Flavors to Fight Kitchen Fatigue
Consumers’ kitchens have gotten a lot of extra love during the pandemic as lockdown restrictions and infection concerns have prevented many from dining out or ordering in. This increased level of engagement in meal planning, shopping, and cooking has given way to kitchen fatigue, where consumers are unmotivated and unwilling to try new recipes or even whip up their favorite dishes. We at Advanced Biotech have some up with some natural flavors we think will reignite the spark home cooks felt at the beginning of the pandemic to flex their culinary skills and make delicious and nutritious meals for themselves and their loved ones. Read on to learn more about the flavors we believe will successfully fight kitchen fatigue this season!
Herbs
Herbs can transform a dull dish into something incredible and give much needed inspiration to home cooks that find themselves in a rut. A simple, inexpensive ingredient that pack a punch, dried herbs like basil, rosemary, and parsley add a level of complexity from everything from proteins like chicken and fish to roasted vegetables and soups ad sauces. Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and sage add a vibrant pop of botanical flavor to summer favorites like salsa, pasta salad, and even cocktails. Infuse oils with fresh herbs elevate salad dressings and infuse grilled foods like shish kebabs with bright, refreshing flavor.
Spirits
Throughout holidays and gatherings, it’s easy to accumulate a surplus of liquor and spirit bottles. Spirits are the perfect way to add a punch of flavor to a variety of recipes because they can be fairly low in cost, have a long shelf-life, and can also double as complimentary beverage. Simmering spirits such as brandy, vodka, or rum with butter and stock creates an aromatic sauce with a complex flavor that pairs well with everything from steak to chicken and pasta. Infusing fruits with spirits are an easy way to elevate desserts. Soaking strawberries and blueberries in gin and maple make a great topping for vanilla ice cream or cheesecake, and warming, figs soaked in brandy or rum pair famously with bright, citrusy orange peels and smooth, creamy mascarpone cheese.
Convenient and versatile, ingredients like herbs and spirits are found in many consumers’ pantries and can be used to enhance the flavor of many different recipes from breakfast to dessert. Those looking to get their groove back in the kitchen will be reaching for these ingredients whenever they need inspiration.