In the Kitchen Sublime

“The happiness of the domestic fireside is the first boon of Heaven. . .” Thomas Jefferson was a wise man. Daily domestic life centers around the hearth. And much of the activity taking place involves food. Unfortunately, too many of us head to the stove or table exhausted, stressed, irritated, and rushed. We undermine our receptivity to the serenity kitchens have to offer.

We need to lighten up in the kitchen, and I don’t mean to cook with low-fat ingredients. We all have comfort foods. That’s because food is meant to comfort–it satisfies hunger, it nourishes, it pleases the senses. Beyond the physical, preparing food can be romantic, meditative, therapeutic, and spiritual.

Come into the kitchen and let me show you just how satisfying it can be.

Manna. What is a meal? It’s anything you want or need it to be.

Meals don’t have to be four-course productions. I don’t know what I’d do without my slow cooker for those days when time is at a premium. An alternative for hectic days is Build-Your-Own. Most of the preparation for these meals can be done earlier. Chop, grate, slice, shred the ingredients for tacos, subs, salads, baked potatoes, or individual pizzas, when you have the time, and store them in the fridge. Pull them out when you’re ready and everyone assembles their own. Follow with Build-Your-Own sundaes. (Build-Your-Own foods work well for parties–all ages have fun with the process and everyone eats exactly what they want.) Casseroles are another great do-ahead option. For times when the whole family can’t eat together, we have Make-Your-Own-Night. My kids love these nights–they make their favorite foods and often don’t have to share.

Meals don’t have to prescribe to any norm. My sister loved cold pizza and iced tea for breakfast. My family enjoys frittata (Italian omelet) and bread for dinner. Sometimes we’ll have a light meal of finger foods–fresh vegetables with dip, cheese and crackers, a relish tray, nachos. And who says you can’t eat dessert first? How many times have you anticipated the sumptuous dessert only to find yourself too full to partake? Go ahead. Once in a while, eat that dessert first so you can thoroughly savor it. Just leave room for dinner!

Grace. There is something soul-satisfying about cooking. Whether you hand-chop ingredients as a meditation, knead and roll dough for therapy, or prepare your love’s favorite breakfast in bed, the experience has emotional undertones and will be spiritual . . . if you let it. Put yourself totally in the moment–mind, heart, and senses.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic