Built for you, built for your future

Some of my fondest childhood memories include spending time with my mom in the kitchen. I never really did anything other than play with my toys while she did all the work and put delicious food on the table. What amazes me about the memory was the feeling we had to be in each others’ company; not many words were said, yet a connection grew. Over time, I began taking an interest in cooking and my respect for the art grew.

When I moved to the United States, I was pleasantly surprised that there was something called “The Food Network”. While my friends binged watched movies and shows, I was learning how to make the perfect carbonara. It was amazing to see all the chefs featured on TV demonstrating their skills and techniques only for me to realize, they’re all doing the same thing and yet have their own style of cooking. Some went to culinary school and others learned how to cook from their Nana. Generations of teachings were being displayed.

I had the opportunity to test my cooking abilities during my study abroad trip to Italy where I was “voluntold” by my friends to cook for the duration of our trip. One dish after another, we found a way to connect with other students, who had nothing in common with us other than, to eat good food. We all put our differences aside to live in the present and form lasting friendships and memories.

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch my mother-in-law teach her granddaughter, Ava, how to slice some tomatoes. The act, in itself, was nothing special; it was the experience of seeing two generations, being brought together in the kitchen.

Ava did a great job and those home grown tomatoes were delicious