WINTER in the KITCHEN

To make it easier in the kitchen during the winter months, stick with the tried and true. All it takes is a little advance planning and you can set yourself up for culinary success every time. When the need arises, turn to your collection of easy comfort foods to keep you warm all winter long. Utilize your freezer for frozen produce and herbs from the summer garden, and use them to flavor winter meals. Entertain indoors with bowls of meaty chili sopped up with cornbread, and take a rest from outdoor routines.

(Thoughts taken from a cookbook by Kelsey Banfield)

SPRING in the KITCHEN

When spring starts, clear out the remnants of winter from your kitchen, starting with the refrigerator. Empty out your jars of dribs and drabs of last year's preserves and return the washed jars to the basement (discard any used lids and buy new ones). Replace freezer-aisle produce on your grocery list with fresh and select seedlings from the nursery for your vegetable garden. It is time for meals that highlight fresh flavors and reflect the sunny mood.

(Thoughts taken from a cookbook by Kelsey Banfield)