A Musing On Memory

I often find myself deeply missing people and places. Usually, a moment in time shared with close friends or family.  Sometimes, it’s more of a longing for a place I have yet to experience.

In these moments, I find the strongest opportunities to explore my passion for cooking. There’s no connection quite like using my hands, exploring taste and scent, to find some balance in presence and memory.

I don’t consider myself to be a very emotional person, but in the kitchen, I find a sense of vulnerability. By leaning into a longing for a person or place, I’m able to reconnect and ground myself.  It’s personal, restorative and only when I chose to, I can share it with people around me. If I’ve cooked for you, know that it’s my way to connect and if I’ve cooked with you, I certainly trust you. It’s so much more than a plate of food or refreshing drink. It’s an exercise in memory and emotion.

Today’s exploration took me to Belize. Stewed chicken, beans and rice covered in an incredibly spicy pickled white onion and habanero sauce will carry me through the week.

My impulse Spanish cookbook purchase over the weekend will connect me to my mom, who’s currently walking the Camino, and to memories of the best trip I’ve ever taken.

And a bottle of Montelobos will always stop me in my tracks.