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The Missing Link
February 2006
I haven’t cooked a thing in over a month. I can’t remember
the last time that happened—maybe in college when I was living in a
dorm. Since I still have no stove in my newly built kitchen, it’s
been sort of like—a forced exile. Funny that this should come just
when my son’s been home for a long Christmas/winter break after his
first semester in college. After not having seen him in months and
knowing that by this time he would be seriously looking forward to
some home cooking, I would normally have spoiled him with a running
menu of his favorite food. Not this time. I don’t know who missed it
more, him or me? It got me thinking, what exactly am I missing?
Certainly with everything that building and moving into a new home
entails, I was grateful that I didn’t have to fit meal planning and
cooking into the mix. Still, a very profound something was missing.
In regards to my son, it was the time and conversation sharing a
meal provided. I’ve always loved watching him devour his favorite
dishes. But mostly, I appreciated how during those times, he could
share with me his thoughts, his dreams, and in general what was
going on in his life. I feel that to a certain extent these
conversations didn’t happen this month because we didn’t have many
mealtimes together. Instead, conversation was relegated to the times
we spent in the car—a poor substitute—or experienced in sound bites
between doing other things. Oh well, summer will be here in no time,
and then the logistics of a working kitchen won’t be an issue.
In regards to cooking in general, I am now experiencing a test of
sorts. The issue at question is, “If mealtime, shared with people I
care about, were not a regular thing in my life, what would I really
miss?” As I ponder this question, what comes immediately to mind is
this: so many of my most memorable conversations happened around
food—whether I was fine dining, at the kitchen table at home, or
standing around the buffet. What does this tell me? Food, and the
pleasures of the table, sets the stage for real conversation. In
fact, it’s one of the best outlets for a most desired and basic
human need—the need to connect. Besides dancing, which also engages
this basic need—with the added pleasure of touching—few things in
life give me/us a natural opportunity to bond with others. Don’t you
think? So I guess what I’m saying is this, “When opportunities
to connect are limited—I feel it.” Maybe you do, too?
Since this is February, many of you may be thinking of connecting
with someone you love. I’m sure many of you have plans to share a
special meal with a special someone. And just in case you may be
planning on cooking that meal, I have included a very special menu
in this month’s recipes—beginning with an
appetizer course of something so easy, so tasty, but so symbolic of
this holiday that it’s probably downright corny---Heart
shaped polenta topped with sautéed wild mushrooms in a brandy wine
sauce. Definitely romantic—and downright delicious!
I hope you all have many occasions to enjoy the flavors of food, the
sensuality of the dance, and the link to love a special meal can
provide.
Chef Silvia
If any of you are interested in organizing you own style of cooking
class/dinner party, check out my
cooking classes page for more information.
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