I call this newsletter ‘A Small & Simple Thing’ because I endeavor to live with an appreciation for the small and simple wonders that populate my days. If can extract joy from tiny moments others might overlook, then happiness and contentment is close at hand.
“Deep shit, bro.”
I don’t want to lose an appreciation for the miraculous world that surrounds us - the majesty of birdsong, the verve of fresh air on your skin and in your lungs, the electricity of dappled sunlight. I try to bring this same appreciation for small moments and gestures into the kitchen, appreciating the food we put on our table.
Every corner of the internet is now littered with someone claiming to know something about cooking (and everything else) and I guess I’m no different. But a lot of what I see is overly complicated, showy, trend-driven crap. The kitchen should be a soulful, easygoing place - not a workshop for TikTok trends. Be cool, employ olive oil liberally, and go easy on yourself. Cooking can be a humble act, a way to connect with ourselves, and to show appreciation for what the Earth has provided us.
To that end, I wanted to offer you up two very (VERY) simple things today. The cool thing is that when these are done correctly, they’re as delicious and satisfying as anything, and a reminder you don’t need to complicate your cooking life. You can pare it down, get back to basics, and reconnect with what makes food so fantastic.
My Favorite Appetizer (And a Great Host Gift)
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