The strongest of our senses linked to memory is smell. This automatic feature we are built with helps us to decide more things then we may know. What would happen if you followed what your nose told you to do when choosing a menu? You would find out that you were creating something with a little more flavor, out of the ordinary and exactly what you crave. I did it. I let my senses dictate what I could and could not eat over the past week and it turned out to be a huge success. Tastes and aromas have been affecting me in very different ways lately so I said to myself, "Just go with it." I thumbed through some of my favorite recipe books, took a pencil and a tablet notepad and started writing a grocery list based on the meals that appealed to me. Most of these included lots of spice, bold flavor and, most importantly, were cooked without a frying pan and oil!
Why do I emphasize this detail? My nose. The one and only thing I have not been able to stomach during my pregnancy to date, is the overpowering and heavy aroma of meat (and/or poultry) sizzling in a skillet of oil. It fills every nook of the house and has recently repulsed me. So, I avoided that method completely and found a healthy, delicious way to serve dinner.
Some of these items that I have already cooked and absolutely loved are:
- Chicken breasts sprinkled with a lemon pepper seasoning then broiled and topped with a pesto sauce and served over sauteed orange and yellow peppers (and brown rice).
- Peppercorn and Tuscan seasoned roast beef with a horseradish and sour cream sauce on the side, served with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach.
- Eggplant Parmesean made with a homeade tomato sauce and using breaded and baked eggplant slices and generous amounts of Ricotta cheese.
- Smoked salmon, cream cheese and chives on a whole wheat pizza crust garnished with olive tapanade.
You get the idea, right? The moral of this true story is to hopefully give you the confidence to try and let your cravings create your menu. You may just find something completely new and exciting that will become a staple on your family's table.
