Christmas Tree ~ Onions ~ Safe

“This memory has created a want to have something special like that, surrounding food. Food for me always meant celebration and togetherness. I like to cook for myself and others. My colander is my grandmother’s. It is so old, but it is hers, and I will never get rid of it.”

Laughter ~ Earth ~ Contentedness

“I hear laughter and smell the earth and ocean. I can also taste the earth, because Paco’s hands were covered in soil. He was gardening, his hands in the earth, so when he would open the pine nut to share with us, we would taste the soil on his hands.”

Dawn ~ Bacon ~ Cozy

“Music is so tied into my memories of the shade trees and lemonade and kids running around and falling asleep in hide and seek spots. Oh, and the food was omnipresent. It was incredible. Those memories are tremendously rich.”

Outdoor Oven ~ Fresh ~ Happiness

“I see my mom taking the Briam dish from the outdoor oven. I smell fresh food, delicious, fresh ingredients. You can’t wait to sit down and eat.”

Community ~ Sautéed Chicken ~ Respect

“It doesn’t matter who you are, you have to have something in your belly in order to function. Therefore, wasting food is not something that would be accepted in my culture. We respect food because it is part of us.”

Orange ~ Sweetness ~ Contentment

“It feels damp and smells green and sweet.”

Noodles ~ Chicken Soup ~ Happy

“I walk into my mom’s kitchen and find homemade noodles on the counter. I smell chicken soup, a wonderful smell. I am with my siblings and my mom, and everyone is talking.”

Working Hands ~ Hot Oil ~ Bubbling Broth

“Linoleum. Laughter. My grandmother’s fridge covered in magnets. Brown butcher paper.”

Bounty ~ Fried Chicken ~ Welcome

“I am a suburban eight year old…I see a simple house and grounds with good cheer and an elderly Aunt’s appreciation for our visit.”

Grandma ~ Garlic ~ Warmth

“When I recall a food memory, I picture grandma moving about the kitchen.”