11 Ways cooking brings the family together

11 Ways cooking brings the family together

We all love food, so why not share it?
Kelsy Allessi
Kelsy Allessi Dec 7, 2015
1236
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Cooking occurs in the kitchens of almost every household across the world. It’s the expression of an imaginative mind, hungry belly, and love for creating delicious food. Sharing the experience with your family can be a fun way to create lasting bonds and memories.

Here are just a few ways in which cooking brings a family closer.

1. Memories

Some of the best memories may be those of a family member creating one of their favorite dishes. My grandfather and I used to soak tomatoes in oil and spices hours before a meal so that they could have time to sit. When you have a family who loves to cook, the memories created while preparing a meal are often cherished for a lifetime.

2. Lessons

The passing from generation to generation of “secret ingredients” and tricks of the trade. Whether it’s a special way to make sure your pie crust doesn’t stick to the pan, or being able to recognize when an egg white is whipped to perfection, it’s all done through the teachings of family members.

3. Healthy competition

Whether it’s a holiday meal or a simple family dinner, a little battle of the wooden spoons is a great way to add some spice to the action. My dish usually wins…

4. Providing for your loved ones

Being able to cook a meal for the people you care for is a rewarding experience that brings everyone closer together.

5. Bonds created while working in the kitchen

The ties with your family grow stronger as you work together to prepare a meal, even though it may get a bit tight when everyone has to use the same cutting board at once.

6. Passing on the lessons that you’ve learned

One day, the lessons in which you were taught are once again ready to be passed on to another generation. Passing your skills onto children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews are key to keeping tradition.

7. Sharing

Whether it’s handing out jams and Jellies made fresh in your kitchen, or using your household as professional taste testers, you can always count on someone to try out your new creation.

8. Reminiscing

Creating your favorite dishes can bring back old memories of meal time conversations, loved ones, or a “taste of childhood” we all know and love.

9. Tradition

Keeping up with tradition can be a fun aspect of any meal time or preparation. Games, cooking roles, and special dates are just a few ways of maintaining those special memories.

10. Holidays

Celebrating holidays with family wouldn’t be the same without food. Lots and lots of food. Turkey, Christmas cookies, pasta, casseroles. You name it.

11. Spreading the love.

The best part after any cooking session, is being able to sit down with your loved ones to enjoy it.

Cover Image Credit: Personal photo
Kelsy Allessi
Kelsy Allessi Dec 7, 2015
At Le Moyne College

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9 Things All Mexican Food Addicts Know All Too Well

Don't come between me and my Mexican food.
Amber McCormick
Amber McCormick Jan 9, 2017
64881
views

In the city I grew up in, there is a Mexican restaurant just about every five miles. They are the after school hangouts and first date go-to's for most of the kids here, especially the high school girls.

I know the servers at my favorite one know my order almost every time I go in there (at least once a week). However, a lot of people apparently get tired of eating Mexican food about twice a week... but I sure don't. If you are a Mexican food addict like me, I am sure you know at least a few of these yourself.

1. Cheese dip tastes like heaven and you have to have it.

That amazing creamy white cheese dip put on a perfectly salted chip is enough to make your day better. Forget the actual food---we'd be content living off of cheese dip and chips for the rest of our lives. Our restaurant trip is not complete without an order of it and if you are lucky enough to get your favorite waiter, maybe even get a large bowl for the night.

SEE ALSO: An Ode To Queso, My First And True Love

2. You never have to look at the menu.

We know when we decide to go what we are having and it is probably the exact same plate we order each time. I am sure the servers laugh after I order some days because there is only three things I rotate between. My burrito is always my go-to, unless I am feeling fancy.

3. Some of the servers know who you are when you walk in the door.

Either by first name or by order they know us. You are the ones that they tell to pick your own seat and already have your drink order placed by the time you sit down.

4. Your boyfriend/ girlfriend puts you on Mexican restaurant restriction on date night.

You drag them there so much, they get tired of eating there. So much so, they flat out say no when you ask to go there on date night. I mean, how does someone get tired of Mexican food to begin with though?

SEE ALSO: The Perfect Skin Color For A Mexican?

5. You can hum some of the songs that come on.

We may not know what they are saying in the song, but we know the song---trust us. We are in there so much we remember them. Don't ask any questions when we start humming.

6. You "have" a parking spot.

Do not park in my parking spot that is not actually my parking spot, but is my parking spot. Got it? Just do not do it. That starts my meal bad when you take my normal spot.

7. You used to hangout there all the time after school.

It was the hangout spot. Forget the nasty school lunch--- everyone goes to eat Mexican after school. It's the cool thing to do and it started your addiction.

8. You always want to introduce new people to your favorite restaurant.

Oh, you aced that exam? Let's go eat at this amazing Mexican restaurant I love! We always want to find people to go there to eat with so we always introduce new people to it.

9. People always pick on you about your addiction.

Yes, I love Mexican food. Go ahead and tag me in all the memes on Facebook about tacos. As long as I have my Mexican food, I am fine with that.

All in all, we LOVE our Mexican food and our go-to restaurants--- so here is your warning. Don't come between me and my Mexican food.

Cover Image Credit: jenaroundtheworld
Amber McCormick
Amber McCormick Jan 9, 2017
At Francis Marion University

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Tips For Making A Perfect Morning Smoothie

Take advantage of all the fresh fruit and vegetables during the summer season for a fresh addition to your smoothies

Christina Bogacz
Christina Bogacz Oct 17, 2018
215
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Smoothies are one of my favorite things to make for breakfast because they are quick and easy to take on the go in the morning on my way to work. Although I love smoothies in the morning, they're great after workouts any time of the day as well.

When making a smoothie for breakfast, try to keep it healthy! It can be tempting to add in some chocolate to that strawberry banana smoothie to make it a bit sweeter, or some whipped cream, but that makes it like a dessert. If you're craving something chocolate in your smoothie, add a little cocoa power or a drop of vanilla.

The base of your smoothie can sweeten your smoothie too. I frequently use coconut milk in my smoothies which is low in calories and adds a sweetness to green smoothies. Almond milk is another great base and also dairy free.

Speaking of green smoothies, don't be afraid to try them! I was so suspicious of the thought of spinach or kale ever in my smoothie and it took a while for me to finally try it. A smoothie place was serving samples of their green smoothie and I braved the jump to try it, and I loved it.

I have started to make some of my own green smoothies at home. One of my favorite combinations is mango, pineapple, spinach, and coconut milk. It also creates this amazing green color that also tastes amazing.

While it's the summer months, take advantage of local produce but frozen fruit is also a great option for some fruit that you can't always find, such as mango. Frozen fruit helps to make your smoothies the perfect cold temperature too.

Don't be afraid to switch up your smoothie combinations and test out your own recipes so you don't get tired of the same smoothie every day.

Christina Bogacz
Christina Bogacz Oct 17, 2018
At Fairfield University

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