Fourth Discussion: Antonia
This chapter made me feel reminiscent for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. Like some of the characters in the book, I question the “more is better” approach to this holiday and prefer a feast focused on camaraderie and food prepared with fresh, local vegetables and herbs. I loved that Antonia got to experience the holiday as a celebration and sharing of good food that has been prepared with love and that she was then able to impart this wisdom with her clients. While reading Antonia’s story, I found myself longing for a cool, crisp autumn day in which I could spend the day in the kitchen making homemade vegetable stew and apple crisp for desert. These types of seasonal meals help me feel more connected to family, friends and the beauty of the earth.
What are your favorite autumn or Thanksgiving foods? What foods do you most enjoy preparing for family and friends? Have you ever watched a relationship transform because of the food you cooked?
Back a while ago, I wrote a guest blog post about cooking Thanksgiving dinner in Italy, including the recipe for the stuffed turkey. Enjoy!
http://www.abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/search?q=bauermeister
This is not so much about Thanksgiving but rather just some memories that this chapter had for me. I remember growing up with my mom, aunts and uncles all sitting around my grandmother’s table in the kitchen as she baked. She never knew how to read or write but knew her recipes by handfuls or teacups.
As I raised my children, family gatherings and celebrations were centered around their favorite foods. I always made special theme cakes for the birthdays from Mickey Mouse, Big Bird and even an ET replica. As a teenager, my son loved chicken pot pie so for her 14th family birthday dinner, I cut out the number 14 out of dough and put it on the top the pie.
Frankie, thank you for sharing these memories with us. I think you have captured the theme and feel of this book…food, the way we prepare it and the way we serve it, is such an integral part of how we form bonds and create memories with those closest to us.
Erica, I love the story of your international Thanksgiving…especially the comparison to McDonalds! I’m guessing that this experience didn’t feel so joyous while it was playing out, but what a great story it has gifted to you…creating memories is what it is all about, isn’t it?
I’m not a huge fan of Thanksgiving food. I’ve always been a picky Thanksgiving food eater growing up, and even to this day I can’t stand cranberry sauce. So, even though there are only a few items I like at this particular holiday dinner table, I still remember what this holiday is all about and how it brings my family together and creates memories. One memory in particular for me involves catching the sweet potato casserole on fire in the oven. My family talks about that incident at every Thanksgiving now, and I’ll never forget that eventful holiday dinner. Lillian says that “a holiday is a lot like a kitchen. What’s important is what comes out of it.”
After reading this chapter I did some thinking about what Antonia was going through. Cooking that meal in class made her remember about what she had been missing. Then trying to remodel the kitchen of her new clients that reminder her of home. It made me realize what Thanksgiving means, sharing of loved ones and food made with love. Of course at my house Thanksgiving is always traditional with all the trimmings. Family favorites are leftover turkey, pot pies made with all the trimmings except the cranberries! Turkey enchiladas, and turkey sandwiches too! The next few days are all family still hanging around the kitchen and going on evening walks.
I enjoy experimenting new recipes during the holiday, it gives my family memories of that year because sometimes they are hit or miss. It’s all in good fun. Many years ago I ate these delightful pork sandwiches that my boyfriends mother made and let me tell you, it changed my relationship with her. She gave me the recipe and over the years I’ve made them and can say that food does wonders in bringing people and memories together.
What struck me about this chapter was that the experience that was conveyed through food preparation and enjoyment created such a sentimental experience to influence the home owners decision on how to remodel their kitchen. Using a simple meal, Antonia was able to surface a connection her clients didn’t even realize was there, until that time they had been regarding the kitchen with utilitarian purpose only… a showpiece for design that they weren’t sure how they might use. After the dinner they saw it in fresh light, as a hub for family and sharing, joy and entertaining. She managed to share her ideas and feelings without ever arguing in words.
Amanda, I think you’ve hit on something that is very powerful…with a good meal one convey feelings and emotions that are beyond words or conversation…