Culinary Inspiration

A huge goal I have for 2014 is to eat better. Think Eat To Live, Not Live To Eat.  I heart food. Michael claims I have the palate of a millionaire trapped in middle-class American’s mouth. I will admit, I enjoy all varieties of seafood especially a good shellfish, wine is my friend, and I have a mild obsession with Italian desserts (gelato & cannoli’s, honestly, who wouldn't?) All joking aside, we both love good cuisine and the culture around it. Unfortunately, in 2013 our eating habits took an expensive vacation to the quick, easy and not so healthy due to long hours at work and then total chaos as we totally pulled a 180 on our lives and changed jobs, homes, and the husband returned to school, which lead me to a lack of motivation for cooking. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to seek a little motivation and bring the passion we have for food back into our own kitchen.

A few things you must know about me and food! I believe food should be enjoyed like a fine wine. I believe that meal times should be enjoyed leisurely with good company and wholesome delicious cuisine. I’m always happy to add another place setting to the table, just be sure to bring your appetite, your smile, and a bottle of wine for the cook;) My cooking gravitates towards the Spanish (tapas) and Italian (antipasti) style of two or three small plates with varying flavor profiles served family style (options yes, please and thank you).

I have to tell you, I can’t wait to start whipping up some mouthwatering meals from the cookbooks I recently purchased. The food photography is just superb. The dishes pop of the pages and the ingredient lists are so clean and locally available I know we won’t be missing our 2013 food vacation anytime soon. I've already tested the fish tacos and they have been nominated to make on a few upcoming group dinners.

How about you guys, anyone trying to eat better going into the new year, finding new culinary inspirations, enjoy hosting meals or have a killer cookbook suggestion we should check out?

P.S. If you’re interested I’m currently cooking from: Small Plates: Appetizers as Meals, Plenty, Power Foods and Michael is digging: The big Book of Juices.