Thursday, September 01, 2005

Good Eats

What is it about food that makes people smile? Ever notice the way food opens peoples minds, hearts and souls? It makes them feel more relaxed and comfortable, kind of like that old pair old pair of sneakers. You know the ones I'm talking about, they sit under your bed and come out on days you just need to feel comfy. Those new model sneakers just don't fit the bill on those days. Well, my theory is that food is the same way. You make someone a homemade bowl of soup, and they slip right into their comfort zone...relaxing, stretching out, enjoying each spoonful of something from their childhood. A time when they too were carefree, with Mom just inside the door to hand you a yummy morsel. Nowadays we are all so busy we open a can, add some water and we have conveniance, but comfort fell to the side. I notice even in my house, on the days I have time to do things from scratch, the kids eat a little more, and stay at the table a little longer. Unfortunately, I don't always have that spare moment to do things right. But the appreciation, when you do, is so rewarding. It feels good to know that you helped make one person feel relaxed, stretched out, ready to curl up and just be comfortable, like those old pair of shoes.
Someone told me once that to get to mans heart first you must go through his stomach...I think it is true with anyone, not just men. People who have been fed good food, prepared with love and care, are more caring in return. They are more willing to open their hearts and minds and share about themselves.....so yes I think to feed the stomach is to feed the heart and soul.

5 comments:

Kim Ayres said...

My wife seemed to realise the truth of this when I met her. She is a damn fine cook. Unfortunately her damn fine cooking meant I always had larger portions and didn't hesitate for second helpings. By the beginning of this year I'd put on 84 pounds over the 14 years we'd been together.

However, she's now making damn fine soup, baked vegetables and smoothies, so the loss of the 50 pounds over the past 6 months has still been a tasty and comforting experience :)

BStrong said...

So what's for dinner honey?

Kim you forgot about the wall to wall Plum Chutney.

Unknown said...

Good eats....food of the soul!

I agree so much with your thoughts. Food, freshly prepared, slow cooked brings out so much, both in the nutrients and in those that get to savor the end result.

Have you ever read "In Praise of Slowness" by Carl Honore? There is a whole chapter on food!

My daughter was the first person to truly emerse me in the philosphy of 'In Praise of Slowness' and I am forever thankful.

So what is for dinner? :0)

Pilgrim said...

You're right. I've been thinking about this lately--bought two cookbooks in the past week. I tend to focus on gardening in the summer and cooking in the winter.

Belovedlife said...

homemade tomatoe sauce with noodles, from a package, with a fresh salad, homemade dinner rolls. ANyone coming for dinner?