It’s where I’ve cooked with other people. Cooking is a wonderful way to bond. Even if I’m crunched for time, coming up with delicious speedy meals is part of the experience that I can share.

It’s worth using the highest quality “real food” ingredients, locally grown or produced, if possible.

Try not to surf on the latest fad-based dietary wave. Savor ingredients that have been favored by long cultural traditions.

For the best-tasting results, use healthy traditional fats (yes, fat makes flavor!), and remember that salt is your friend. High quality sea salt draws the flavors of a dish together, and furthermore, it’s good for you!

Local food is fresher, picked riper and often grown without excessive pesticides. It also requires a minimum amount of fossil fuels to get to market. AND, it just tastes better! Compare a peach so ripe and juicy that it falls apart as you eat it to the mealy versions so common in most supermarkets.

Nourishment is not only a matter of what we eat, but how we eat. Slow down, pay attention, and really taste your food. Keep in mind the pleasure, or “hedonist” factor. Also keep in mind that  meal should make you feel satisfied and lively after eating it.

Splash love into your food,

call down blessings on your kitchen,
your family and friends, even as you
wash and chop and slice.
Nourish yourself and others
as deeply as you can.

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