Love is in the air. In my house, that often means incredible aromas are pouring from the kitchen. We aren’t classically trained chefs, but appreciate good food from scratch. It’s amazing how those wafting smells can bring back memories of first dates, family holidays or a favorite restaurant. We encounter various smells everyday but few are tied to memories and good vibes quite like food.
In March 2020, as the world went on pause, my family and I embarked on a culinary adventure. Each week we created a menu from a different region of the world and we all chipped in to make an amazing dinner together. We started with what was familiar, spaghetti and meatballs, and expanded to farther reaches of the globe in Argentina, West Africa and India.
We were all a little surprised by how well (most) of the meals turned out but the real memories are in the missteps, the conversations, and the messes. And those all come flooding back when we catch an olfactory reminder of one of those incredible evenings together.
That time in the kitchen gave us lessons having nothing to do with food. Lessons about me letting go of my former career and learning to hand over control. About my teenage boys working in concert to serve up a delectable meal. About just being present and enjoying the family time together.
The dinners were so impactful on me that I wrote a book about it. Measure, Mix & Marinate: Embracing the Key Ingredients to a More Fulfilling Life, brings those dinners to life alongside some of my major life lessons. I even included a few of our favorite recipes and photos from those tasty nights together.
It’s no surprise that most major celebrations and gatherings revolve around food, because food creates connection. It’s one of the most common shared experiences we have with others. And because we use all five senses when eating, memories are more easily implanted. So if you’re looking for something to do on a Friday night, how about making dinner together.
Because, when you talk about Local Love, what’s more local than your own kitchen?
Learn more about Cheryl Schuberth, a Business & Lifestyle Coach, at Key-Ingredients.com
