One of my fondest memories of adolescence was cooking Saturday suppers. My lasagna was pretty decent, and I actually enjoyed preparing meals. I can't recall where I learned my meager skills, but I'm grateful that I've always been able to cook for myself.
Over the years, my cooking could be described as hearty and relatively simple, but light on seasoning. I always liked meat and potatoes, spaghetti, or chicken-pot pie. When I lived on my own, I must admit I ate pretty badly; I remember heating microwave meals in a toaster oven, and relying on Burger King for lunch when I worked downtown. Dessert has always been an essential end to a meal for me, I never could turn down a piece of cheesecake or pie a la mode.
When I decided to change my eating habits for health reasons, I found myself in a pickle. Deciding to drastically reduce my fat and sugar intake meant no more steak, rich desserts, or greasy fast food burgers. In the beginning, it was difficult to adapt, but my new eating habits forced me to rethink my approach to eating.
Instead of the bland fare I'd always been comfortable preparing, I've discovered (with the encouragement of my lovely wife) herbs and spices: chili flakes and banana pepper rings in a turkey burger, peanut thai sauce with rice noodles, salt and fresh cracked pepper sprinkled generously.... I began to rework recipes to maximize flavour (Bobby Flay would be proud) and choose interesting new snacks; I love garlic topped humus with a baked pita chip, and Crispy-Mini's drizzled with chocolate are simply divine.
I used to wolf down grub just to fill my belly; my attitude has changed significantly over the years, and I now appreciate foods that challenge my taste buds and palette.
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