3 Words
3 Words: Cook With Gratitude
Rethinking the holiday through food
At my house, we practiced for Thanksgiving every night by saying grace. Our parents encouraged us to discuss current events at the dinner table, and even as children we understood that others around the world were not so fortunate. No surprise that my career path led toward food, with particular interest in the old-school home economics of improvising recipes and minimizing waste. I fancied myself as a professional in mindful eating.
Until this year.
Deciding how to gather in a global pandemic and what to celebrate while our democracy, climate, and economy are so visibly challenged, pushed me to rethink everything about this holiday. Instead of eating appreciatively in the moment, I needed to tap memory and empathy to honor the past and brighten the future — to let the smell of sizzling onions and garlic take me to my Ma-Ma’s stove, helping her start Sunday red gravy. Then to add sage, nodding toward the stuffing I wouldn’t be making this year. Stirring and inhaling deeply, my mind wandered to people everywhere starting a dish right now this same way. And those who were not able to. I am teaching myself to cook with gratitude.
