On Food
Why isn’t food a love language?
If you know me well, you know I love all things food. Not just eating, growing food, or trying new restaurants— although those are all awesome things.
For me, when I think of food, I think of it as a community and cultural tool. I think about food as a form of storytelling. Sharing food— eating with others, cooking for and with someone— that is where the real power lies.
I have found that people are their most happiest and vulnerable when they are satiated. It must be why when we meet someone for the first time we choose to do it over dinner— to share a meal and to watch someone enjoy the food they love—it seems pretty intimate. We share hard news over meals as well. It must be because of the comfort food gives us.
I am reminded of the podcast “The Slowdown”, and the episode where the guest host is talking about her husband’s way of communicating through the art of cooking. It is quite beautiful. “Some of the most beloved poems have food as their subjects” she says. From Gertrude Stein to William Carlos Williams as a few examples.
“To cook for someone is to demonstrate the most essential feeling of care, devotion, and patience. To eat is the expression of appreciation, satisfaction, pure contentment. Feasts are partnerships of gratitude, comfort, slowness. To take in a good meal you must slow your roll….. The familiar is made fantastic. The routine is made wondrous.”
I have been exploring the power of these components in meaningful ways. Whether I am cooking meals for myself or sharing them with my pod, I have found a sanctuary in the kitchen that I have yet to find anywhere else. Here is a recent food diary. All photos are my own.
First things first, we must talk about the good Earth and the bounty she provides. I have loved exploring tomato varieties, harvesting veggies from my campus gardens, and turning my cutting board into a rainbow of textures and flavors. We are officially into Fall now, but as of late I have enjoyed light produce and savory combinations. Eating seasonally has been my favorite way to practice mindfulness at this point. I am excited about the changing palette Fall and Winter will bring!
There is a farmers market right on my campus every Saturday. Hauls usually include lots of leafy greens, dairy-free cheeses, freshly cut flowers, veggies ranging from okra to shallots to oyster mushrooms. Sweet treats usually include delicious apple ginger cider and tons of fruit. I also love getting fresh bread, which consists of the Lebanese man’oushe and hollow pitas.
Meals for one. What a form of self-care. Cooking a nourishing meal for your self and because it has been so warm, washing it all down with refreshing iced teas (hibiscus mint and peach have been my favorites). Meals as of late have consisted of homemade cucumber avocado sushi, mini “pizzas”, fancy avocado toast, vegan cornbread (not as a meal….unless), and veggie spring rolls.
Meals with Friends!! The pod knows how to throw down from table sized nachos, homemade pizza, baked ziti, and the most delicious pastries (cookies from Morsel) and pecan peanut butter dark chocolate brownies- you can’t hang with us if you don’t know your way around the kitchen.
Dessert is always on my mind. The day has not ended without something sweet to conclude the daily stress. Lately I have been indulging in ice cream, dairy free gluten free brownies, and peach crisps.
What have you been eating lately?