Simple Home Cooking
About four years ago, my family and I traveled to Italy and stayed at a villa in Tuscany. The food and wine was incredible yet everything remained so simple, but flavorful. Most of our cooking consists of complex flavors and ingredients. Gradually this has changed especially with our busy lifestyle. Although we continue to explore various cultures and cuisines in our cooking, we have learned there is nothing better than simple creations after a long day of work. One of our favorite meals to come home to is a caprese salad, steak and roasted potatoes and ice cream for dessert. I guess you can say Italy had inspired us.
The Starter
Ever since traveling to Italy, we have appreciated the simplicity of a Caprese Salad. Gathering fresh ripe tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella drizzled with high quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar can really hit the spot. Top this off with some fresh slices of basil and a touch of kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper is all you need. Depending on your preference you may use Roma tomatoes, field or heirloom tomatoes. Of course there is nothing in comparison to what you will find in Italy, but you can still find excellent ingredients from your local supermarket or farmer’s market.
The Main Course
In Florence, one of most famous main dishes is the Bistecca alla fiorentina which is a huge t-bone steak (18pz – 25 oz) cooked rare and served with arugula and drizzled with olive oil and a lemon. The portions are huge. For us, we opt for a smaller cut (10oz – 12oz) rib-eye or t-bone. Season the steak with salt and pepper or use your favorite steak spice blend. If you don’t have a BBQ, place the steaks in a grill pan for about 3 minutes on each side for a perfect medium rare. As for your starch, try some roasted red skinned potatoes tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper. Depending on what’s in season, fresh spinach sautéed with freshly chopped garlic goes well with this easy to do steak dinner.
The Dessert
A meal without something sweet is incomplete. There is always room for dessert. If you don’t have time to bake, then a scoop of ice cream or gelato is just as good. Melt some chunks of Valrhona or Callebaut chocolate and you will be set. Of course, you don’t have to spend big bucks on chocolate, so choose what you like. Feeling a bit guilty? Top your ice cream with some fresh fruits in season.
Simple cooking doesn’t have to be boring. You can still have a gourmet dining experience in your own home.
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