Food at it's Simpliest

Being on your own, and in my case without a girlfriend living with me, has been tough. The one thing i have learned is how to cook for one, instead of two. I always had found myself making t much food and having leftovers. Which in my case would just sit in the frig and get old and then eventually thrown out to make room for the newer leftovers.
I found myself obviously throwing away food and money. I have found myself now buying only the items i truly like to eat. I also found myself cooking just for me in the process. my habits have totally changed, i don't have potato chip in the house, no soda. I have gone from fatty foods to starting my meal off with a simple salad with veggies that i have gotten from the farmers market or organic section at the local food store. If i eat pasta, which i love so much i either have whole wheat pasta, or i am making my own pasta. However i have found that the more you make homemade pasta the more you want it. there are many reasons, and simple if you will as well. Homemade pasta is just eggs, flour, water, olive oil and salt. If you want the exact recipe i am more than happy to give it to you, just get a hold of me, and or i can always edit this post and add it at the end for everyone. Homemade pasta is fun to make, add your own flavorings, and types of pasta or even ravioli. Its takes half the time to cook in boiling water and taste so much better, almost like being in Italy, but not so much.
I am a fan of a simple cucumber sandwich in the summertime, sliced cucumbers in between to slices of bread smeared with mayo and or a flavored mayo to make it even more delicious. that to me is a true sign of summer. I know i just said that cucumber sandwiches are my key to summer, well so is fresh tomatoes from the farmers market, or better yet your own garden. The most simple application that i know of is a simple capresse salad, fresh mozzarella, with fresh basil, aged balsamic. this is something so refreshing, light and paired with a good glass of wine will make you melt in your seat.
I have realized that i enjoy making any type of food, but more often enough it is food that is available at that time for me to make. I just find items to cook and then find other items available to me to use. Doing this i have to think out of the box, and really use my knowledge of food to come up with something. you see its not all about just making something, its making something and making it taste good, appealing to your guests and or family. This is were knowledge and or a good book comes into play. The book i go to when i have my own questions about food and other foods it goes well with, and or what a word means in general, the two books always on hand for me are, Culinary Artistry and Food Lovers Companion.
I guess what i'm trying to get across is that food is simple, it can be as simple as you want it, its just the knowledge that you apply to it that you then can create something outside the usual box. That's what makes cooking so exciting and interesting and its something that truly can become family orientated.