Don’t Cook!

Get food. Eat it! If that’s the sort of cook (or non-cook) you are, this is your season. Find a farmer’s market or grocery store that has rapid turnover and carries fresh produce. Some fruit, cheese, tomatoes, salad greens, a good loaf of whole grain bread and you are good to go. Willing to boil or scramble an egg? The world is an even bigger place!

Seriously, there is plenty to eat that doesn’t require any more preparation than a shower (for the food…I’m assuming that you don’t need this prompt) and a bit of familiarity. Feeling adventurous? Maybe you don’t even need to be on a first name basis. If that sounds a little scary, some time browsing the cookbook section of your favorite bookstore might even convince you to purchase a guide to help get started. Don’t feel like doing that? Try the Internet!

This is the season for fruit, greens and all sorts of edible stuff that can be enjoyed without cooking. If you are at the farmer’s market, ask the farmer how to choose. Basic principles generally apply. Look for fruit or veg that’s not blemished or funky looking. Soft can be good, but not so soft that you can’t get what ever you are purchasing home in one piece.

Imagine yourself living in Paris or some other fantasy of a place where local markets abound. Buy just what you can eat in a day or two (or three). Buying fresh food as often as you can will insure that it’s fresh and flavorful. If you are lucky enough to have a farmer’s market in your life, spend a little extra time and money and reap the rewards. Supporting local food production means that your food hasn’t used a passport to get to your plate. Locally sourced food can stay in the ground or on the tree longer and this is where the flavor part comes in.

A small gesture of faith (in your abilities and self-sufficiency), and the rewards are soon to follow. Your wallet will be fatter, it’s possible that your waistline will be smaller (no processed food at the farmer’s market) and you most certainly will feel the better for all of it!