Marinades add a wide variety of flavors to the foods we’re cooking. They are simple to prepare; we just need to allow time for marinating.

If you’re cooking fish, it pairs well with citrus aromas, while meat goes better with garlic and alcoholic beverages like wine or brandy. Don’t forget vinegar, which will penetrate the fibers to make the meat more tender and juicy. Marinades can be savory or sweet—it’s up to you—but a good extra virgin olive oil is always a good choice.

Similarly, spices and aromas will give your dishes a special and personal touch. You can use fresh herbs as well as dried spices, and even blends of these to create everything from a delicate French dish to a classic Tex-Mex style meal.

We hope these small tips help you enjoy one of life’s greatest pleasures: good food.