I finished Nicole Mones\u2019 The Last Chinese Chef last week \u2013 which I really enjoyed and recommend.\u00a0 Two ideas, in particular, from the book struck me.<\/p>\n
The first was the idea that food is often most delicious when it is simple<\/strong><\/span> \u2013 when it has no more ingredients than it needs and the essence of the primary ingredient is at the forefront, not complicated by other strong flavors. It turns out this can sometimes be difficult to achieve, but is one of the main reasons we love old-fashioned comfort dishes so much.\u00a0 Their recipes may be spare, but the ingredients are wholesome and the preparation infused with patience and a love for the people who will eat it.<\/p>\n The second notion that stood out to me is that food creates a relationship between cook and eater<\/strong><\/span>, and that relationship can be utilitarian (we cook and eat to satisfy our hunger) or it can be a delightful dance between the cook\u2019s abilities, the eater\u2019s palate, and both parties\u2019 senses and emotions<\/em>.\u00a0 When I cook for other people, I know that I hope they will enjoy it, eat seconds, and maybe even ask about a signature flavor or request a copy of my recipe.\u00a0 In fact, while in the kitchen, I often visualize the people I am cooking for and how they will respond to a taste of the dish.\u00a0 I also know that when I eat a dish prepared for me by someone else, I hope to be able to return the favor in appreciation for the time, care, and effort they\u2019ve put in to it.<\/p>\n With these two ideas in mind, I decided to prepare a meal with three parts, each of which is simple and flavorful and complements the other two.\u00a0 The fact that it is simple lets me focus on ingredients that are naturally free of the gluten, dairy, and other things I cannot have.\u00a0 No replacements, no searching for substitutions \u2013 just good food.<\/p>\n It includes lean, thin-cut pork loin chops flavored only with salt and pepper and the olive oil used to pan-fry them with.\u00a0 The rind will be slightly crisp and the outer layer of the chop golden.\u00a0 The second element is a mushroom brown rice dish sprinkled with aromatic fresh chives.\u00a0 And, finally, broccoli steamed just to the point of tenderness and Kelly-green brilliance, sprinkled lightly with black (or regular) sesame seeds and salt.<\/p>\n The recipe below combines preparatory steps for all three elements to help make the best use of time.\u00a0 From start to finish, it should take you one hour to prepare and cook this meal.\u00a0 But, it allows for 25 minutes in between to catch up on a book, make a dessert, or maybe even spend time with the loved one(s) you are preparing the meal for.<\/p>\n I hope you enjoy this meal.<\/p>\n \u2013Stormy<\/p>\n