Color Me Happy

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.”

–Ruth Reichl

Welcome to the Blog today. I was scrolling through some pictures and it occurred to me that the photos I was most drawn to were those that showed a wonderful combination of colors. I often photograph flowers and gardens but, for today, I decided to focus on the color of foods. The picture above was taken yesterday when we had some friends over for dinner. I started with this charcuterie board as an appetizer. When I looked at the picture I loved how the colors popped against the dark background of the counter and the slate boards. The combination of oranges, yellows, browns, creams, reds and purples didn’t clash but instead provided a vibrant and inviting welcome for our guests. The colors said, “Relax and enjoy your time here”. It was also delicious. If you haven’t before, try pairing roquefort cheese with homemade or store bought peach jam. This peach jam was homemade and a gift from a friend. Sumptuous! I also paired honey with Edam cheese and herb and garlic cheese goes great with grapes.

“Laughter is brightest in the place where food is.” Irish Proverb

This simple lunch of tuna salad on lettuce, grapes, tomatoes and melon is easy to put together and brings a smile to your face. The colors are vibrant and inviting. I love the pop of the red and green.

“We all eat, and it would be a sad waste of opportunity to eat badly.” Anna Thomas

A simple salad with a topping of tiny shrimp makes for a wonderful meal…it’s healthy and beautiful. Makes you want to pick up your fork and dive right in.

“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” Federico Felliini

Hard to go wrong with pasta in a tomato-based sauce. The color leaps off the plate. The black background makes the food stand out. The color is rich and “delicious”.

“Never eat more than you can lift.” Miss Piggy

This beautiful pasta dish is set off perfectly by the red tortilla chip and the white almonds. It incorporates the colors in the Italian flag. This is truly a meal to celebrate.

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”James Beard

Something as simple and basic as bread, olive oil and vinegar can be a beautiful introduction to a meal. Enjoy this combination as an appetizer and taste a little bit of heaven. Add a little parmesan cheese and you elevate the basics to something more. The rich, contrasting colors of the oil and the balsamic vinegar are rich, deep and colorful. A great way to start a meal.

Incorporating appealing colors into the food you present goes a long way to making the meal enjoyable. Food can be be a feast for the eyes, the nose and the tastebuds. Try it. I think you’ll be pleased with the results.