I have been so intrigued lately, with creating my own seasoning blends and dressings. I just find that when you can choose your own ingredients, it is not only a healthier option, but you can choose the flavors you like. Yes, it is probably more convenient to buy it already made in a bottle, but sometimes they throw in preservatives, caking agents and terrible oils, ohhh and sometimes gluten, who knew?
Pesto is just one of those recipes that really should say, add whatever you like and blend. Traditionally it is a mixture of basil, pine nuts, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. It is an accompaniment to many Italian recipes, whether it is used alone as a sauce for pasta or additional flavor to soups, stews or even added to meatballs or meatloaf.
If eating healthy real food has been a battle, a steep climb, really a struggle, I'm going to now tell you to stop buying all of those bottled condiments and make your own! It is just so easy and worth it. You can build the recipe just for you, adding spices and herbs that you love, and adjusting the heat if you like spicy too.
I picked up some organic jalapeños from my local farmers market and really had no idea what to do with them. Well when in doubt, pickle, ferment or throw a party to get rid of everything quickly! I chose to pickle.
One of my favorite ways to enhance the flavor of so many of my creations is homemade mayo. While adopting more of a Ketogenic approach to eating, this is a terrific way to add nutrient dense, healthy fats to so many dishes. I put it on sandwiches for my kids but also put big dollops on roasted veggies, grilled chicken and fish.
When your diet and lifestyle demands that you go grain free, there is that moment when you stare into space and think you will never eat again and if you do, you certainly are not going to enjoy it. I am going to tell you that there are delicious, amazingly tasteful options to have in your recipe box.
Homemade mayo is one of the easiest condiments to make from scratch. I challenge you to read the ingredients in all of the shelf stable mayo bottles, you will find GMO laden soybean oil, high fructose corn syrup and xanthan gum among others.
I love salads, and making my own salad dressing is a must when eating real food. Think about it, it takes minutes to make, you can pick all of your own ingredients and you get to bypass horrible oils like soybean and vegetable, along with all of those crazy items no one can say, but certainaly should not eat (can you say xantham gum, gar gum or carrageenan).