Summer is here! Want take your food up a notch?

Summer is my favorite time of year to cook because there is so much fresh food available at the local farmer's markets and since I sell our grass-fed beef in two markets every week I get the pick of the crop from our local vendors.

If you don't frequent a local market you are really missing the boat. Locally-grown food is not only healthy, it is packed with flavor. Real time produce, vegetables and plants cannot be rivaled by a grocery store chain.

Wake up your food with spices and fresh grown herbs. Even if you don't have the time or space for a garden you can grow herbs easily on a deck, patio or your kitchen counter. Oregano, Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Lemon Balm, and Sage. These are just a few of my all-time favorites, easy to grow, they pack a real punch in any recipe. Reminder: The correct ratio of fresh to dried herbs in any recipe is 1 Tablespoon fresh herb replaces 1 teaspoon of dried herb.

If you are thinking about getting out of your comfort zone with spices the best place to start is here: www.thespicehouse.com They sell very high quality spices and have recipes and a blog to help you experiment with confidence. Spices should be fresh, high-quality and replaced often to experience their full impact.

Summer is the time to experiment! Get out of your comfort zone and visit your local market this weekend to discover a whole new world!
Bon apetit!
​Real Food Warrior