We've always heard fresh is best, but our fast paced lifestyle usually has us heading towards the freezer and not the produce aisle. Here to give us tips on eating fresh (and if it's really that much better) is Anna Olson, Home Hardware's Kitchen Expert and host of Fresh with Anna Olson.
How important is it to use fresh ingredients (as opposed to frozen)?
Well this is not an easy question to answer. The biggest variable is the time of year. I would much rather use local frozen fruits and vegetables than those that are fresh but imported in the winter months. With spring and summer on the way, I always recommend fresh over frozen when it is available to you. The spring and summer months are the best time to buy fresh. Rhubarb will be the first fresh ingredient to look out for.
What are some rarely used fresh ingredients that are easy to incorporate into meals?
I am a huge fan of fresh herbs. Most people are afraid to use multiple herbs when cooking, they tend to stick to one and aren’t sure about what the results of mixing/combining them will be. But these combinations create delicious complexities. In the spring, I really like to mix chives, mint, tarragon and basil. The use of basil and mint together is an unexpected but divine combination.
Any tips on how to tell when an item is at its freshest?
Well each ingredient is different. An example I often get asked about is local Ontario mushrooms. Buy them dry but without looking dried out. There should be no wrinkles on them.
Inevitably, some dishes need to be pre-prepared when hosting a dinner party. Are there any dishes/ingredients that should never be prepared beforehand?
You should never toss your salad with dressing until you are just about to serve it. If you are feeling very eager you can pre-scoop your ice cream (assuming you are serving this) before your guests arrive as long as you put it back in the freezer (for obvious reasons). My parchment recipe is ideal because you can prepare everything in advance and just pop it into the oven when your guests arrive. Any recipe that allows you to do the work upfront is best for entertaining. Another tip I use myself whenever I am entertaining is that I set the table before I even begin with the meal. This helps get me in the mood and can inspire my menu selection, theme and creativity.
Anna Olson is host of Fresh with Anna Olson on the Food Network, and Home Hardware's official Kitchen Expert. She also runs two operations in the Niagara region; Olson Food at Port and Olson Food at Ravine. More information at www.annaolson.ca.
Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy:
- Mix your own fresh ingredients in these eco-chic salad bowls