The Simplicity of Whole Foods

I think by now it is becoming quite clear that Cuisinicity is all about Simplicity:

 Simplicity of the ingredients I choose

 Simplicity of the directions I give

 Simplicity of the flavors I pick

….but I think this week, I am taking Simplicity to a whole other level!

In fact, I am almost embarrassed to call these special recipes, ACTUAL recipes, but that’s the beauty of it–Simplicity is very much what Cuisinicity is about!

In this little collection of Simply this and Simply that, I choose whole foods that “speak” for themselves. These wholesome ingredients in their simplest naked form, just need a little accent, or just a little “push” from me and they just take over all by their lonesome self–They deserve all the credit!

What’s nice for me and for you is that,because these simply recipes basically make themselves, it’s no fuss for us! 

So it is, without further a do, that I humbly present…. my Simply collection!

Simply Quinoa: It’s not fancy! it’s the no fuss, full-proof, always perfectly cooked, not mushy, fluffy, yummy wholegrain accompaniment to any dish and it takes all of 8 minutes to get on the table! Simply Cinnamon Apples are nestled together in a small pot with just a drop of water and simmer for 15 minutes so that the apples release their own moisture and create their own sweet condensed juice, almost caramelized. They keep their full flavor that way and there is no need to add sugar! These simply Cinnamon apples are wonderful in my Apple Almond Cobbler and Apple Honey Panini or just simply on top of wholegrain pancakes, oatmeal, plain Greek yogurt or even…just simply plain!Simply Chickpeas –I love an excuse to use chickpeas! This is a little legume with a mission, I tell you! It’s filled with nutrients, from protein to fiber to vitamins to iron, the list goes on. In this simple recipe, I just bake them in a high temperature oven with a little olive oil and spices and they make for a great appetizer!

Simply Cauliflower –As advertised, really simple! The only “trick” here is to transfer the cauliflower florets onto a preheated baking sheet so that they do not get soggy. I add just a little bit of finely grated asiago cheese to give it that great savory taste, oh so good!

Simply Oven-Dried Tomatoes, They are the next best thing to drying tomatoes under the Tuscan sun! They burst with flavor and are a cinch to make. I don’t even add olive oil, there is no need! The only trick is to have the time to forget about them in a very low oven for a few hours. They are wonderful as appetizers with a little goat cheese sprinkled on them, or simply naked, as a side dish.Simply Squash –What can I say? YUM and filled with fiber! Acorn squash is so pretty too, it looks like a little mini pumpkin–absolutely beautiful as a healthy side dish and so delicious and sweet!

Simply Cipollini Onions –Their name means “little onion” in Italian, and indeed they are! They are so sweet and tender and lend themselves perfectly to this simple way of preparing them because they caramelize so easily.

Simply Radicchio, As always, I love a great excuse to add another veggie to my dining repertoire! I personally love radicchio but it is true that it can taste a little bitter to some. I find that baking it this way makes it a little sweeter and is a lovely way to use it as a side dish.Simply Sweet Potato — Sweet potatoes are so delicious prepared this way because they release their own moisture inside the aluminum foil and create their sweet condensed juice so that when you unwrap them, they are glistening and moist.
Simply Oatmeal is just a classic breakfast that I make from scratch on a busy morning. It literally takes 4 minutes.

Simply Porridge: You know those cold mornings when you get up and just crave a warm, creamy, yummy-in-the-tummy, feel-good breakfast to get you started for the day? Well, if you know what I mean, then this is the porridge for you! From beginning to end: 15 minutes!Simply Baked Fries These are crisp and delicious without all the frying!

…and you can be sure I will be adding a lot more in this fun collection! The options are limitless!

I just thought of one that I created long ago and that DEFINITELY passes the test for admission to my Simply Recipe collection: My Walnut Crusted Salmon–it has all of 2 ingredients–WOW!