The Food Blog

Brain Trust 365

The Food Blog

Author

James Whitaker

How to Stock Your Pantry for Mediterranean Cooking
James Whitaker May 12, 2025

Imagine walking into your kitchen and being able to whip up a nourishing, flavourful Mediterranean meal without a last-minute dash to the supermarket. That’s the power of a well-stocked pantry. Whether you’re just starting your Mediterranean journey or want to upgrade your pantry with purpose, building it the right way lays the foundation for sustainable, Read More

Low-Sodium Mediterranean Meals for Heart Health
James Whitaker May 12, 2025

Think a heart-friendly diet means bland food? Think again. Imagine a vibrant plate filled with roasted vegetables. Add grilled fish topped with golden olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and aromatic herbs like thyme and oregano. No saltshaker needed. Heart health isn’t just about cutting things out – it’s about adding the right things in Read More

Beans as a Daily Protein Source in Mediterranean Meals
James Whitaker May 11, 2025

If you think protein always means meat, think again. The Mediterranean diet has long been a champion of plant-based protein, and beans are at the heart of it all. From hearty stews in Greece to creamy bean purées in Italy and tangy salads in Lebanon, beans in Mediterranean cooking offer taste, nourishment, and cultural richness Read More

Best Mediterranean Spices & Herbs to Keep at Home
James Whitaker May 2, 2025

Have you ever wondered why Mediterranean dishes taste so vibrant and unforgettable? It’s not just the fresh produce or healthy fats — it’s the spices and herbs that truly bring each dish to life. These flavour boosters have been used for centuries across regions like Greece, Italy, Morocco, Turkey, and Spain, not just for taste Read More

Top Anti-Inflammatory Mediterranean Ingredients
James Whitaker May 1, 2025

Ever woken up with aching joints or battled a mid-afternoon slump that just wouldn’t shift? While it’s easy to blame age or stress, chronic inflammation might be quietly at work beneath the surface. But what if the solution wasn’t found in a pill bottle, but on your plate? The Mediterranean diet is renowned for protective effects Read More

How to Cook Dried Legumes the Mediterranean Way
James Whitaker April 25, 2025

In the heart of Mediterranean kitchens, you’ll often find a pot of beans bubbling away slowly on the stove. While many of us reach for the convenience of canned legumes today, the tradition of cooking dried legumes from scratch is deeply embedded in Mediterranean food culture. It’s more than a method — it’s a ritual Read More

How to Use Fresh Herbs to Enhance Mediterranean Dishes
James Whitaker April 22, 2025

Ever wondered why Mediterranean food tastes so vibrant and fresh? The secret lies in the herbs. From the peppery kick of fresh oregano to the delicate sweetness of basil, herbs bring life to this sun-kissed cuisine. If you’re looking to add depth and authenticity to your meals, mastering how to use fresh herbs to enhance Read More

Cooking with Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Do’s and Don’ts
James Whitaker April 17, 2025

Walk into any Mediterranean kitchen and you’ll find one ingredient front and centre: extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Revered for its rich flavour, impressive health benefits, and versatility, EVOO isn’t just a cooking oil — it’s a culinary cornerstone. But despite its popularity, there’s still a fair amount of confusion about how to properly cook Read More