Old Reliable

There comes a time in every cook’s life when they find their “old reliable” — that versatile, fuss-free, crowd-pleasing recipe that just works. This culinary gem is a staple in the repertoire, the dish you can count on to bring comfort and satisfaction. But what makes a recipe qualify? 

In our mind, a few things:

• Simplicity: A reliable recipe should be straightforward, with easy-to-find ingredients. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up without an emergency trip to the store.
• Versatility: The best recipes can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Think of dishes where you can swap out proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand.
• Crowd Appeal: An “old reliable” must be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the dish that everyone loves, whether it’s for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a special occasion.
• Consistency: This dish turns out great every time. It’s the dependable choice when you need to impress without stress.
• Balance: The flavors should be harmonious and well-balanced, ensuring that each bite is a delightful experience.

Last week I was glad I had my “old reliable”. 

The night was sweltering and the air conditioner had decided it was a great time to quit. As I stood dripping in the kitchen, contemplating the merits of just serving ice cubes for dinner, I remembered an old favorite: flank steak with basil dressing. Simple, reliable, and best of all, it meant I could cook outside where there was at least a breeze.

The flank steak, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, hit the grill with a satisfying sizzle. I watched the flames dance and thought about how this recipe had never let me down. It was as dependable as an old F150 —scratched up, a bit rusty, but always roaring to life with a little coaxing.

With the meat on its way, I turned my attention to the dressing. My herb garden, which consisted of a couple of bolting basil plants and a mint bush that had ambitions of yard domination, provided the fresh greens. As I chopped and mixed, I couldn’t help but marvel at the simplicity of it all. Olive oil, vinegar, garlic, basil and an ad libbed handful of mint —how could something so straightforward taste so darn good?

Dinner was served just as the sun was setting. We sat on the porch, the heat of the day finally giving way to a cooler breeze. The steak was tender, the basil dressing vibrant and tangy. It was perfect. It was “old reliable.”

Now, I’m not billing this recipe as a lifesaver, but I will say it saved my sanity that night. A reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the simple, dependable ones.

So here’s to “old reliable” recipes. May they always be there when you need them, bringing joy, comfort, and a touch of culinary magic to even the hottest of summer nights.

—Scott at Walden