Culinary Identity

Culinary identity is knowing who you are culturally through food. I don't know if I just drummed up this phrase, but I cannot think of another way to express myself. Last night my family got together for a Rosh Hashanah dinner. My grandchildren were there. They are being brought up with two religious/cultural backgrounds. One is Italian and the other is Jewish. Food plays a very important role in both. Sunday family dinners are filled with delicious pastas, sauces and meats and reflect the Italian traditions. The Jewish side takes place around the holiday table. Last night's dinner was culturally perfect. The dinner included chicken, brisket, vegetables, potatoes and mushroom barley. All staples on the holiday table. The first course consisted of the one food that people identify most as Jewish, matzo ball soup. It was the most delicious matzo ball soup that I have ever had and I will try to recreate it. Here is where culinary and culture mix. I sat next to my grandson and he started to eat the soup. He has had it before and knows that it relates to his Jewish side. After eating one bowl and asking for more, he turned to me and said, "Grandma, on my next sleepover can we make this soup and have it for dinner instead of eating out"? I said of course we can and we will. Each holiday will reinforce, through foods, where his ancestors came from. It is so subtle but so important.

A Way

There is always a way to do something if you think about it. This morning I wanted to frost my hair but it was too short for the frosting cap. I thought about how I could get more dye on some hairs and less on others. Then I came up with the perfect solution. I would put the dye on my hair then run a comb through it to take off every other line. Genius! If it came out good, I would look great. If it came out bad, I would look like a freak. Good thing that I am at the age where looking like a freak doesn't scare me. It turned out nice. I found the way.

Fast Track

We have put our lives on a fast track. We do not have the patience for waiting. We call ahead at restaurants. We hail taxis through a website. We go to urgent care instead of waiting at our regular doctor's office. This morning I downloaded an app to sign in at my hairstylists while I am still at home eating breakfast. We want to breeze in and be taken care of instantaneously. Most people need the extra time in their day for scrolling social media.

Half Trained

One of our office staff left us to start her PhD degree. She was in charge of an independent study that my office is involved in. It was totally separated from our practice. When she knew she was leaving, she said that no one could replace her as she is so qualified. She hired a very bright woman to take over. She said that the woman was fully trained but we never thought so. After one month of being in school, the new woman is doing a good but not perfect job. The director called back the original girl to come work part time and help out. She is now saying that she was right, no one can replace her. The people in the office feel otherwise. We think that she purposely did not train her replacement correctly, so she would be needed again.

Soup

I used to say that old people love to eat soup. I think I am officially old. I now love soup. I not only love eating it, I love making it. I am amazed how many things I can put into a pot of boiling water to make a delicious meal. Yesterday I chose cabbage. I added mushrooms, onions, garlic, carrots, tomatoes, beans and meat. I simmered for almost 2 hours and when it was done, I ate such a big bowl that I think I am still full one day later. Since I had leftover soup, this morning I put it into the blender to make bisque. Now I will have a wonderful lunch.

The Table

When you have a question, throw it on the "table". The only "table" I used to have was at Mah Jongg, but now I have a "table" at work. The table is an open forum. It is a place to vent and discuss. Most problems can be solved there. If they are not solved, at least you have more awareness. When you throw an issue on the table, it means you are open for other people's opinions and insights. The table never judges, it just listens and evaluates. You can still have your opinion, but it is a more informed one.

Shake It Up

I have started a new health regimen. I want to be healthy but not fanatical. I have been making a morning smoothie and for some reason I am not hungry all day. It is made with almond milk, honey, a banana, some raspberries and a teaspoonful of matcha tea powder. It tastes great and seems to help my stomach look flatter. I eat a regular lunch and dinner. I will give it a few weeks and see if the results last.