The Taste of Memory

I’m reflecting a lot this week - looking back over images and words from the past year. Remembering countries, people, projects, conversation. One thing is particularly obvious: I remember in food. (And shoes, but I haven’t been capturing pictures of those, whereas I seem have hundreds of ubiquitous food shots.) At first I questioned the sheer quantity of food I have eaten over the past eleven months. Then I realized that far from being a boring, daily necessity food is - for me - a marker of important moments with multiple sensory triggers that transport me backward through time to the first meeting, a reunion, solitary meals in a new city, pancakes as big as my head.

Through food, I share love. Create experiences. Connect with new acquaintances and delight in the act of preparing a meal with good friends. What gathering doesn’t include food? We use it to comfort, to connect, to forget.

I use it to remember.

The Taste of Memory

I’m reflecting a lot this week - looking back over images and words from the past year. Remembering countries, people, projects, conversation. One thing is particularly obvious: I remember in food. (And shoes, but I haven’t been capturing pictures of those, whereas I seem have hundreds of ubiquitous food shots.) At first I questioned the sheer quantity of food I have eaten over the past eleven months. Then I realized that far from being a boring, daily necessity food is - for me - a marker of important moments with multiple sensory triggers that transport me backward through time to the first meeting, a reunion, solitary meals in a new city, pancakes as big as my head.

Through food, I share love. Create experiences. Connect with new acquaintances and delight in the act of preparing a meal with good friends. What gathering doesn’t include food? We use it to comfort, to connect, to forget.

I use it to remember.

Necessary Inventions

Nothing on this adventure is simple or straight-forward. A house with no doors. A fridge full of food but a pantry without recognizable ingredients. A furnished kitchen that includes a dozens pots and pans, all lacking lids, and none large enough to boil potatoes. Perhaps this builds character. Though, strangely, it reminded me that I actually know how to utilize whatever ingredients happen to be on hand. Beet salad with orange dressing and crushed pistachios. Potato salad with green beans, tomato, egg, olives, and anything else that needs to be used before I make the weekly foray to the market tomorrow. And plenty of homemade cheese, which I am happy to add to pretty much anything.