Food is Love in my world. I cannot express myself in a more heartfelt way than by making food for someone. It is the core of my being. People are trying to figure out how or what we are supposed to eat now a days. The headlines that are everywhere about the “good” or “bad” foods. The diets that severely restrict people’s food choices by eliminating an entire food group. The way we label foods such as Clean 15 & the Dirty dozen… This all adds to people’s confusion and fear of food.
I fortunately grew up around grandmothers that loved to cook and who were really good at it! My Nonna had me standing on a chair, an apron tied under my armpits, helping her from a very young age. I had my little piece of pasta dough or meat to roll into meatballs. I was hands on involved in preparing meals. I equated food to fun, laughter, and family. I learned that food took time to grow, time to prepare, and time to consume. The goal was to feed the family but also to enjoy the food. To take time to eat the many courses just like it took time to prepare. In essence, to respect each step of the process all while interacting with one and other.
Every occasion was celebrated with food. Yes celebrated, even a funeral ended with many courses of food shared by a multitude of people. There was always enough food to set another place setting for unexpected guests. I raised my sons with the same respect for food. We grew it during the few months that we could. (short growing season in Montreal!) I made everything from scratch. Friends were always welcome to stay and share the meal. I sent food to others when times were tough. I made muffins and cookies for sharing with team mates. Mealtime was a time to share not only the food but the happenings of the day.
So when did we start to lose the respect for food and the process of preparing it? When we became a rushed society we lost the meal ritual. Now a drive thru is often a meal for a family on the go. I am not judging, I remember the rushed evenings with hockey and football practices too. I’m simply saying that I wish that people would take the time to share a weekly meal with their loved ones. What happens when we choose a variety of wholesome foods, enjoy the ritual of preparing it together, and sharing it? We get some really great family time in our lives again. Let the kids get their hands into the food. Let them touch and taste it as it is becoming part of a recipe. Every age of child can help in some way. It might not be perfect but it will be fun for them and you as well! Throw the rules out the window and get back to basics. Good old fashioned food fun! I assure you the kids will enjoy the process and you will be creating memories that will be cherished always.