What is "gourmet"?
Gourmet, as a noun, can mean an expert on food and drink - a person who can be known as a "gourmand." I prefer to think of the word as meaning someone who really appreciates quality over quantity. Hopefully this is a life-mantra but here we relate to food...how it's ingredients are chosen, prepared, accompanied, and served. Gourmet is all about creating a certain ambience surrounding the dining experience. Think the opposite of "fast food" and you have a clear picture of gourmet dining.
Oils and spices, vinegars and seasonings...these specialty ingredients are an integral part of a gourmet kitchen.
Thanks to the internet, a country kitchen can easily keep up with the latest in culinary trends. And also thanks to the internet and email, you can receive "insider" scoop on the latest culinary trends, get great new recipes, and do wine pairing research just by reading your email.
Just a little warning - emails from Tasting Table are not fattening but they are addictive!
Tasting Table is a free daily email that delivers the best of food and drink culture to adventurous eaters everywhere. As a subscriber, you will receive one delicious idea about dining, wine, cocktails, cooking or restaurant personalities.
Their new national edition, Tasting Table Everywhere, will keep you informed about the most interesting dining trends, the latest food luminaries and the best new wines, spirits and cocktails around the country. You will be directed to essential new websites, kitchen tools and ingredients. Like to travel? Tasting Table gives you weekly updates about where to eat on the road and how to plan your next food-driven vacation.
Hungry yet? Take your seat at the Tasting Table by subscribing today - it's FREE!
Along with a selection of quality meats and other proteins and the appropriate kitchen tools are the choices you make for quality essential ingredients that will take a meal from bland and or boring to something special. Quite often this does not require spending a huge amount of money, but in making choices to use better or best quality ingredients versus things that just happen to be at hand.
This is easy to do when time and energy are in slim supply. But for those occasions that demand your best, gourmet essential ingredients really take a meal from "good" to spectacular.
A good selection of oils and vinegars is essential in a gourmet kitchen. Along with sauces and grilling rubs, they provide the proper basis for marinades and for cooking the best quality proteins and vegetables.
A solid supply of grocery items such as mixes, flours, spices and herbs allow you to bring the best of flavors to your meals. The goal is to take full advantage of the time and effort you suppply to make any dining experience the best it can possibly be.
| © 2006-2012 Rose Cottage, Ltd. |
