Mainely Martha

While cooler temperatures and gray skies are lingering, the grilling and salad season is upon us.  And isn’t it refreshing to be eating “lighter”?  But be leery of the big salad, the dressings, the seasonings, and the marinades.  For it is so easy to believe you are cooking and eating healthy, but it is really leaning more towards healthy-ish.

The flavors of the fresh fish, meats, vegetables and fruits are robust enough without the masking of heavy condiments. That is not to say a light seasoning is not in order, but be mindful to not have a heavy hand in an attempt to add flavor. Sometimes it is harder to refrain from adding and trusting the flavor of the food and/or the combination of foods can be all the flavor that you need or want. And if you someone that always reaches for the salt before ever even taking a bite to see if the seasoning is needed…push yourself to pause and taste first…you may be surprised what a pinch of patience can add versus the pinch of salt.

Take advantage of the abundance of herbs for your seasoning and yes, for your cocktails too. And if you are at a loss of how you might incorporate them or maybe just new ideas, be sure to check out the recipes on the site. With so many get-togethers that occur as the weather changes, the menus can become a bit dull and repetitive from one barbecue to the next. Grilling and salads may take us out of cooking mode, but it is a good time to try to change up the menu with new sides, new salad combos, new sangrias, and cocktails.

So don’t have another boring cookout; the food and drinks can look and taste great and still be healthyish…or at least feel that way!