Flavor Faves

I have recently taken on some new challenges that I love, but the challenge of having an over-scheduled agenda is not one that I savor. I'm sorting this out and, in reflection, I've developed some ideas to make my schedule work. Also in reflection I have noticed that while my beauty sleep, relaxation time and mileage on my car have all suffered, my attention to my Chicago Belly has remained of utmost importance!

In these past weeks of buzzing all over the city, working long hours, and trying to excel in new areas for me; I have created delicious yet simple dishes in my kitchen and explored some of Chicago's new and also standby restaurants. In looking back at my whirlwind 6 weeks or so, I have also found that whether I'm staying in or heading out, I have sought comfort in my favorite flavors and ingredients. I have listed some of these below:

Ginger
Telicherry peppercorns
Vinegar-based hot sauce
Basil
Cream
Cumin
Lemons
Tomatoes! (my love of my life next to my husband)
Vanilla
Fresh, fresh, fresh fish and seafood
Shallots
Rosemary
Dates
Curry
Dijon

I've been eating Thai noodles, stews, thick steaky fish fillets, breads from Nicole's Divine Crackers, sushi, hearty sandwiches, pasta, and tomato basil soup made from roasted and frozen tomatoes from last summer.

As I get my life back in order and we turn (hopefully soon!) to spring, I look forward to applying these same flavors to spring dishes. I promise to share a few of my favorite recipes with you!