Love is Delicious: Food as a love language
In a microwave world, it is rare to find anyone who will not rush the slow rise of a delicate soufflé or who will marvel at the beauty of the detailed chop and soul-felt seasoning of a homecooked meal. Soul food and cooking from one’s heart are not necessarily the same. Yet, dinner time was once known as the time when family would come together to share, laugh and love on each other. The term soul food is most commonly associated with those of African American descent and can often also be connected to cuisine from the South. The term didn’t become so commonly known until the 60’s, but historically there is a nurturing theme among most races and cultures that surrounds food. If the tranquilizing first bite of creamiest mac ‘n cheese makes both your soul and stomach fall in love, then the same might be said about the juiciest lamb shawarma even though they are influenced from different parts of the world.
Did you eat today? Such a simple question and it is one of the most treasured ways of showing concern for others. One of the many definitions of love can be defined as a deep feeling or expression from one’s soul, then surely any heart-felt edible creation could also fit this description. Mealtime is an opportunity to be purposeful even if you’re having takeout or fast-food. As you ponder being an extension of love, one cannot help but consider that in its purest form, love is enduring and endearing while always hoping for the best. You may now feel a deep inner urge to seek just the right temperature for the best ingredients to create a warm inviting setting that envelopes friends and family in another form of love; thus, making food a literal love language.
An athlete may eat just for nutrition while a chef may see each meal as a work of art. There are no strict rules, age limits or gender roles when it comes to food. That is not a reason to go rogue! If you are under a doctor’s care, please follow the food and health guidelines that have been put in place. Whether carnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian or vegan, there are so many ways to prepare meal with care. Tabitha Brown’s new vegan friendly line is one example of being intentional in a non-traditional way with food.
It's simply timeless. Until the end of time, somebody somewhere will be cooking and someone will be eating. Let’s not forget the self-love aspect. If you’ve been rushing through lunches and dinner maybe it’s time to slow down a bit. It doesn’t have to be for every meal but you can start with one. Take some time to enjoy the moment or maybe take yourself out on a date since that is becoming a huge trend these days. Go someplace new and experience how different tastes hit the areas of your mouth and tango with your tastebuds. Oh, and don’t throw your microwave out just yet… you’ll need it for your left overs!
You may be saying to yourself that you don’t have time to sweat over a hot stove and you didn’t inherit the seasoning sixth sense! You know, the one where you allow your senses or maybe even ancestors to influence when your dish is salty enough or needs just a pinch more of a certain spice. Experiencing love that involves a meal whether alone or with others will never go out of style. It is just as much about giving as it is receiving; love is often about action as well as style of expression. I am reminded of how I had so much wonder as a child while watching my mother mix items together by hand insisting that it was the best way. Being intentional and approaching with love and care had become a visual translation of a regular Sunday night dinner. Then without fail my dad would close his eyes to enjoy the miniature love notes wrapped into each bite. This love is delicious!
Shirley Marie’s Simple Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients:
1 finely chopped onion
1 large finely chopped bell pepper
1 lb. ground beef or turkey
1 raw egg
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 1/3cup sharp cheddar cheese
Ketchup or tomato paste
Recipe:
Heat oven to 350 degrees
Boil onion and bell pepper until tender/strain
Add onions/peppers to uncooked meat
Season - salt, pepper, garlic, seasoned salt (to taste aka consult ancestors for amounts)
Add egg and bread crumbs
Mix with hands (use spoon or wear gloves if preferred)
Add cup of cheese
Mix again
Place in loaf pan or shape on pan
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top
Spread ketchup or tomato paste on top of loaf
Bake for 1 hour our until edges have pulled away and top how browned
Drain and excess oil or water
Let sit for 10-15 minutes, cut and serve
*left overs make great sandwiches for lunch
Kenya L. Adkins is a writer, mother, artist from New Mexico aspiring to touch lives word by word. a writer, mother, artist from New Mexico aspiring to touch lives word by word.
