Here’s another little tit bit about me that you might like: I ADORE sharing food with my friends and family. It is one of my favourite things to do.
Whether it be breakfast at the farmer’s markets, cupcakes or scones with jam and cream for morning tea, a leisurely brunch at a cafe, a sausage sizzle at Bunnings (the local hardware store – it’s an Australian thing), prawns or fish and chips on the beach, a platter of cheese and dips for an afternoon snack or a bowl of steaming minestrone or chicken noodle soup on a cold winter’s day – if it involves sharing food or a meal, count me in!
For me, it’s not eating food it that is the important thing. To be honest, many days when I’m home by myself I totally forget to eat. (Not good for the metabolism I know.)
So if it’s not the “eating” then what is the appeal of sharing food?
It’s the company and the rituals. Feeding others makes me incredibly happy. When we share a meal at home, there is normally a big group of us so we start with “nibbles, dips, a Mezze or antipasto platter and a glass of bubbles (sparkling wine). Everyone grazes and chats while we put the finishing touches on main meal together. Usually everyone pitches in bringing a side or dessert to suit a particular theme. We have been known to over-cater. At times, there are so many dishes that you can barely see our kitchen bench underneath. The upside of that is everyone gets to go home with leftovers.
In some ways, cooking allows me to be nurturing and helpful without being intrusive. When our close friends or family are unwell or going through difficult times, my first instinct is to cook up a big batch of soup, stew or some other comfort food to help them heal – it is nice not to have to worry about cooking when times are tough.
Some might say I have a ferocious appetite for cooking shows. I collect cookbooks from by my favourite TV chefs (Jamie Oliver is my favourite) However, I have no aspirations to be the next Masterchef or Heston Blumenthal. Cooking things that are labour intensive and complicated is not for me. I find it so stressful!
Gone are the days where I try to whip up a complicated fine dining three course menu with obscure side dishes. I much prefer slow cooked food that takes care of itself or a quick pasta that allows me to be with my loved ones. The slow cooker (crock pot) might just be the greatest kitchen appliance ever! I used my almost every week all year round! Yes even in summer!
I am not against taking short cuts either. If you give me a store bought mud-cake, whipped cream, some fresh berries and sugar – I will give you a dessert that looks nothing like the cake you got from the shop – a little layered creation complete with berry coulis and a spun sugar or toffee shards on top. Your food has to look delicious on the plate. I regularly photograph my culinary creations and post them to my personal Instagram page. #imnotachef
I’ve recently rediscovered the joy of baking… I’m really enjoying relearning how to make light and fluffy cakes… I do need to work on my cake decorating techniques though. My piping is a bit wonky. Have you seen those epic fail cake icing pictures on Pinterest ? Well, my piped icing roses look like that! I’m limiting baking to once a month so we don’t end up enormous from over eating sweets. Luckily my baking weekends usually coincide with my Saturday so my class attendees often get a yummy afternoon tea.
Last year, while on holidays, I managed to get my husband, Steve to do a cooking day course. (Isn’t it everyone’s dream to learn to cook in Tuscany?) He was really, really good at it. We so much fun that he has agreed that we will include cooking classes in our future holiday itineraries. Learning to cook together was a joyful process and almost as good and fulfilling as sharing the food afterwards.
There is something immensely satisfying about being surrounded by people you love and sharing good food prepared with love. It just makes my heart sing!
How about you… Do you love sharing meals with others? What would you like to learn how to cook? What is your favourite Christmas recipe that I simply must try? Leave a comment below.
PS Here’s a link to the previous All About Me – Chrissy Facts if you missed them.
