A Taste Of Home

As a kid I never took the time to appreciate the amazing meals I was taught to make. It never occurred to me that all the family gatherings and dinners at my grandma’s house would come to an end. This doesn’t mean I won’t ever have those meals again, it just means I get the privilege to serve them in my adult life to friends and one day my own family. 

My Journey 

For as long as I can remember, I have always had an urge to cook and learn new recipes. My mom taught me how to make simple breakfast items and it quickly turned into helping out with thanksgiving. I was taught many of my families ways to make authentic foods that brought my entire family together. Now that I am miles and miles away from home, it feels like I couldn’t be further from those times, but that’s not the case. I realized that those foods that were once served to me as a little girl, are now what I crave the most when I need comfort. A simple Arroz con Mole  will always brighten up a hard day. I stand by the fact that food IS a big part of my culture, so it also helps connect me with that part as well. 

A Developed Love Language

As I was at the table finishing my plate of Chile Verde , I didn’t know that one day making it for others would become my love language. Cooking has always been a part of my life, whether it meant standing next to my grandma as she whipped up Pozole Rojo  or helping my mom make her amazing Enchiladas Verdes. I, as an adult, love making those meals and having “family dinners” with my friends. I love seeing the warm looks on their faces as they enjoy the meals I once ate as a kid. Looking at the people I am serving brings me such a nostalgic and cozy feeling that feels just like my grandma’s house again. That was the touch of home that developed a love language in my adult life.  

My Future

It is truly a bittersweet feeling to think about how one day the same memories and recipes that were once taught to me, will be me teaching my own kids. Although it won’t feel the same, it will still have that nostalgic and comforting feeling, that home is always with me. It never left me because it was instilled in me to be carried for many more years to come. If for any reason I feel like I am drifting away from family, I will make the food, put on the music, and remember the taste of home.