I’ve stuck this photo in as a reminder that one of the most important things any cook can do is taste as they cook.  And, it is even better if you have someone who can taste for you.  This is Mickey’s (my son) wife, Laurel, tasting the house vinaigrette.  A necessary job when you don’t use the standard supermarket bottle of salad dressing.

All of the cooks in my family keep a small crock of water with tasting spoons near the stove so that they can judge the seasoning and marriage of flavors as they cook.  This habit guarantees a perfect result!