The Lost Arts: Simple Food

It is ironic, really. We have become a nation obsessed with food...Food Network, celebrity chefs, magazines,food blogs, cookbooks, cooking classes and gourmet kitchen supply stores. We must have extra virgin this and organic that. And yet, we're a nation that is hooked on convenience foods and ready made products.

When did food become so complicated?

My husband had invited the boss to dinner. We kept the meal simple. Steaks on the grill, oven roasted new potatoes, and a simple salad.

I had gone to the farmer's market the day before and carefully purchased the produce that was labelled as homegrown (because let's face it, the canteloupe is not in season in Indiana in May, even if they are selling it at the local farmer's market!). I purchased some radishes and green onions, not knowing exactly what I would do with them, but trusting that they'd be tasty all the same.

I picked the fresh salad greens from my lettuce bowl, cleaned them thoroughly, and tossed them with sliced radishes and green onion.  

I kept the dressing simple...a basil-infused olive oil whisked with some vinegar. Toss the salad with dressing and a little feta cheese, and voila. Simple salad.

I have to tell you, it was the best salad I've tasted in ages!

With fewer ingredients, I was able to taste and enjoy the simple flavors. Fresh. Flavorful. Simply delicious!

The lost art of simple food. Homegrown. Unprocessed. Uncomplicated. And isn't that what summertime eating should be all about?