How to Get the Most Out of the Foods You Eat

Food has become a passion to many cultures. A time for celebration, family, tradition, spending time together and for all to take part and share in the excitement and joy of preparing the meal. India, Portugal, Greece, Japan and a host of other countries are renowned for their dedication to family and food and how the two remain synonymous with one another. Though we may not necessarily view food in this manner, we still value family and maybe we can and should think more highly of the dishes we prepare and take more pride in them as well. It is amazing how easy it can be to spice up a meal or make it more appealing to the eye. Just as many great painters paint on canvas, or authors touch a pen to paper to create their works of art, it is truly possible for anyone to sign there name on the dish they create and serve.

I have come to the conclusion that adding an array of fresh herbs, spices and seasoning can really add to the flavor of any item. For example, plain brown or white rice can be accentuated by simply adding curry powder, salt and pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cardomon and garlic so that you now have an authentic Indian dish. How about taking an ordinary lamb chop or steak and frying it in a pan with brown sugar, garlic, salt and pepper and olive oil, yet another example of enjoying a meal that is prepared alittle different. The same thing can be done with vegetables and fruits. By simply taking a couple of apples, slice them, place them in a frying pan with alittle brown sugar, cinnamon sugar and butter and you have a nice healthy alternative to a high calorie and fat apple pie for dessert. Instead of buying can vegetables which offer little nutritional value or flavor, try buying fresh Kale, Turnip, Collard or Mustard greens, which not only are cheaper to buy but also pack alot of beneficial nutrients. Steaming them or sautéing the vegetables in a frying pan with olive, mustard or grapeseed oil and spice it up with fresh garlic, onions, mushrooms salt and pepper and you have a unique alternative to can vegetables. It doesn't hurt either by experimenting with various spices, vegetables, fruits, seafoods and meats to expand your culinary creativity and diversity that you may not have even knew existed.

Instead of fried or frozen fish try fresh or other sources of fish such as Tilapia, Red Snapper, Baramundi or Mahi- Mahi to offer a little variety instead of standard Cod, Salmon, Flounder or Haddock, not that those are not healthy choices. As for meats, hamburg, sausage, kielbasa and steak can be high in fat, calories and cholesterol and for many of us that are watching our weight and calorie counting, why not seek ulterior motives such as Bison, Ostrich, Yak, Elk, Venison, Emu, Lamb or Wild Boar. These so called "gamier" meats offer a lower fat, different and more nutritious meat substitution. Bison in particular, contains fewer calories and fat than most fish and chicken! How you prepare the meat can be as varied as the amount of cuts that can be provided by a side of beef, or bison. Grilling, sautéing, baking, broiling and pan searing all have their own benefits and taste difference. Using a vast array of spices from around the world can also supplement and offer a diverse alternative to the standard salt and pepper spices that have become a mainstay and probably a crutch by those refraining from expanding and diversifying their cooking portfolio of spices. Their is such a plethora of spices that are available from all four corners of the world. Why not experiment with the unique flavors, colors and aromas that each spice and herb can provide to a dish. It is simply amazing what fresh garlic and fresh herbs and vegetables can offer to a meal all cooked up in one pot to compliment each other and get the juices going. Did you know that the type of steak and where it is cut from on the animal can also have a dramatic impact on the flavor as well as the best way to cook the meat for the best results. As a side note, you may want to try Kobe Beef, which is highly praised, flavorful and a more expensive meat from Wagyu cattle, but you may be pleasantly surprised by the taste, texture and degree of marbling.

When preparing the meal to friends and family think about the eye appeal of the meal!! This is where your signature can be presented. As simple as adding sprinkling parsley on the dish, or letting your creative juices flow by strategically cutting up fruits and vegetables in an array of shapes and designs, or using a juice or sauce approach and intermingling this between the plate and meal.

Ah, who can forget the other important part of the meal? No I don't mean the alcoholic beverages, though they can offer parity and enjoyment to the meal...ask the French, Greek and Italians for starters! No, I am talking about desserts! Shredded chocolate, nuts, coconut, cinnamon and sugar(brown and white) cinnamon sticks, drizzled caramel and chocolate and vanilla bean can dramatically add to the presentation, even if it is a scoop of ice cream. Tarts, pies, cannoli, frappes, frozen concoctions, cakes and cookies that are prepared can be upgraded from an ordinary dessert to an explosion of invigorating ooompf for the senses.

Think about color, presentation, texture, design and eye appeal when seeking out a nice variety of desserts that can be heightened by including ulterior motives to make the plain and simple dessert, something out of a first class restaurant perfected by a professional chef.

So without ado, head for the kitchen, or supermarket to load up on your arsenal of firepower to whip up a great meal to bring the family together, where you can all look at each other and simply say WOW! And smile with a sincere thankyou...