food

Food, from the simple to the sublime . . . is a commodity we can't do without for too long before it negatively impacts our existence. And we can't have that now can we?

As the holiday season creates more venues for eating many of us will be anxiously shopping for that delectable tidbit that will wow family and guests.

Eating has always been an important event in this family, just on a daily basis. We organize our day around the evening meal, dinner being the most important for that is the one we can usually all attend. If you can't make dinner you better have a darn good excuse why not.

But traditions play a huge role for most humans around the world and for us they are primary. The menu selection, prep work, cooking and eventual presentation can cause a rash of headaches if all aren't in agreement prior to beginning the process. We are a very fussy bunch, us humans, and we like our food just so. Sometimes, tradition is so set in stone, that any mention of a change of a menu can be down right horrifying.

A guest last night was lamenting having to attend a Christmas Eve appetizer party instead of a sitting down dinner. Another was discussing a menu faux pas(cooking the Turkey in a paper bag) that had made their Thanksgiving less than stellar. It seems we are such creatures of habit that any changes during traditional meals cause such consternation as to make the event unsatisfactory.

i was reading recently about the oil used during Hanukkah, a celebration that reminds Jews of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days when the Maccabees purified and rededicated the holy Temple in Jerusalem. Oil plays a huge role in this story. There is the oil of the candles that kept burning and the oil for cooking the Latke's, which is an American tradition. The characteristics of different oils(that for burning and eating) can enhance the flavor and aromas of most dishes but we really don't need the oil it just helps us "see" and taste in a more helpful way. Some say that oil has a way of "illuminating" life, i would tend to agree with that statement.

i had oil all over the stove, the kitchen counters, the floor and myself trying to make the traditional latke's last night and keep the guests entertained. i could "see" i was in danger of slipping on some of it while juggling heaping bowls of marinating grated potatoes, sizzling potato pancakes frying on the stove and pans full of already cooked latke's being kept warm in the oven.

The kitchen was a disaster but the dinner table looked lovely. The house glowed with the Christmas tree and other decorations, but my mother's voice kept playing over and over in my head. She had admonished us for building a house where the kitchen was visible to the guests while you were cooking. Last night was a night i could hear her saying "see, I'll bet you wish they couldn't "see" you now, hehe." "All that oil everywhere, it's such a mess, no one wants to see the mess when they are about to eat."

Well, it was a mess, but you know what, the food was great, the talk was great and everyone helped clean up after. The mess brought us all together.

Eating during holidays always brings up some cultural tradition be it Thanksgiving turkey, Hanukkah latke's, Christmas puddings, or Valentine chocolates. Food plays a big role . . . and so does the conversation that surrounds the making and eating of it. After all the prep, all the fuss, all the work of getting it to the table the real aspect of tradition and food comes to fruition.

When everyone sits down and starts to eat, if it becomes very silent for a short while you know you have triumphed. After that, the fun starts for everyone starts chatting and this is what i love to savor, eating and talking. The food, the talk, they bind us to each other. It can bring out great joy or give rise to clearing the air of grievances. We can solve the world's problems in one sitting or create new ones. We can articulate and sparkle or remain quiet and listen.

The joining together to eat can symbolize health and togetherness so celebrate every time you sit down with family or friends.

For food can humble us in ways unexpected.