An Ode to Food
Something good is cooking at Food for Thought!
Food as a Source of Comfort
During the pandemic, cooking and baking became a therapeutic activity for many of us, including myself. It was a way to create something tangible and delicious to take our minds off the stress and anxiety of the world around us. It was something we could control in what often felt like an uncontrollable world.
For me, it was also a way to cope with the medical issues I experienced. After being infected with COVID-19 in November 2020, I never got better and am now what the medical community calls a “long-hauler.”
People with long-COVID, or long-haulers, experience symptoms such as chronic pain, brain fog, nausea, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and intense fatigue, and it can be debilitating. I experienced all of those at some point.
On top of that, I was recently diagnosed with systemic and cutaneous lupus, and a movement disorder similar to Parkinson’s disease called dystonia. To say the last few years have been rough is an understatement, but I’m happy to put a lot of that behind me and move forward.
I started this newsletter as a way to talk about the thoughts going through my head while I kneaded dough or chopped carrots. Having that outlet, along with making food, saved my sanity.
Now, however, as we move further away from our collective pandemic experience, and my thoughts have quieted, it makes sense that this newsletter would shift its focus to something more relevant and useful. As a result, you will start seeing some different types of content.
Food as a Source of Connection
Food has the power to do more than fill our bellies. It can also be a window into other cultures, emotions, and history. With recipes as the GPS for our cooking adventures, I’ll share the stories behind some of those dishes, the people who make them, and the traditions they carry.
Food can also break down barriers, create understanding, and drive positive change. With that in mind, we will explore food's role in social justice, sustainability, and ethical consumption. Let's chow down on some knowledge and work towards making the world a better place.
Food for Thought is not just a place for me to geek out about food, it is a platform for passionate foodies to connect, share, and learn from each other. So, I’ll be chatting with other chefs, food enthusiasts, and experts to give you their unique perspectives on the culinary world, too.
In addition, there will be virtual cooking sessions and Substack chats to help you amp up your skills in the kitchen; and I’ll share the products, ingredients, and kitchen tools that I love and think you will too.
You will have all the cooking inspiration you need to create everything from easy weeknight meals to show-stopping desserts.
My passion for food and my belief in its ability to bring people together is what motivates me to write FFT. I want to inspire, educate, and entertain you as we explore every facet of food and our relationship with it.
Consider this your invitation to join me on a culinary adventure, where we'll savor every moment and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary. In a world where food has the power to connect, comfort, and create lasting memories, let’s celebrate all of that and more.
This is an ode to food, a tribute to the shared experiences it brings, and a passport to the vibrant world of flavors that make life worth living.
Let's get cooking!
