Sounds like track lighting is the way to go. Very functional for a kitchen.

If you have uppers, you can also install puck or LED strip lighting under them.

Thanks for your post. Tony, I like track lighting when necessary, and these pendants are attached to tract lighting. The problem is that the tract is way up inside the cutout and the lights there would not be bright enough. I am sure the previous owners dropped these pendants because the tract lighting alone would not be bright enough because the lights are so high.

Maybe we can shorten the cord where the pendants are. I will check into this. However, I don't think that would even work.

Any other thoughts?

Perhaps you should post a photo. Is it an option to fill in the recess perhaps? You don't seem to be too happy with it anyway.