Friday, September 22, 2006

Pass The Salt


Salt has been a "bone of contention" at my dinner table for a long time mainly because "he" thinks we really don't need extra salt in our foods. Can you imagine a pretzel without the salt covering it......or peanuts? Not me...........What's not to love about salt? I know that some of us have health issues pertaining to salt intake and this is very important. I certaily understand if you would not want to read any further.
Do you think that salts have become rather trendy? We now have a mutitude of sea salts available to us from Europe and even red salt from Hawaii. And we have Kosher salts, fleur de sel, and regular common table salts. So difficult to choose !
I happen to have a passion for sea salt. Before I even have my suitcase unpacked, I am hitting the grocery stores to see what they have on their shelves. I am so interested in the entire process of getting the salt from the shallow beds after it has evaporated into large crystals. The location of the waters and the minerals make the difference in the taste.........there is nothing more satisfying after preparing a dish and gathering up a few flakey crytsals between your fingers and sprinkling it on top to finish off the dish. Voila ! Makes you feel like a real chef......please pass the salt!

4 comments:

Linda said...

Salt certainly has become a gourmet item. I think it is fun to shop for. Have you seen the ones-usually in their own little grinder-mixed with other herbs, such as lavender? It does make cooking more fun and more creative.

Unknown said...

When you use sea salt on a dish, you can use it sparingly I have found. Each little grain is like a gift to the palate! It's been years since I used regular salt, and like you, Jann. I look for it when I travel and in "gourmet" stores.

Katie said...

Other than adding it to pasta water, potato water, etc. I never routinely use it in cooking but almost always in finishing. A few grains on top seem to go much further in flavoring than a tsp cooked in. Fried eggs without salt? I don't think so...

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I'm with "him" I don't need extra salt on my food. (COnfession I never add salt to the cooking). Now my husband just loves salt especially trendy different types but his all time favourite is Maldon.