If I had to choose between the two, I'd definitely get the under cabinet lighting. I have pendants over the peninsula , can lights, and UCL, and use the UCL the most for everyday use.

Second most used combo is pendants and UCL, and all three are used when I have company.

Also, all sets of lights are on their own switch and on dimmers.

I had I had recessed lights in my previous home and have undercabinet lighting now and there's no comparison - the UCL is far better as task lighting.

I echo what others are saying - under cabinet lights (UCL) are much better for task lighting.

One thing you have to be aware of, if the lights are behind you, then your body will cast a shadow on the counter in front of you. UCLs eliminate that shadow.

In addition, UCLs are much more useful. I do not have any problems with glare - they provide a great deal of light when needed. Mine are on dimmers, so I can control how bright they are. When I'm working at the counter, they are usually on full. When I'm using them for "atmosphere" or general ambient light, they are rarely on full.

Overhead lights (recessed or other), are better for lighting up aisles and for seeing the interior of cabinets.

Regardless of what you use, the placement of lights is important to avoid shadows and to ensure you light the areas that need the light the most.

Adding to the chorus - in favor of UCL.

Thanks everyone for all the information. I calculated that my old fluorescent light approx. 24 inch by 24 inch had 28 watts equal to 240 watts incandescent. I think that maybe one light with 3 compact fluorescent bulbs would be fine or maybe even two bulbs. I had my husband take down the old light like suggested and put up an inexpensive two bulb socket with two CFL bulbs. It seems bright enough but I do have some shadowing but I think the undercabinet lighting and one pendant over the sink will take care of that. I will probably go with the 3 bulb on a dimmer switch if that is possible. Need to check into it further.

I had my husband read all your comments and now he agrees that we can most likely forgo the canned lights which makes me happy as I would rather one quality simple fixture if I can get away with it. Like my Mom use to say when I was a kid, less is more. Back then I never knew what she meant but now I do.

Can any of you also recommend any specific type and manufacturers of undercabinet lighting that you like?

I really appreciate all your timely responses. All of your collective input has been very helpful and really appreciated! Thanks again.

Ha. The old fixture is not exactly "an extra large square fluorescent light".

I missed the "square" part earlier, but even what I call a standard square fluorescent usually has around 64+ watts for two bulbs combined.

You don't want to put a higher watt CFL or LED equivalent into a standard incandescent fixture than the fixture is rated for in incandescent terms, especially if the fixture has glass that encloses it and traps the heat. The bulb's ballast/driver/transformer will fail prematurely. The most I would ever go is one size larger than the equivent rating.

Especially since you are using just one ceiling fixture, I would suggest going with custom length LED tape lighting under the cabinets to cover the entire length of the cabinets. This will give you the most even and complete light. Inspired LED is reasonably priced, and very helpful.

http://www.inspiredled.com/

We used inspired led and they were great -- excellent product and great customer service, and much less $$ than others. They will help you figure out exactly what you need on the phone or by email if you just sent them a sketch of your cabinets and where you want UCL.

Thanks a bunch, I will look into LED Inspired and the custom length tape lighting.