Introduction

Food is about more than flavor. It is more than the sum of its ingredients. Nothing like it has the power to invigorate, to lift our spirits, to remind us of good times, to inspire, and to comfort. It is perhaps ironic that one of the basic requirements of life can also be one of its utmost pleasures. The activity of preparing food is one of those rare combinations of art and science that transcends both - and how zen that we consume the results! Food is an experience wholly unto itself, though it is always best when shared with others. To that end, I share with you my adventures.

A man more knowledgeable than I once said,

"...the real power of food isn't in its ability to thrill or fill or surprise or please. It's in its ability to connect us to ourselves, to each other, to our heritage, to our land, maybe to our future. Food's a road, and it can lead you to a discovery or two if you let it. Ride hard, eat hardy, be thankful."

I couldn't agree more...