It can be done. Pink grapefruit in guava nectar calls for only two ingredients, unless you count the colorfully complementary candied violets. An inventive, fat-free side dish calls for red cabbage, raspberry vinegar and honey. And a filling but low-calorie main dish is made by brining pork and serving it roasted with a marinade of Triple Sec and smoky chipotle peppers.
Gold is the queen of minimal-ingredient cooking.
But she inspires us to do what we know is possible - especially now that flavorful, quality foods are available at the supermarket. These days, many shoppers can find pesto and tapenade in jars, as well as fresh and dried wild mushrooms and conveniently packaged produce. So while I might be a little shy about preparing Gold's seared tuna with capers and mustard oil, she makes it clear that fast, delicious dinners are feasible. On an average weeknight with the family, I'm likely to use more kid-friendly ingredients. I garnish with whatever's handy.