From the Quieter Place

In cooking sometimes too much technical training can get in the way. Too often we cook with our heads. There's too much noise in our heads. We must learn to cook - and live - from the quieter place, the place deep inside.

Each food prepared is a gift to our guests. The food becomes a part of them. It contains our spirit, in a way, and that's why we must see the meals we make as expressions of pure love. Gifts from the heart.

The Italians say, "You never age at the dinner table. When it comes to food, nothing is rushed."

Tradition in Italy is to stop for the mid-day meal, to light candles, play sweet music, to joyfully prepare, serve, and enjoy good foods and beverages together with loved ones and friends. This stopping of life's busyness for food clearly demonstrates priority of health, joy, relationship.

Imagine if we, in the United States, adopted that perspective? How much more enjoyable would our jobs be whether we work in our homes or are employed elsewhere. To rest, to share, to eat. To then resume work with laughter and beautiful food in our bellies, kindness in our minds, joy on our lips.

To move this way, suddenly life is not lived only on or for the weekends. Every day is full of life! Each day an adventure, a recreation, an opportunity to show our love.

From the quieter place.