Some of the simple things are what I've found. When I was young, cheese
for a party was a ball of port-wine cheese (Cheddar) covered in nuts.
Or chipped beef with cream cheese. Cheese for every day was American
Cheese or Swiss Cheese. Colby Cheese was an unusual treat, and hot
pepper cheese was a very unusual treat, as we rarely had anything even
vaguely spicey. Since then I've discovered Edam, Gorgonzola, Fontina,
Camembert, Brie, Limberger, Havarti, Stilton, Assiago, Feta, and many
others, some I can't even spell without looking. I've also discovered
spicey foods and hot peppers.

Also, olives were from a jar or can, and where cheap store brand
versions. Canned black olives can now bore me to sleep, but I used to
like them. Now I hit a good olive bar and find all kinds of goodies. I
also use them in recipes instead of just on a relish platter.

Mushrooms are another thing that I've found. Mushrooms were tasteless
gooey things from a can when I was young. Now I've found fresh Porcini,
Crimini, Shitakes, and occasionally even Chanterelles. Sauteed,
stuffed, grilled, or added to something, they really add something.

Wine used to be Liebfraumilch (sp?), and while there may be a few good
examples, it was more of a mass-market version for us. Now I enjoy all
kinds of wine, and not just on hollidays.

Another simple thing is fresh herbs. I still have a cabinet stuffed
full of dried herbs and spices, but I'll also pop for fresh sage,
parsley, cilantro, and basil when the need arises (frequently.)

When I was young, vinegar was distilled white vinegar. Now I have cider
vinegar, malt vinegar, basalmic vinegar, and perhaps a few others. I
still have some distilled white vinegar, but mostly use it to clean
windows now.

We had fresh fruits and veggies, but like you, I would have eaten more
asparagus if it were...grilled.

Dean G.