No Frills

From the culinary sense, I'm not always inspired.

Take tonight for example.  After spending an entire day traveling across the country, I just wasn't in the mood to create a wonderful meal worthy of a photograph.  As we sometimes say, I just needed to fill the hole.

It's too bad all of my fresh produce went to waste while I was gone - perhaps it was because I failed to turn on the A/C while I was away - creating a nice welcome of 94 degrees and fruit flies upon my arrival.  Lesson learned.

I had to go with my instincts.  A few thawed chicken breasts, a can of green beans, and a can of diced tomatoes.  Maybe throw in some garlic, a dash of dried oregano, and maybe, just maybe - yes, an aged tidbit of leftover parmesan left from a dinner party before leaving for my trip.

I'm in business.

Heat up the cast iron, add a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, then quickly saute some garlic . . . the smell is heavenly - and suddenly I don't feel like I'm sitting next to some old dude on Southwest Airlines anymore.  Add in the chicken to sear for flavor; salt, pepper, oregano . . . turn on television, flip chicken, add diced tomatoes - deglaze - drain green beans - add to pan - simmer. simmer. simmer 10 minutes.  Remove from heat, top with cheese.  Voila.

Sitting down I realize that I sub-consciously created an outstanding, inspired meal.  Up the stairs, grab the camera, snap a pic . . . and savor the flavor.  Just what I needed.

That's all for now - but I gotta ask . . . What inspires you?

Cheers!

MM