Spices

We were watching a Chopped the other day.  You know, that show on the food network?  I know, I'm hooked.  But I had a thought.  There was a woman from India competing, and the judges kept praising her for her use of spice for flavor.

Another show I used to watch was Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition.  One thing the people always learned when they were learning how to cook better meals for themselves was how to flavor food without the aid of fat.  How to use spice instead.

Ah, yes.  Here in America we are so dependent on fat agents to flavor our food.  Burgers cooked in bacon grease, deep fried potatoes and chicken, crisco in just about everything.  But here's a little secret, that fat can't compare at all to a good spice.  Not in the least!

So I indulged myself today.  I have been wanting to do this for so long, and I finally did.  I raided the spice isle at my local grocery store.  I mean, I already have the standard oregano, garlic and dill.  But I wanted something more fun and exciting.  Coriander, fennel seed, rosemary, cardamom, sage, etc……..it was so wonderful!

The minute I got home, I opened every single one and just sniffed.  And they smelled amazing!  I started concocting different dinner ideas, having to restrain myself from pulling the veal out of the fridge and cooking right away.  My husband is out of town till tomorrow, so I wouldn't really have anyone to feed (Tristan has gotten picky again).  But I'm definitely going to be cooking something fabulous tomorrow night!

And there is my advice to you!  Instead of deep frying yourself a chicken wing for dinner, pick up some spices and get creative.  Just the smell is enough to inspire!