ever, give them a try…trust me on his one; huge punch of flavor. But be warned, you won’t go back.  And with spring in the air, we are ever closer to the Farmer’s Markets. Not only are fresh herbs plentiful, they are such a beautiful and fragrant add to the kitchen.

They say that cooking is an art and the art is marrying the flavors of food together. I have recently added a cocktail recipe to the site, the basil-tini. It isn’t just a beautiful combo of ingredients, it showcases the fresh basil. I love basil and had not thought to have it in a cocktail, let alone to have it be the showcase of a cocktail and it works; I absolutely love it. The possibilities of creating wonderful dishes is endless with good, fresh ingredients. Sometimes, like the basil-tini, it is a simple single ingredient that can wow the whole recipe. While the other ingredients/flavors are key elements of the recipe,it is the combination that elevate a single component to standout and shine. Give it try and you’ll see…Cheers!

Real food doesn’t have ingredients, real food is ingredients – Jamie Oliver