The Spice of Life

Seasonings and spices. They are much like friends. Each one adds a different flare of flavor to our lives and together, can create something amazing. Sometimes both friends and what they bring to the table (literally) are cause for a truly great time.

Yesterday, my dearest friend Nicole shared a unique taste treat with me while we sipped on a 2008 Malbec. She introduced me to truffle honey on baguette bread with bleu cheese on top. The blend of sweet with the indescribable truffle flavor along with the sharpness of the bleu was extraordinary. I'm actually craving it now as I write and may have to stop by The Village Cheese Shop on Love Lane, Mattituck to pick up my own jar of truffle honey.

Another perfect addition to cuisine this week was from my brother-in-law, Jeremy. While making a steak and shrimp dinner on the grill tonight, he shredded fresh ginger and mixed it in with the shrimp before cooking over a charcoal grill. The zing of the ginger with the unmistakable charcoal cooking was exciting for my palate! As you already know, I'm a sushi nut so ginger is a familiar part of my plate but used creatively to spice up a classic barbecue night deserves some extra attention in my book.

Last but not least, the spotlight on seasonings for this week moves to our beloved herb garden. Oregano and mint both played a big role in two different dinners that I cooked this week. One was a chunked chicken with medium shell whole wheat pasta mixed with fresh oregano, chopped onion and green peas tossed lightly with a butter and parmesan sauce. The other was curry chicken over mediterranean couscous and a fresh garden salad (from our backyard as well). The curry sauce was straight from a jar, which I am not afraid to admit. I can make a mean Italian tomato sauce but Indian seasoning is not something I'm familiar with. However, I did take the thick curry sauce and add fresh mint leaves finely chopped before pouring over the chicken tenderloins. The chicken pieces themselves were seasoned with sea salt and garlic powder then grilled. Both meals were outstanding. I am appreciating the amount of flavor that comes from the fresh herbs. A little really does go a long way.

To conclude this spicy post, I look forward to hosting a barbecue party this coming Saturday with my friends and my sister. All of whom add so much to my life. I hope you recognize the spices in your life and appreciate all of the flavors of each day!