Maybe you could put a flush or semi flush ceiling fan that has a light kit with 4 lights that are adjustable for counter top lighting.

Well, what is the diameter of the fixture that is there? If the new fixture isn't that large, you could perhaps add a simple ceiling medallion if needed to hide the area of the ceiling that is visible after you replace the light.

Maybe something like this would work? It has 200 watts of light.

deco bronze collection ceiling fixture

I currently have something similar to this one but much uglier. I haven't tried removing it so I don't know what the ceiling looks like underneath.
(I don't mind the flourescent-eventhough it changes the color of my paint-it's the fixture I hate)

Here is a link that might be useful: flourescent light

I took down my 48" fluorescent fixture and had four 1" holes from toggle bolts that I successfully filled with plaster. I replaced it with a semi-flush mount. Looks great and no one notices where I patched.

thank you creekylis! that's what I needed to know. As long as I can patch it without painting the whole house, I can put anything. I thought about the ceiling fan but I'm not sure if my kitchen is too small. It does get hot in there.

Does some type of track lighting give enough light (since it will be the only light)? Any type of bulb I should look for?