just as they are

So, I'm sitting in the waiting room of my doctor's office yesterday and in walks this elderly woman. I actually should say, in marches this elderly woman. She was an eye-catcher: red velvet pants, red high heels, black leather jacket, red furry earmuffs over platinum blond hair, teased way up. Wow! But, it gets better. She plants herself in front of the reception desk and belts out her name with a volume that woke everyone up - and there actually were two people snoozing in the lobby. (It was a great name, too. Fit her perfectly!) Once checked in, she took a chair up front and began rummaging around in her giant red (of course) purse. It sounded like she had pots and pans in there with all of the clanging going on. Then, she pulled out a huge bottle, whipped off those earmuffs, and began spraying herself with a fog of some perfume that I couldn't identify, but smelled thickly floral with perhaps a hint of cotton candy. A carnival-scented cloud hovered over the entire lobby.

I was riveted with this entrance. Everyone else was staring, too. How could you not?!? My first thought was, "Am I in the middle of some sort of performance art?" But as I watched her settle in to wait, seemingly unaware of the attention she had drawn to herself, I realized, this is just who she is. She's just being herself. Dang. It made me laugh inside and also marvel at her moxie. Wouldn't it be refreshing if we ALL showed our true selves to the world, velvet pants (if that's your thing) and all?

Okay, you've read this far. Probably you are wondering what this has to do with vegetarian cooking. I honestly do have a connection here and it has to do with salad dressing. Really.

I love veggies. Organic ones especially. I love their taste, scent, texture, and multitude of colors. And, I especially love them just as they are. Being themselves. Not covered up with globs of salad dressing (akin to stinky perfume, in my opinion) that masks their true flavor. Now I grew up with a wide selection of dressings in the fridge and still do enjoy a nice balsamic vinaigrette. But, for fresh salads that just shine with simple deliciousness, this is my dressing recipe:

Simple Deliciousness Dressing

drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
squirt of fresh lemon juice
sprinkle of herbs, fresh or dried** (I love basil, oregano, dill, thyme, you name it)

Create your dream salad. Put everything you love, or like, or are willing to give a try, into your favorite bowl. Make it pretty. Then, drizzle, squirt, and sprinkle right on top and enjoy.

I dare you to to enjoy vegetables just as they beautifully are, without covering them up. Put on some something red and channel the chutzpah of the woman above if you need a kick to get started. :)

 

**And, if you are seeking excellent dried herbs to flavor your meals, let me recommend Penzey's Spices. This gem in downtown OP is a sensory treat to visit. You can sniff away from glass jars and find all kids of great recipes, too. Plus, with their inexpensive prices, you can go a little wild trying new things.

 

Have fun!