The Power of Cooking: Creating Future Memories

One of our goals at the World Change Coalition is to provide positive and enduring perspectives on the challenges of life and the world we live in.  Good food can be an important part of a healthy and complete life, not just from a nutritional sense, but from an emotive sense as well.  How often has a certain smell brought you back to a place in time with feelings of happiness or contentment?  Food is a powerful emotive force.

Think about the many aromas that waft through our kitchens.  Few dishes evoke personal warmth and comfort quite like soups and stews. From the first taste of a soup to the last spoonful, these hearty concoctions have the magical ability to transform a regular day into a soul-soothing experience. An experience we often need as we journey through the challenges of cancer, whether as a patient, a caregiver, or a friend.

New England Clam Chowder (or as my mom said with her Boston accent, 'chowda) is one of the foods that evoke a wonderful feeling through its smell and taste. My parents shared a number of times, usually when we were enjoying choder, Ea wonderful story.

My dad loved New England Clam Chowder. At their wedding reception, my mom organized a wonderful meal (according to my dad). Soup, salad, entre and, of course, wedding cake. When the soup was served, everyone was presented with a noodle soup. Well everyone except my dad. Mom had specially ordered a bowl of New England Clam Choder for him. He always remembered that. That is such a speical memory for me. A feeing that is recreated by the taste and smell of clam chowder!!

Explore with me the culinary journey through the delightful world of soups and stews, where simmering pots bring not just warmth but also a comforting embrace to the heart and soul.

A Cacophony of Flavors: There are not many dishes that are as versatile as soups and stews. Whether it's a rich tomato bisque, a hearty beef stew, a fragrant chicken noodle soup, or, one of my favorites, New England Clam Chowder, each spoonful carries so many incredible flavors. From the savoriness of slow-cooked meats to the brightness of fresh vegetables, these dishes have the power to transport us to fond memories or create new places of content for future memories.

Nourishment for the Soul: Beyond their delicious taste, soups and stews offer a sense of nourishment that goes beyond the physical. There's something comforting about the act of preparing these dishes, chopping vegetables, stirring a bubbling pot, and inhaling the aromatic joy that fills the kitchen. It's a therapeutic experience that nurtures not just the body but also the soul.

The Art of Simmering: The secret to a perfect soup or stew lies in the art of simmering. Slow and steady is so essential to a truly successful soup or stew.  Slowly cooking the dish allows flavors to merge and intensify, creating a culinary delight. Explore different slow cooking techniques and find the rhythm that works best for you, turning each cooking session into a mindful and rewarding experience.

Seasons in a Bowl: Soups and stews have a unique ability to capture the essence of each season. From light and refreshing gazpachos in the summer to hearty vegetable stews during the winter, these dishes become a reflection of nature's bounty. Embrace seasonal ingredients, and let your kitchen be a place to celebrate the changing colors and flavors of the year. 

As we conclude our brief journey through the world of soups and stews, remember that these humble dishes are not just about sustenance; they're about creating moments of joy and comfort. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a hug, reach for a pot, gather your ingredients, and experience the wonderful smells and flavors of heartwarming stews and soups shared with family and friends.

I hope this blog has piqued your interest in the power of soups and stews.  I suggest you check an article in Sustainable Slow Living. An incredibly diverse spectrum of stews and soups can be found across the internet.

Putting in a pitch for my favorite New England Clam Chowder.

As always, thank you for reading my World Change Coalition blog. I appreciate each and every one of you traveling with me on my journey. If you have any special recipes you would like to share, please send them along and we will publish them in a future post.

I miss you mom, and I love you always.