Grab your free BBQ Recipes eBook!

Have you ever really tasted and compared deli meats? You know what I am talking about, while standing in line at the deli counter, have you ever sampled the variety of meats to see if the money was worth it to spend a little more?  Well, on occasion I have and their is a definite distinction between the Boar’s Brand and the store brand. It’s just like there is a difference to the sandwich connoisseur between rotisserie turkey and deli turkey, the flavors stand out.

The men driving the Boar’s truck are eagerly searching out the “bold” flavors that go into the essence of the meats and cheese that are so delectable to satisfy our taste buds!  They show the  bold, beautiful colored spices in the spice market of Mexico that go into making the spicy chipotle chicken. Bright reds, deep greens, blues, and dark dried spices, to tantalize the art in the kitchen that happens with food. The Brazilian peppers all beautiful colors are used to inspire the taste of the three pepper Colby jack cheese. So spicy in fact that the driver gasps from the “heat” of the pepper.

What I Could Make With These Ingredients…

The Mexican flavored wraps, bean and cheese burritos, the delectable stuffed calzone, chipotle stuffed peppers, or the classic Po-Boy come to mind.  Then they head off to Jamaica on the beach and talk about the jerk turkey that was inspired by their many travels.

I love to be in the kitchen and I can find inspiration from beautiful colored vegetables, spices, fruits, meats, and cheeses.  What better way to spend an afternoon lunch or late dinner out on the patio in the summer with bold flavors, colors and textures on our plates.   This would go perfectly with a nice glass of iced cool southern tea with lemon or a glass of chilled wine.

This post is sponsored by Boar’s Head.

We’ve got another great question for our Expert Mom, Carrie.

“Carrie – your blog is great! I couldn’t agree more that it is equally important to introduce sons to cooking. I have 15 month old twins, so when should I start involving them and what would be the ideal first meal?”

Carrie Willard, Natural Moms Talk Radio

Congrats on your twins! It’s never too early to bring kids in the kitchen in my opinion. Even babies love to watch mom cook while perched in a sling or backpack. Of course, you have to use common sense and caution to keep baby’s hands away from hot things and knives, but even from that young age kids love to learn about cooking.

Now that your twins are toddlers, they can understand when you explain dangers to them. When mine began crawling and pulling up, I bring them near the oven door when it’s on and place their hand on it just long enough for them to feel the heat but not enough to cause pain. That way, they understand that this is a place that gets hot.

Since your little ones are young and at a very curious age, you might find it less stressful to involve them one at a time. Perhaps they can take turns watching/helping you prepare a meal. Since I’ve never had twins, I can’t imagine what it would be like to have TWO young helpers at once! They are probably able to help you wash produce and maybe even fetch ingredients from the pantry or fridge. (I could barely keep my youngest out of the fridge at this age!) Some other tasks they can probably handle would be: spreading butter or cream cheese on a bagel with a small plastic knife, “chopping” or mashing banana or avocado with a small fork, and helping you make dips.

I’ve noticed that toddlers love dipping things. You could whip up an easy sweet dip with yogurt and mashed berries to dip bread or fruit in. Or one with mashed beans (such as chickpeas for hummus) to dip pita or vegetables in. (At 15 months they may not be able to handle some raw veggies depending on how many teeth they have.)

I think the ideal first meal would be something you really enjoy cooking and eating. Food is an adventure at this age, and many toddlers will eat just about anything that doesn’t crawl off… and some things that do! In France, it’s common for parents to begin cooking and baking with their children when they’re still toddlers. (In addition, French babies and toddlers eat a very healthful, varied diet that would surprise many American parents!) I mentioned this in a recent review of the book Bringing Up Bebe.

One example is an easy recipe called “yogurt cake” in which all the ingredients are measured out with an empty yogurt cup. This might be fun for your guys to try.

We have a new blog here on the network, it’s Low Carb Mom.

Eating low carb is a challenge sometimes but it’s a great option for anyone struggling with weight loss.  Many who find it hard to lose weight on other diets find success with low carb.

We apologize for using the word diet, most people doing the low carb thing will tell you it’s about adopting a new lifestyle – not being on a diet.

Here’s a picture peek into some of the great low carb ideas we’re sharing over there:

Do you eat low carb?  We’d love to have you come tell us what you’re eating.  Take a snap of your next meal and email us! mom@momstalknetwork.com