What do you want to eat?

Last week I harvested some yellow squash and okra fresh from the garden. As I admired these gifts from the garden, I felt very proud of myself. The garden looked very nice, lots of flowers, green tomatoes on the vine, butterflies all around and the sounds of the community. At that very moment, I had a great desire to share this food with people that I love.

My mother will say that she loves to cook for family and friends when they visit. I used to think that she felt that way because that is the way she was raised. It is a mexican custom for women to cook all meals and to learn how to cook at an early age. Men go to work and women stay home and do everything else. I do not believe in that custom. My"guelita" (grandmother), felt the same way. When you went to her house, after hugs, kisses and asking how you are doing, the next question was "what do you want to eat?". She asked that every time, to everyone who came in to her house. I now believe that she really did love to cook and that my mother also loves to cook. I know there are other things at work here but, in a very basic, primal kind of way, food is love. To share that with people that you love is very rewarding. My guelita had me at the hugs and kisses but, the food was great also. We could talk as she cooked or, she would explain how she was cooking the meal. My mother taught me how to cook at a young age. She would tell me that I had to learn how to take care of myself and not depend on someone else to take care of me. Maybe that is why I am not a "typical" mexican male.

That love of cooking good food for friends and family are now a part of my life. I have so much to learn but, I believe that if you begin with fresh ingredients, the cooking part will better. This garden represents this belief and is a symbol of my dedication to provide the best organic, locally grown produce for my family. As my cooking skills improve, I will use seasonal vegetables to create my meals. I want to learn how to cook with my senses and not rely on recipes. My passion to grow good food will make me a better cook. Visit your farmers market to find fresh , locally grown produce. Or better yet, start a garden of your own. Support small farms that are committed to protecting the environment by growing organically. Learn to cook good food and, take time to teach children.

That day I grilled pork chops and, served fresh squash and okra for supper to my family. It was a good meal and, I loved sharing it with people that I love. So if you visit our house, don't be surprised if after a hug and asking how you are doing, I ask, what do you want to eat?