Delighting in Taste
Delighting in Taste
We have been spending some time on discovering simple ways to delight your family and yourself with the beauties of the five senses. Today we will explore ten ways to please the taste buds. Do comment with further suggestions!
1.Plant a kitchen garden. It is impossible to describe the difference between sweet, succulent home-grown produce, and the bland - and poisoned - varieties sold in the stores. Heirloom varieties are best! Visit Heirlooms Seeds.
2.Develop a good knowledge of the culinary use of herbs. Housewives of yesteryear passed on their knowledge of herbs and spices to aspiring daughters. Every homekeeper knew the secrets of flavoring soups, meats, and sauces with fresh herbs from their own kitchen gardens.
3.Sit down with your favorite cookbooks and plan a scrumptious menu for the week. It is very easy to slip into a predictable succession of meals - barbecue on Sunday, pasta on Tuesday, quiche on Thursday... Why not perk up your fare with variety? Sometimes it takes only a little forethought to choreograph tasty and creative meals that will surprise and delight everyone.
4.Be brave and try a new recipe. Perhaps you will discover a new family favorite! Visit Simply Recipes for inspiring ideas.
5.Whip up a special meal and dessert - just because. Here is a happy surprise for the family. It’s a typical day until they all gather at the table to find oh! such a tempting fare spread artistically before them. What’s this? The candles are out and sweet violin music is playing! And that delicious smell floating in from the kitchen? That’s the special cake Mama (or Sister) baked for a delicious finale!
6.Bless a needy family with a meal. Many churches have “emergency meals” programs in which you can take part, but we should remain aware of those who don’t make it to the list! Perhaps someone you know is ill, taking care of a loved one, or just very busy. Call them to let them know you would like to prepare a meal for them. Many welcome the rest this offer affords them!
7.Have a warm cup of tea with an old friend. Nothing says “camaraderie” quite like tea! Enjoy warm, pleasant conversation over fragrant cups and toothsome delicacies.
8.Surprise your father or husband with a tasty little something in his lunch bag. Take the time to tell your “man” that he is loved at home. He will be so surprised and pleased, and will be encouraged throughout a hard day at work! Don’t forget a loving note to let him know how much you appreciate him.
9. Serve a cool and tasty glass of lemonade to a hard worker. I know from happy experience that this simple, thoughtful act will give a tired worker the courage and strength to continue in his task.
10. Treat yourself to a natural mouth cleansing. Renew the taste buds with a careful cleaning of the teeth and gums. You will be surprised at the flavor of the next food you try! (How about chewing parsley between courses as a palate cleanser?)
Remember always to feast on the LORD and his goodness! “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8
Text: Delighting In Taste. © Handmaidens of the Shepherd, September 2007.
Photograph: Pumpkin Bread. © Handmaidens of the Shepherd, August 2008.
Friday, September 28, 2007