Savoring the Good Things–Lunch with Jill

Every once in a while, it’s essential that we put work aside for a moment to simply enjoy the finer things in life–glorious food, time together with friends, a Summer afternoon. This past week, the Embolden team did just that as we joined Jill Tanis (our friend, and amazing, local holistic health counselor) for an afternoon of cooking, chatting, laughing and eating in a beautiful historic home in downtown Holland. We didn’t exactly put our cameras down (who could resist shots of such delicious, fresh food, the surrounds, or Jill in her element as she prepped and cooked away?), but we did let our hair down for a bit to appreciate the perfect weather and the incredible meal Jill crafted for our team to enjoy.

On the menu? Prepare for the urge to make a mad dash to the Farmer’s Market:

-Blanched Snow Peas tossed in Sesame Oil
-Curried Copper River Salmon
-Wild Rice Salad with Oranges, Mint and Fresh Cherries
-Beet Salad with Candied Nuts, tossed in a made-from-scratch Shallot Dressing
-Sauteed Kale with Raisins and Pine Nuts
-Chocolate Macaroons served with Fresh Berries
-Iced Coffee, Iced Chocolate Tea, and Sparkling Wine

Is your mouth watering yet? Our taste buds were surely not disappointed. Everything about the afternoon was picturesque, but perhaps the best thing about dining on such a lavish meal together was the heart and soul preparation that went into each detail. Not only did Jill plan a gorgeous menu for us, but she did so with the same attention to nutrition, flavor, and freshness that she does for her own family every day! There’s no skimping on food quality here. The ingredients were colorful and vibrant and local–all elements that Jill values and represents as she empowers others to experience the joy of cooking. Our private class time and meal time with Jill was an education in the whats, whys, and hows of a healthy and thriving kitchen. No doubt we all took something away that we could immediately apply to feeding our own families for a long time to come.

Jill is the ultimate hostess. She articulates and demonstrates her love of cooking and her appreciation for good food so naturally…and her enthusiasm for freedom and creativity in the kitchen are catching. Not only did we leave the table that afternoon with full stomachs, but it’s fair to say our spirits were nourished in a beautiful way as well! In front of or behind the lens, we were all counting our blessings as we sat together around the table. Our team is better for the experience–and certainly each of our kitchens will be, too.

Thanks, Jill, for a glorious afternoon, and for a grand celebration of all things delicious!