Let’s face it, each of us is responsible for our very own gastronomic stimulus “package”. Lots of eateries are offering a “new deal” out of necessity to remain competitive for a shrinking customer base. During hard times, the achievement of pleasure through sustenance is crucial. Comfort food may be taking on a whole new meaning for some folks.
Home chefs need good tools. You have to do more with less. I say, instead of compromising, we need to make creative substitutions. Rather than doing without, do with something different! If you want a bit of stimulus, do it with flavor.
Scenario: The turkey was completely gobbled up. A fine, but rather picked-over, carcass remains. There is no meat to speak of.
Tool: Cook that carcass down anyway! Work as though you were going to make a hearty turkey soup. All you need is water, onion, celery, carrot and you are off. Add extra carrot if you have it. At the end of your standard are recipe, just add a large can of tomatoes, a bit of chopped garlic and a can or two of white kidney beans(cannellini). Do you have any greens or spinach left over? Throw em’ in. Season to taste and you have a bit of Tuscany on the table. Vino and bread will make it a feast.
I am tired of being tired of getting scared over the myriad of scary things that everyone keeps saying we should be scared for….We GOT it. It is bad and it is going to take a lot of work to get better. (I am speaking of the economic world now, not the gastronomic one). So, while we are working hard on making the necessary improvements in our country, individually, it is up to us to figure out how to live and eat well. Nobody is going to offer us a gastronomic bailout. Mom?
Take the time and do the work and sit down for dinner and visit Tuscany for a change. You’ll love it.
Please share your thoughts on possible gastronomic stimulus tools? What are you cooking with on a reduced budget? How are you achieving great flavor?
