Do You Know Simple Joys of Excellent Food Shared?
Someone asked me the other day what inspired my foodie journey. Their innocent question drove me to explore delicious memories long forgotten.
A family’s love
As a child, my young, immigrant parents both worked outside the home. It left little time for the excellent meals both prepare now. But, they definitely planted a seed for tasty and nutritious foods. By the way, this was the opposite of SAD (standard American diet).
One of my earliest inspirations was my paternal grandmother. She made the best meals, even on her very limited budget. These are some of her incredible dishes: made-from-scratch fragrant and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies, creamy lemon meringue and rich pumpkin pies, spicy beef tamales, succulent roasted turkey, tender albondiga soups, caldo de res, carné asada, tortillas, fresh salsas — red and green, guacamole, chilaquiles, molé, chilé colorado, chilé verdé, tender and crispy fried chicken, and Spanish rice.
Is your mouth watering like mine is while I typed that list? My taste buds came alive when I sampled the fresh herbs, spices, flavors and experienced each texture. It never occurred to me that we were poor because I felt like we ate like kings. How did this widow wow so many with the little she had? Sheer love and determination.
An influencer
My beautiful grandmother was widowed at a very young age. At 96 years old, she is still a force of nature and I owe her many things. She possessed a hard work ethic, perfectionist streak, devotion to her family. My little eyes followed and learned from her. She shared herself, her story — with every meal.
Her vivid stories of the ranch where she was born and raised delighted me. The foods she described, oh my. The fresh and raw dairy, homemade bread, home grown vegetables and fruits sounded incredible. It was all mysterious to city-born and raised me.
My plan
My dreams crystallized. I planned to live in the country someday. Growing my own veggies and fruits, milling my own wheat for bread making, enjoying grass fed, pasture raised animals and dairy were in my future. My farm-to-table aspirations started before it was cool.
Japan
My parents divorce signaled the end of magical days in my grandmother’s kitchen. My mom eventually remarried a wonderful serviceman stationed overseas. Leaving my family and hometown was hard but the foodie adventure that was waiting, helped.
This country was beyond what I imagined and the food blew my mind. Much, if not all, was new to me: rice bowls, soba, sushi, indoor grilling of marinated whole fish, teriyaki, yakisoba noodles, tonkatsu, tempura, yakitori, bento boxes, Kobe beef. Japanese cooking techniques and cuisine are amazing.
Over the years, someone always inspired, shared new recipes, cooked new dishes for me. I’m grateful for the influence of so many wonderful cooks. Their ideas and input are all part of what helped shape me.
Growing up
My newlywed year, I got a Food and Wine magazine subscription. What an eye opener that was. No matter how much I learned or tried, there was always more in store. (I kept some of those magazines for decades and recently passed them down to my grown daughter. Yes, she, too, is a foodie currently studying to become a pastry chef.)
When online recipes became a “thing” I was in gastronomic heaven. If I wanted something new, I went online looking for the best recipes. Found some great websites for cooking stories, tips, and recipes. No limit.
Then, I accidentally discovered international farmer’s markets. What!?!? Veritable food theme park. Can you imagine entire warehouses filled with farm fresh food? (Not like grocery stores that also have many cans, boxes, and jars.) Juicy, tasty fruits and vegetables — with the dirt sometimes still hanging on; fragrant, exotic flowers; bread baking in on-site ovens; pasta made and packaged there; and aromatic spices and herbs from around the world. Senses overwhelmed and delighted. Found my home away from home.
Dream fulfilled and then some
What happened to my childhood plans and dreams? Well…I learned to mill my own wheat and bake bread from scratch. At one point, I moved to the country where I grew my veggies and fruits. Also, started buying grass-fed poultry and beef from farmers. Tried my hand at churning butter. Found it was too much work! Fermented foods were a challenge but I enjoyed canning some.
It’s neat to look back and remember all my kids experienced firsthand as a result of my upbringing and bent. I can’t point to any food or style and say this is what I love and serve. I’m open to anything wholesome, tasty, and home made. I’m not one for change except in the kitchen — that is my canvas and where I incorporate new things in my life.
By the way, this journey doesn’t exclude loving eating out but I am choosy! There are so many incredible places that serve the most wonderful food. I’ll share a few of my favorites soon.
I hope I carried my grandmother’s legacy forward. Over the years, my table hosted many. Our home has been a gathering place for more holidays and celebrations than I can remember. It thrills me when someone reminds me of a dish or dessert I made or brought that made them feel special or loved. Yes, happy memories abound centered around good food, family, and friends. I look forward to the day I get to share my recipes and cooking techniques with the next generation in my family. May this joy of mine inspire them and you.
What lies ahead
I’m planning for the next part of my foodie journey. It’s time to write more and share insights gained. Stay tuned for tasty recipes and related topics.
I can’t end this piece without redirecting you to one of my favorite baking sites and recipes. These cookies are the perfect texture and the recipe is very easy to follow. Drop me a comment below after trying it out. Happy baking.
https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe
