Monday, January 10, 2011

Food is LOVE

Most people are dreading Monday (unless you got that artic blast and have a snow day, yea!!).  Not us, just rain. But I’ll take it. No complaints here. Just happy to have a new week, a fresh week! Last week was such a blur that I really don’t even wanna count it. Life was totally on pause and that’s probably a good thing (in the end).
Saturday we were up in Dallas for my Nana’s memorial. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! The words people said, the flowers, the pictures, etc. So many people were impacted by her and her life.
After the memorial is was back to my parents house for a “little” reception. Little is an understatement because in reality, it was HUGE! So many family friends, relatives, etc. It was bigger than party. It was an event! I know she would have loved it. But there is one the thing that happened that really stuck with me. My mom’s best friends (basically all my second mom’s growing up) all came over with TONS AND TONS of homemade dishes, drinks, etc. They cleaned the house for her, put out food, took care of everyone, etc. When I went back to the kitchen to help clean up, I looked at all the left over food and couldn’t help but  blurt out “wow, what are we going to do with all this food?”  Cindy (a dear family friend and another second mom to me) looked at me with great passion and said “Lindsay…..Food is LOVE.” I took it in for a moment and replied back, “ Well we got a LOT of love today, THANK YOU!”

With that being said, I felt a warmth in my soul, joy in my heart, and a hunger to LOVE!
Back to Austin we go and I couldn’t wait to warm ourselves up with this recipe inspired by LOVE!

(GF) Jamaican Jerk JAMBALAYA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
  • 2 tsp clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon hot paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chile powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon beet sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup purple cabbage
  • 2/3 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup red kidney beans, drained
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained (optional)
  • 1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or coconut aminos OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
  • chopped fresh cilantro and cheese (topping)- I used DAIYA on top.
  • 1 or 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups diced sausage (chicken, pork, etc). You can also use shrimp, tofu or tempeh, etc. (I tried it out with chicken sausage and tempeh in honor of Heather)
Directions
  1. Place meat/ tempeh/shrimp in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside. You can skip this step if you buy the fully cooked sausage.
  2. Coat a large Dutch oven with cooking spray, and place over medium-high heat. When pan is hot, cook the onion and garlic in olive oil until the onion is tender. Add the celery/carrots/cabbage, and cook until tender. Season with black pepper, paprika, chile powder, sugar, salt, and cloves. Stir in the tomatoes, kidney beans. Pour in water to cover. You might add in some vegetable brother for extra flavor. Bring to a boil, then stir in the meat and cooked brown rice. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
  3. Remove from heat, stir in the vinegar or aminos and serve hot topped with fresh cilantro and cheese.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Dang, can you feel that love? I hope so!

So this also leaves me with one question. If food is love, why do we (society) have such “issues” with it. Some abuse it, while others neglect it?? I don’t have the answer to this, but it something I’ve been thinking a lot about.

How do you LOVE with FOOD?

Cheers,
LC
p.s.
Playlist and a workout challenge are on my list to post. I need a break from all my seriousness, haha!
Winking smile

68 comments:

Dorry said...

That looks like a big pot of LOVE. Yum! I'm so glad that your family was surrounded by so many friends and so much love! It sounds like the perfect Memorial for an amazing woman. I love how you ended this post - I have a lot of insight and thoughts about food and love. I think you've inspired me to write a post about it!

bamarunner11 said...

FOOD IS LOVE :) Love this post!

FYI, I tagged you on my blog ;)

hungryrunnergirl said...

I am so happy the memorial went so well! I thought about you all weekend!! FOOD IS LOVE!!! I am feeling the love three states away with that jambalaya....it made my tummy grumble and my heart yearn for it ha! You are so cute. I LOVE making things for people to show them my love. In our area whenever someone has a baby or there is sickness or any problems everyone signs up to take them dinner for a long time! I love it and it is such a great way to serve others. Enjoy the rain....I just love your perspective on everything.

April said...

Thats an interesting thought! I always wonder that too- I try to think of food as fuel instead of something negative. If I'm going to workout, I need to supplement it with some grub! :-P

lindsay cotter said...

exactly fueling your body is loving your body! :)

lindsay cotter said...

well said! I like your comparison. Check out the aminos, they are GOOD!

lindsay cotter said...

Oh I can't wait for you to write it. You are so good with words and so ecouraging!

Stephen Kilbourn said...

That looks tasty. I was looking at the coconut aminos at Whole Paycheck last night wondering what it'd be good for.


and don't people abuse/neglect relationship love in the same way as food? I think its human nature. If a little of something is good, then more must be better... or if too much is bad, then we cut it all out.

lindsay cotter said...

Us too, we always bring food to people who have babies, or are sick, or just need a good meal and some company. Compassion and food go hand in hand. I wish you could come over for leftovers! :)

Christin@purplebirdblog said...

I love that... food is definitely love and I'm so grateful to have come to peace with it for the most part these days!

lindsay cotter said...

ditto, learning to love it in so many ways. Happy for you!

Bre said...

I've never had Jambalaya before but it definitely looks like love- I can't wait to try it. hmmm good question, it's a pretty interesting topic within the literature but i'm not sure even they have an answer to it...hmmm interesting!

Carrie said...

shazamm that jambalaya looks great :) trust me, i wonder about that food issue all the time too!

marathonmaiden said...

i love with food just because i make it with love. i'm really getting into cooking and baking lately. doing it tonight in fact with a friend!

Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen said...

I grew up learning that food is love...and I think that is why I enjoy cooking so much. It really is how I show people I care about them. :)

I MUST make that Jambalaya! What is this beet flour you speak of??? [And I think I am having a love affair with tempeh so I'm glad you put it in there.]

Kristina @ spabettie said...

ah, the memorial sounds like a wonderful celebration of your Nana! You were in my thoughts this weekend.

I definitely show love through food... whether it's having people over and making dinner or a big fun spread of food for a party, or when someone is in need, making a couple days worth of food and bringing it to them...

Jason LOVES jambalaya - I may have to make this for him... and coconut aminos?? I *LOVE* what I learn from you!! I'm on the lookout for that for sure!

XXO, have a great week!!

Angie Bee said...

That recipe sounds amazing!!!
I agree that there really is a joy in preparing food for others. It sustains them on a basic level that is incredibly powerful.

Gen said...

When someone I know is having a tough time, I usually like to bake for them. I also love taking people out to eat at their favorite restaurant or something, too! =D

Heather @ Where's the Beach said...

Thanks for thinking of me ;-) I think people also abuse love too quite often (sadly).

Kath said...

Your Nana must have been a wonderful womanto have such great friends who care for her and her family even now! I'm happy you had such a wonderful memorial!

Salah said...

hahahah I'm feeling the love!!! That meal looks wonderful!!!

lindsay cotter said...

she did, and I was utterly amazed! It was such a good feeling to know that. :)

lindsay cotter said...

oh good, I wanted to make sure you felt welcomed in Austin!

Onefitfoodie said...

now THAT looks good!! i am loving these warm, comforting meals!!

Wendy said...

"Food is LOVE!"... that's what I told myself for 2 years that I worked at Whole Foods as the lone baker.

I had my Master's, was burnt out from SpEd, and between teaching gigs. Some days I wondered, "WHY am I here?"

Yet, I remembered that the food my hands touched (with gloves of course!) would be in someone's body, nourishing them. I made sure I focused on the "Food is LOVE!" (and HEALTH!) aspect when I mixed, baked, and sometimes packaged.

Peace to you.

~W

shannon said...

that sounds/looks delicious, and it is such a shame, isn't it? i have no answers, but i think the media is to blame ;)

lindsay cotter said...

this is such a beautiful story. The gift of health, food, and love all wrapped up into one. :)

lindsay cotter said...

me too, you can throw anything in pot and it tastes pretty good, haha!

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

I am so glad that you shared that time with friends and family. I absolutely agree that food is love. Seriously, any time you want to say you care, there is nothing better than making something good to nourish people.

lindsay cotter said...

I would say so, media affects us in so many ways (good and bad).
LC

lindsay cotter said...

definitely, and you are so good at that. You love on your family with such amazing nourishing meals. :)

Tina Reale said...

