Simple Pleasures is a lifestyle—an unpretentious way to live. It gives you the best of everything. For me, it’s all about simplicity. That’s what this book is about: natural elegance, wholesome eating, and effortless entertaining. Nobody likes pretension. Elaborate foods and fussy parties are no longer. Food, flowers, plates, glasses, you name it, I keep things as close to their original state as possible.
Elegance comes from an attitude that is confident, kind, and open to everything. I grew up surrounded by extraordinary people and learned so much from them—ways of doing things that have enhanced my life. I never forget that charm is the most important part of elegance.
One of my favorite passions is animals, which is why I believe in cruelty-free eating. I do not eat foods that use animal products, but I am not a vegan fanatic. Simple Pleasures will show you that fresh vegetables, beans, and grains are delicious, affordable, and easy to make. You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy the wonderful seasonal recipes in this book. Your friends and family probably won’t miss the meat when you serve scrumptious, satisfying food that does not hurt animals. There are lots of health benefits from eating a plant-based diet. To start, you will look and feel better. If you are “almost” vegan or vegetarian, these recipes might inspire you to be more so. If you are not even close, well, okay, try the recipes as side dishes so that you and your family will eat more veggies.
Entertaining should be fun, relaxing, a way to fill our lives with family, friends, and wonderful memories. It should never feel like torture. Trust me. Entertaining is in my blood. I know how to make it easy. I have a few sacred rules that will make your entertaining effortless, stress-free, and most importantly, fun for all.
Whether it’s a party for two, twenty, or two hundred, I keep it simple. If I get crazy, none of it is fun, and I don’t enjoy my own party. I’ll pass along my secrets to effortless entertaining that will boost your confidence and make having friends over a pleasure.
I hope Simple Pleasures helps you discover your passion and love for Mother Nature and all her wonderful gifts.
Cornelia Guest
JULY 2011