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The other day a very good friend of mine and I were having a conversation. He is an accomplished chef, holding prestigious awards from his years of competition within the culinary world. We were discussing the challenges one faces in a world where anyone can put on a white jacket and call themselves "chef". We spoke of how many of our students at one time or another have been disappointed and disillusioned by instructors who taught classes claiming the title of chef without ever having earned it.

Unfortunately, this is all to common and you may have experienced it yourself.

The recent blackout may have affected the foods in your refrigerator and freezer. The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

Time and temperature abuse is the number one cause for bacteria growth and food borne illnesses. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Refrigerator:

Cold foods such as potato salad, macaroni salad must be thrown out after 6 hours.

I have a personal connection to Nicaragua as mother was born there. Her family presence dates back to the original European settlers, they hold the distinction of being the founding fathers of this uniquely beautiful country. I have spent my summers there since I was 15, I have seen the country go through much upheaval, suffer much pain and yet, it always ends up in the same place. It doesn’t change. The social and political views of this lush environment hamper the country’s ability to move forward.

I always know when spring comes around. You see we have a mourning dove couple that nests right inside our foyer. Every year they return around Valentine's day and by the time spring officially arrives we have two babies that have already fled the nest. I feel so blessed to be able to watch the fledglings grow and go. And I have to say thankfully my mother in law lives in Miami because she would look at them and say, "hmmm, with a little garlic and salt we'd have a fabulous meal!"

My yard is brimming with oranges, tangerines and Meyer lemons. The trees are heavy with fruit and they are so happy it’s raining. And so am I. I love the rain, the sound, the smell and how it heals and cleanses everything it touches. We all need a good washing every now and then. I hope you’ve stepped into the rain and enjoyed the blessings it brings to each and every one of us.

I’m sure you’ve noticed how the prices of food and gas are rising. Are you reacting to the increases by purchasing more processed foods?

A new year prompts reflection and I have written a few thoughts on food and cooking I'd like to share with you.

On Food...

My philosophy about food is a simple one – we must always understand that something has sacrificed its life for our sustenance and it is our obligation to honor it in the highest manner we can. Food is both spiritual and magical, all encompassing and every changing.

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