With Gratitude and a Happy Tummy

It has been over a month since my last post (forgive me) and Thanksgiving has come and gone. Although the holiday of gratitude and thankfulness is behind us, I would still like to my express my appreciation for a few things in my gastronomical world.

First and foremost, I am most grateful for the fact that my husband and I can fill our kitchen with any type of food that we desire. We are not food insecure as many of our fellow Americans are. Food insecurity and hunger is a huge problem, especially as the price of healthy food rises and wages remain stagnant. Recently, my husband and I donated a monetary contribution to our local food bank because we would like the support to remain in our community. I encourage you to give anything - donated food items, money, or your time if you can't afford either.

Next, I am very thankful for the ability to afford wholesome, healthy food including organic fruits and vegetables. We are so fortunate to be living in an area where there is an abundance of farmer's markets, farm stands, and ethnic markets (our local Indian grocery store sells produce for a fraction of the cost of the regular grocery store). Cooking and eating healthy does not have to cost a fortune and it can be fun too! I have a pot of Portuguese potato and kale soup (Caldo Verde) on the stove right now and the cost was minimal and it is very healthy. It's even vegan (we left out the sausage).

Lastly, I am grateful for having access to so much great wine, beyond Napa Valley. Don't get me wrong - Napa is fantastic and is one of my favorite places. But California has so many wonderful little wine countries to explore - Lodi, Mendocino, Anderson Valley, Jackson/Plymouth, etc to name a few. I recently became a member of a winery in Anderson Valley. The experience and the wine at Navarro Vineyards won me over and if you are ever on a drive up to Mendocino, I urge you to stop in for a tasting. They even make their own cheese!

Watch for this sign on Highway 128

To conclude, I am grateful for so much more but these are my top three when it comes to my love of food and wine. What are you grateful for in regard to epicurean delights? Please feel free to leave comments - I would love the feedback.

Until next time...cheers and happy eating!