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February 19th, 2025

The Magnificent Seven: Your Mediterranean Pantry Heroes

  1. The Magnificent Seven: Your Mediterranean Pantry Heroes Christine Van Bloem 24:15

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In this episode, we're diving into the essentials of creating a Mediterranean-inspired pantry designed for ease and convenience. Say hello to 'The Magnificent Seven', categories of pantry items that can help you easily prepare meals. You'll find tips on sourcing and storing these items properly, recommended brands and specific types, and delicious meal ideas. Perfect for those looking to simplify their cooking routine while adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.

00:00 Introduction to the Mediterranean Pantry

01:31 The Magnificent Seven: Mediterranean Pantry Heroes

01:58 Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Essential Ingredient

06:03 Whole Grains: Hearty and Healthy

09:44 Capers and Olives: Adding Brininess to Your Dishes

11:45 Tinned Fish: A Luxurious Addition

15:56 Dried Herbs: Small Quantities, Big Flavors

18:27 Vinegars: Elevate Your Cooking

20:44 Nuts: Crunchy and Flavorful

23:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hi! I’m Christine, and I’m super stoked to be cooking, writing, and helping everyone sink into to a better life. If you’re looking for healthier recipes for one and two, or want to add more delightful cocktails into your repertoire, you’re in the right place.

My philosophy is simple:

It’s a meal, not a mortgage.

Real food is the most important factor in good cooking.

If you’re going to drink, drink in moderation and always drink the good stuff.

I’ve been teaching cooking for a long, long time, and I am still excited to cook, teach, and share with you. If you’ve got a question, I’ll work hard to give you an answer so that you’re better and more confident in the kitchen. Hey, it’s a meal not a mortgage, so there’s nothing to stress about and only fun to be had.

With a heart attack in 2020, loss of my brick & mortar cooking school business of 15 years, broken bones, and even my husband having a stroke, and all within just a couple of months, I've been through it! BUT, I’m a lucky gal with endless support and a deep gratitude for everything that I do have. It’s not always easy, but I’m working to make sure that it stays fun.

Post heart attack, I’m reforming my butter-loving, heavy cream worshiping ways by making changes to how I cook, taking things in a healthier direction, without doing a complete 180 and still keeping things flavorful and delightful. The key here is healthier. I’m not afraid of butter, but I’m using a touch instead of stick. A tablespoon or two of cream or half-and-half, not a cup, and so on and so forth. And now that the kids are grown and living lives on their own, I’m re-learning how to cook for two.