It has been such fun for me to create programs for students that introduce them to where food comes from and gives them to opportunity to really experience what food tastes likes, smells like and looks like. Encouraging families to cook together and to eat together is so important, and talking with parents who have started to spend time with their kids in the kitchen has been such a joy.
As a child I grew up in the kitchen with both my mother and my father. I remember my mom making her chicken with honey and soy sauce glaze for many a weeknight meal. My sisters and I have even adopted this into our own cooking repertoires. And now, my 13-year-old nephew makes it as well! My dad was into making soufflés (chocolate, cheese) and I couldn’t quite understand why we had to be quiet while it was in the oven. Until I wasn’t so quiet…. and it fell… I think it still tasted pretty good, though.
My memories of food and cooking are also linked with my experiences growing up in the summer on Martha’s Vineyard Island. Every Saturday, we would take our farmers market Basket and head 5 miles up the road to the West Tisbury Farmers Market. (This was before it was chic to be eco-conscious. We just felt country-ish with the basket!) From the local farmers and vendors we would buy beautiful ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, tiny potatoes and flowers to decorate our table. Sometimes even a peach or strawberry rhubarb pie made its way as well. Many of these same farmers are still selling their riches at the market which continues to thrive today and we love running into friends and family, greeting new puppies and babies, and enjoying the bluegrass music that often wafts from a tent along the way.
Spoons Across America provides programs that educate children about food and nutrition literacy. But we also provide opportunities for students to develop lasting food memories. Wonderful memories about cooking with friends and family, meetings farmers at the Greenmarket, tasting fruits and vegetables they have never had before, and liking them!
What’s your favorite food memory? Comment below and we’ll post them next week.
***** We need your help to implement our programs next year. Please consider donating to the Spoons Pennies to Programs Campaign so we can provide more cooking, tasting, and healthy eating programs for children in New York City. Our programs also give students the opportunity to explore a range of tastes and flavors, cook with their friends and families and explore the farmers market.
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