Food has always meant a lot to me. I started cooking at a pretty young age; experimenting with new foods and creating my own little recipes. I never had moments where my grand-mother or mother taught me on how exactly to make something; I just sort of went into the kitchen on my own and started trying new things. My mother was apprehensive about my 10 year old self being in the kitchen but I persisted and was determined to be a “chef” like the ones I had seen on the Food Network. I had thought about doing other things like becoming a doctor or a lawyer but none of them stuck. Cooking stuck. I enjoyed cooking; making something, and the feeling of seeing enjoyment on the faces of those who had tried my concoctions. It is an unexplainable feeling. I never understood why cooking was a comfortable thing for me to do; particularly because I was never great at it. I am barely mediocre. But then I realized that food and cooking has always been a major part of my life.

My grandparents in particular were bakers and they always made an assortment of new breads, desserts and tasty dishes. My aunt followed in their footsteps and became a caterer. Her food was spectacular; especially her bread. I always loved the smell and taste of fresh bread. It takes me back to a time when I was little and the smell of freshly baked bread would fill my aunt’s house. When I visited for vacation she would prepare a feast that lasted days. Her food never went to waste because I loved to eat. I remember how happy the family was when we ate; the food brought us together; we enjoyed everything about it but we especially loved the aspect of family that made it so valuable.

Food was everywhere. I particularly remember food playing a major role in how I remembered family traditions and holidays like Christmas and Easter. On Christmas, waiting eagerly for my mother to finish what she would be making for the special occasion felt justified when my sister and I dug into the traditional dark, salty liquid of Pepperpot with our tiny fingers clenching plait bread. It was one of those moments we lived for and still do and always will. It evokes the memories that represents what family was all about for me as a child; coming together to enjoy the moment of happiness with food.

I think that every time I cook, I try to recreate those moments that are so dear to me, for others to enjoy, so they can have memories of food that run deep with family and love. Family and food means a lot to me because I have many happy memories of my child hood that involved both. The food had a history and it holds so much value, not only taste and nutrition but love, memories and family. It holds a history and a value that needs to be continued to be shared throughout generations and I think that’s the main reason I love food; eating it, making it, and basking in its greatness.