SE1 Food

Kerry dePenaloza

Mr. Leake

Writing 1133

29 March 2013

Food is More Than Food

In the lives of many people, food has a major significance.  Food can be personally significant, culturally significant, socially significant, familial significant and ever geographically significant.  For my family and me, food has always played a large role in our every day lives. For one thing, my parents are strong believers in the family table.  We have a family dinner at least five times a week and there we talk about our day and enjoy each other’s company.  Family dinner will forever be a major part of my life because of the way I was raised.  My parents are both one of six and both grew up having family dinners throughout their childhood.  They have instilled in me the importance of having family dinners as often as possible.

            One dish in particular that I feel has played a significant role in my life is known simply as pasta with cream sauce.  This was no ordinary dish I may add.  This is the dish that was made for me when I was a young and picky eater.  My mom decided to add some cream and butter and cheese and make a nice cream sauce to go with pasta and peas.  This was my go to meal when I did not want the food that was prepared when I was little.  I still have it occasionally to this day and every time I do, I am immediately brought back to my younger years at my first home, sitting in on my favorite stool in my kitchen.  I have no doubt in my mind that this dish will continue to be a part of my life and hopefully the lives of my children.

            With Easter fast approaching, I am reminded of the lovely brunch that my family has every Easter after mass.  A delicious poached egg, thinly sliced honey baked ham on an open toasted English muffin, fresh brie cheese and topped with parsley.  It is a special meal that is only served in my house on Christmas and Easter.  It has a large cultural and familial significance for me.  It is such an unbelievable meal.  My mom has perfected the old recipe after watching my grandmother prepare this meal for her family on Christmas and Easter in past years.  This meal has been a part of my family for quite some time now and it will certainly continue to be a large part of Easter and Christmas brunch.  My older brother has begun to perfect the recipe and I too am on my way to perfection. 

            Recently, my grandmother on my mom’s side passed away suddenly.  It was a surprise to the entire family.  My mom’s side of the family is big, there are 3 aunts and 3 uncles and a boatload of cousins.  Having such a large family makes it hard to get everyone together in one place.  In the past, when we were all able to get together, my grandmother would make the best Irish corn beef and cabbage.  After her death, when we gathered together as a family, my mom and aunts made the famous Irish corn beef and cabbage for everyone in memory of my grandmother. Every time I have that meal, I will always be reminded of my loving grandmother.  I will be brought back to easier times and being with my big loving family. 

            Food is something that will never go away.  It will be here as long as we humans are here.  Food has been creating memories and bringing people together for ages.  In my family, food has a significant role in many aspects of our family life.  We have certain dishes to celebrate certain occasions, the old stand by when it come to being a picky eater, and meals that mean a lot to someone we love.  When families come together, food is around.  My family has many food lovers and we all bring something fun and delicious to the table.  I really enjoy and cherish the role that food has played in my life up to this point.  It brings me great joy to go see family members because I know that there will be some delicious meals coming my way.  Food is more then food in my family, its life and a way to stay together.