Each month, I gather a variety of tidbits to share with you relating to food, wine, kitchen tools, tips, articles, books, music, and more as part of a broader culinary lifestyle. I hope you find them interesting, helpful, and maybe even inspiring. Feel free to add to the experience by sharing some of your own!
I currently receive no compensation for any products or brands listed here. I simply enjoy sharing the information.
FOOD
Mexican Salsa Verde
Mexican food is one of my favorites. I like having a good quality salsa verde handy for making enchiladas, or for using with tacos, nachos, or on eggs. There are quite a few brands available - just remember to check the nutrition labels. Here are three I especially enjoy.
BEVERAGES
WINE:
Would you like a bit of help with pairing wines with food? Check out this article from Food & Wine (April 6, 2022) - 15 Rules for Great WINE and FOOD Pairings
NON-ALCOHOLIC:
The popularity of tasty, cocktail-like non-alcoholic beverages has been on the rise in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. I’ve been checking out many creative offerings at local establishments. For an easy one to make at home, try an Arnold Palmer. It’s not new, but it comes to my mind in the summer because of the main ingredients - iced tea and lemonade! I like that it is simple, has no complicated or specialty elixirs and it’s refreshing. The sugar content can be adjusted by the type of iced tea and lemonade used. Make one or a pitcher and enjoy!
Here are two versions for you -
New York Times - Arnold Palmer
The Spruce Eats - Arnold Palmer
DISHWARE
Pottery
Those of you who know me, know that my husband and I have quite a pottery collection. Between the pieces collected over the years from my husband’s pottery-making father and stepmother and those we couldn’t possibly leave without purchasing at various art fairs, we could almost open our own shop.
I was recently introduced to a local North Carolina potter who makes wonderfully useful and simply stylish pieces. Check out his website and visit him at local markets.
Joe Sink Pottery - Hillsboro NC
For my Minnesota friends, Mary Denzer makes pieces that are beautiful, practical, and functional for everyday use, as well. Check out her Facebook page and get on her mailing list for her twice-annual Meadowfest, which takes place in the beautiful bluff country of SE Minnesota. She also shows at several local art fairs and participates in the Bluff County Studio Tour.
Seven Bridges Pottery - Houston MN
BOOK
Here’s one you may be interested in adding to your reading list.
The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry
By Kathleen Flinn
While this book is not new - a New York Times bestseller in 2008 - it is an interesting read especially if you enjoy food and cooking. Dive into the engaging story of the author’s road to self-discovery while attending the famous Le Cordon Blue cooking school in Paris, France.
I am an avid reader - it’s a way that I relax and disconnect at the end of the day - and picked up this book while attending culinary school. I could SO relate to the cooking school stories she shared. A few years later, I met and talked with the author during a session at a culinary conference we both were attending.
The book is available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or through Libby and your local library.
PODCAST
Perhaps you’d like to listen to a podcast while you cook or relax…
Inside Julia’s Kitchen is offered by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts as a way to continue Julia’s legacy. Episodes feature talented individuals who are shaping the food world today - “the way we eat, cook and think about food, just as Julia did.”
Take a listen.
YOUR TURN…
What food, cooking, or culinary-related item or activity have you enjoyed lately? Share it with us here!