It’s a rather safe assumption, I feel, that all of us have memories associated with food, whether because of a relation to the preparer (mother, grandmother, the family grill-master, etc), an introduction to something new (or something you didn’t like or that made you sick, for that matter), or the situation in which it was often presented (holiday meals, and the like).
Recently, I stumbled across a series on Prime Video, “My Greatest Dishes“. 20 chefs, each preparing 4 dishes that reflect memories or that represent milestones in their culinary journeys. Each episode is quite short, which makes viewing more of a pleasure; and each is filled with the personal recollections and reminiscences of the chef. I really do recommend it.
One of the more memorable episodes is that featuring Bill Granger (see NOTES), an Australian chef who is credited with the global popularity of avocado toast. What struck me was the absolute simplicity of his offering; not too finely cut up avocado, some tomato, a drizzle of olive oil (I used a basil infused oil; lemon infused would be great as well), some flake salt, some ground pepper, and a sprinkling of fresh lemon juice. I served it on toasted English muffin, no butter. With the ingredients maintaining their integrity by not being all smashed together (rustic, if you will), the layering of flavor and freshness is enhanced. If you try it, I think you’ll experience what I mean, here, and will appreciate how it can trigger such fond memories.
Now, for a memory of my own!
There’s no telling how things come to you. Maybe it’s my current “thing” for cauliflower and broccoli, either together or apart, whether steamed, roasted, in a cream sauce with some fresh pasta, smothered in cheese sauce, served as a side, or atop a baked potato (carbs and fiber, right?). They are on my plate often.
Which brings me to one of my mother’s recipes – cauliflower salad.
My mother, before she married my father, was a home economics teacher. I’m not aware of where she got the ideas, inspirations, or recipes for the staples in her repertoire, but I do seem to recall her delight at finding this recipe for Cauliflower Salad.
Even ‘back when’, easy recipes, with readily available ingredients, were appreciated as timesavers. This one, with just four ingredients, is a startlingly tasty profile, perfect for heading into late Spring and Summer. Serving tips are in the recipe. It keeps well in the fridge, which is a bonus when cooking for just one or two.
As said earlier, I feel fairly safe in assuming we all have memories with their roots in food. Let’s start something, and if you share some with me, I’ll share with others. Remember, reminisce, and let’s all enjoy!!
NOTES
Bill Granger’s culinary journey took him from Australia, ultimately ending in London, the locale for the “My Greatest Dishes” show. The show was made in 2019. Sadly, Bill Granger passed away from cancer in 2023. Let’s hope we can all leave such a simple, yet impactful, legacy.
never 2 old 2 start cooking 
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