From Kitchen to the Countryside
How Cooking and Nature Inspire Each Other
There’s something about being surrounded by nature that changes the way we cook, eat, and entertain. At Hacienda Eterna Primavera, where the landscape is as much a part of the experience as the food itself, I’ve found that the rhythm of nature subtly guides the flavors on the plate. Cooking here isn’t just about following recipes—it’s about embracing the environment, the ingredients, and the moment.
The Connection Between Nature and Flavor
Cooking is often seen as an indoor activity, but the best meals take inspiration from the outside world. The colors of the landscape, the scent of the air, the way the light changes throughout the day—all of it influences the way we experience food. Just as a fresh breeze can make a simple meal feel extraordinary, the right setting can elevate flavors, making even familiar dishes feel new.
At the hacienda, I see this play out in real time. The wild four acres surrounding the property aren’t just a beautiful backdrop; they shape the way I think about food. The view of untouched land reminds me of the importance of simplicity—of letting ingredients shine without overcomplicating them. A fresh herb picked moments before it’s added to a dish, a cocktail infused with citrus grown nearby—these small details make a difference, not just in taste but in the entire experience of a meal.
Bringing This Approach Into Your Kitchen
Even if you don’t live in the middle of a remote hacienda, you can still bring this philosophy into your home cooking and entertaining. Here’s how:
Use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.
A dish made with peak-season produce will always have an effortless depth of flavor.
Create an immersive experience.
Think beyond the plate—what’s the atmosphere of your meal? Set the table with intention, use candles or natural elements, and make your dining space feel special.
Let nature influence your menu.
Cooking in summer should feel different from cooking in winter. Lighter meals, fresh herbs, and chilled cocktails in warm months; slow-roasted dishes and spiced drinks in colder ones.
Simplicity is key.
Just as an open landscape feels refreshing, an uncluttered plate allows each ingredient to stand out. Instead of overloading a dish with too many elements, let a few high-quality ingredients shine.
Garnishes should serve a purpose.
In cocktails, I rarely use garnishes unless they enhance the drink beyond aesthetics. A mojito is a perfect example—where the mint’s aroma directly influences how we perceive its taste. Otherwise, the drink should stand on its own, with flavor leading the experience rather than unnecessary decoration.
A Taste of the Hacienda
As your host at Hacienda Eterna Primavera, I am also The Lion Chef, author of Entertain with Flavor – The Master Plan. My cooking is deeply connected to this land, and nothing reflects that better than the ingredients grown right here. Our banana trees have inspired two recipes that highlight the beauty of simple, natural flavors:
Banana Daiquiri – A naturally sweet, refreshing cocktail that highlights the true flavor of banana without overpowering additions.
Banana Bread – A rustic yet refined take on a classic, where ripe bananas bring rich flavor without the need for excessive sugar or decoration.
Both recipes are crafted from the bananas harvested on our grounds, celebrating the flavors of the land and the essence of our hacienda.
Final Thoughts
Cooking and nature are deeply connected. When we take a step back and let our surroundings inspire us, food becomes more than just sustenance—it becomes an experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner under the stars, enjoying a quiet meal on the balcony, or simply bringing fresh ingredients into your kitchen, the key is to embrace simplicity and let nature take the lead.
