The fresher, the better - having a farmer's market nearby is the best thing for a good cook. I feel sorry for skinny girls - they're missing all the fun! My note to cooks - don't be afraid to use spices. Picky eaters need to develop a palate, eeeesh. If it doesn't make you sweat, it ain't worth eating! My Mom and Grandma were fantastic cooks. Would take a millenium to catch up (but getting there). Thanksgiving turkey (brined), 2007! Thanksgiving turkey, undercooked, 1995. Ugh. Anything that combines pork and cabbage. Ugh. (Tried it. Hated it - traditional German cooking is..uh..traditionally German...)