Layers of

There are many layers and steps to compliance as well as with cooking.

What are some of the layer of compliance?
I venture to say that continuous training is an essential part and layer of compliance and consulting within the realm of Customs and global trade.

Seasoned compliance experts do not stop their education process in keeping up to date with regulatory changes and policy updates. Staying current is immensely important in order to ensure the applicability of advise and recommendations provided to clients. The layers of different compliance issues grants access to a robust service offering that can have significant benefits from a risk and monetary perspective.

Another layer is team work. What do I mean? I tend to say to my clients that I may not have all the answers. But, being a part of an extensive network of experts, I probably know a team member that will be able to provide the feedback. A team is an essential layer with respect to compliance. Trade experts are usually focused on one or maybe two industry verticals or aspects of compliance like export control, valuation, prior/voluntary disclosures, etc. Being a part of a team expands the layers of knowledge that can be utilized by clients and various stakeholders.

Having layers of contacts within a network is also regarded as an essential aspect of a strong compliance service offering. Whether it is a team member of an importer/exporter who has a direct network of external compliance experts or a compliance service provider that builds a network through client referrals, associations and other avenues, having a network of contacts can be very beneficial when navigating the various roads of compliance. There is also the key contacts that one has within the various government agencies. These layers of contacts can definitely provide support and guidance when various scenarios requiring attention arise.

With cooking, two main items come to mind when thinking of layers.
1) Onions
2) Layers of ingredients used to turn the dish from ordinary to extraordinary!

With my limited cooking experience, onions have always been a go to. Whether diced and layered at the bottom of a pan, raw or sautéed, the flavor that onions bring to a dish can definitely make the dish go from being average to outstanding.

Here is a recipe that provides a layered process of preparation as well as incorporating onions...
(The recipe can be found at: 
https://www.chabad.org/recipes/recipe_cdo/aid/5175333/jewish/Stuffed-Sweet-Potatoes-with-Corn-Black-Beans-and-Avocado.htm
Please be conscious of the copyright requirements noted within the web-site. Thank you)

This is a great go to for a wholesome non-meat and non-dairy meal. Tastes great as well.




Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Corn, Black Beans and Avocado
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion
- 1 corn cob
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup prepared tahini

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2) Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Puncture the sweet potatoes on all sides with a fork. Bake until tender, at least 1 hour. (Timing will vary based on the size and width of the sweet potatoes being used and the kind of pan that you use.)
3) Dice the onion and sauté in 1 tbsp of oil. Cut the kernels off the corn cob and add to the pan. Add all the spices and cook until the corn is cooked. Add the black beans. Cover the pan and wait until the beats are heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat.
4) Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise, without completely slicing through the potato. Mash the inside of the potato and then add a generous amount of the bean and corn mixture on top.
Then, top with diced avocado pieces and drizzle tahini sauce all over. Can sprinkle some salt as desired.

Did you notice all the layers of this recipe?
As noted above, onions have layers.

Then, once the sweet potatoes are baked, you create the first layer by mashing the sweet potato inside the potato skin. Then you pour the layer of corn and black beans that were sautéed with the onions and spices on top of the potato. After, you add the layer of avocado and top it off with a layer of drizzled tahini sauce.


Would the sweet potato be delicious on its own? Probably. Would someone eat sautéed onions mixed with spices, corn and black beans? Could be. I personally would not eat that on its own.
Avocado is great alone and it enhances almost any dish that it is served with. Tahini sauce is usually added as a layer to a dish and not eaten on its own.
Putting all these ingredients together and layering them one on top of the other brings a whole new flavor to the meal that is being prepared.


I think one can definitely relate this to the layers of customs compliance.
Without training and constant industry updates, a seasoned expert would begin to fall behind with updated regulations and policies.
Without a team, an individual can only do so much and provide very useful but at times limited advise.
Networking and contacts also allow ones professional experience and understanding to grow just like the various ingredients that enhance the flavor of the dish.


The various layers of compliance are necessary to remain at the top of ones game and professional status.
The various layers of ingredients are necessary to ensure great taste for a dish being prepared.



Thank you to Rachel and Maury Gilman for providing the information about the recipe for this Blog post. Dinner was great!
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

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