How many quotes about food have become part of our vernacular?  “Food is Love.” “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” And my very own quote, “If there’s no love in the food it won’t taste good.”  And I know this because I always use quality ingredients, my recipes are good, and I know what I’m doing.  Those three things together are the key to a yummy dish.  In addition to a little love.     

One of our projects in culinary school was to plan an event with a theme and our class chose Southern Wedding.  I made an awesome creamed cabbage that was based on my great-grandmother’s recipe. Everyone form the school including students, chefs and visitors was invited.  One chef, who would later teach my next level, took a plate and later came back and asked, “Who made the cabbage?”  When I claimed responsibility he simply said, “There’s love in that.”  And of course there was.  I was proud to share something I knew how to make but could improve upon from what I’ve learned. 

And that is how you have to cook.  If you are not into it, are not in the mood, are using sub-par ingredients, are scared of or unsure of your recipe, or have no clue what you’re doing and your stressed out then the end result won’t be very good.  It may be acceptable or edible but who wants to settle for that?  If you’re going to put forth the effort then it might as well be worth it. 

That begs the question, “Is there a way to create love in the food when you’re not feeling it?”  I can’t prove it but I have to think the answer is a resounding no!

In my family, every important event, holiday, birthday, and celebration is centered around food.  And we go all out!  We’re food people.  I’d love it if we could revolve things around a walk or hike but for us it just wouldn’t resonate in the same way.  But I think it’s that way with many families, not just my own.  And I really can’t imagine it any other way. 

This is why nothing compares to my grandmother’s cooking(and probably yours too).  There was such love and joy in her cooking that you could feel it in everything she made.  It’s almost impossible to recreate.  But when we love someone we want them to enjoy what we prepare.  In fact, I find the most joy in my cooking comes from the reaction people have when they love what I’ve prepared.  That’s the payoff.  It’s not for me to enjoy but for the people who I love to enjoy what I’ve made. The accolades never get old.  And proves my theory that food (almost always) tastes better when someone else makes it.  I think we imagine that other people do all sorts of great creative things where we ourselves would not.  But I doubt that is the case.  It’s just that, even if you enjoy cooking, there’s joy in NOT having to make everything, every time.

So if you’re going to cook for an event like Valentine’s Day, make sure you like your menu.  It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be something that you, and whomever you’re cooking for, love.  Enjoy.  And put some love into it!