It sounded lovely. Glad you got the chance to commemorate such an obviously beloved life. :) Hugs!

Pure2raw Twins said...

oh girl, I am so sorry to hear about you Nana. We lost our grandpa a few months ago. HUGS!!!

And I love because it nourishes me! Gives me energy to live.

Kissmybroccoli said...

Sounds like it was an amazing memorial for your Nana. I'm glad you felt the love and support of family and friends.

It took me a while to realize it but I guess you could say that cooking for others is like my "love language" (acts of service). I love making special treats for loved ones and find so much joy in watching them enjoy it!

I so want to make this Jambalaya right now! I was just telling a friend today that I was craving it!

Jess said...

Whoa. I SERIOUSLY was contemplating this VERY thought on my ride home tonight and almost blogged it!! I totally agree- food IS love and is something to be celebrated. It IS so mind boggling to me that it can have such a stigma attached to it for whatever reason. I say lets CELEBRATE it! FOOD IS LOVE!!

Deb (SmoothieGirlEatsToo) said...

Wow, was she right, food being love Same thing happened after my Mom's and Dad's memorial 'celebrations"...we knew there would be too much food so we got to-go boxes so that we could 'share the love' with guests. And there was STILL so much that we gave more away to other friends.

I'm so glad that her Nana's service/party were a nice experience. The beginning of healing is so important, and that is the kickoff.

This dish looks amazing- coconut aminos?? Is that like liquid aminos with coconut rather than ?soy??

Hugs to you!

Lisakthrives said...

My family talks about food like this...if my mom made a special dinner for her father, and everyone thought it was fab, we would say it's so good because she put her heart into it. Or--at a restaurant, like there's the food and then there's the feeling that goes with it.

Food can be love---but I think lots of the issues people have stem from trying to get a kind of love out of food that it can't provide... I teach a mind-body skills course about food, and one of the things we always find is that people deal with food the way they deal with the rest of their lives. Of course...it's a little more complex than that!

Interesting post!

Jessica Lee said...

I just made jambalaya yesterday, I didn't have a recipe and was just winging it. I gotta try adding beans and some sugar next time.

She Rocks Fitness said...

This looks amazing and I might have to add this to my recipe file as well. The BBQ Pulled Chicken was even better today. I added it to my salad and it was perfect. I love the slow cooker and stews like this for the winter. :) Have a wonderful evening!

Allie said...

Food IS love... totally agree! It can be so fun and a great way to show love... I like to bake for the people I love :)

munchercruncher said...

I see your name commenting on a bunch of my favorite bloggies, so I had to check you out! SO glad I did :) Your blog is awesome, and that jambalaya looks reeeeal good. Can't wait to follow :) xoxoxo megs

mamarunsbarefoot said...

YUM!!! I'm putting this on my menu for next week!!!!!!! Yes food is love, I do notice though it takes me way longer to cook it then it does for them to consume it! HAHA!

Colleen said...

I love the saying "Food is Love". :) And I'm so glad that there was such celebration for you Nana's life. She must have been an amazing woman!

Meghan Smith said...

Sounds like a beautiful way to honor your Nana, food truly is love. I always feel like making sweets when I am happy and especially to share with people who I love. It seems that hearty and filling meals always go hand in hand with something sad or difficult in life.

Can't wait to see you playlist!

amanda@runninghood said...

I always put a lot of love into my food and I LOVE to eat it!!! :) It is all about love...giving it, cooking it, eating it and sharing it with others.

Chuck said...

It's amazing how sometimes the worst of times bring out the best and the love in everyone!

Eden said...

Indeed, food is love. I think its how I got my eating disorder. Sometime, we dont want to give ourselves the love we need. But I love how people show their support by bringing food. My dad has lots of friends bring over food for him these days and I'm so blessed he has such love. Go gorge on some love. You sure could use an extra helping at this time.

Cara Craves... said...

What's the difference between a Jambalaya and a chili, they look so similar?
and delicious! I guess that's the Canadianness in me shining through, we don't really do the whole Jambalaya thing North of the border :)

I "Love with Food" by having a positive outlook on it. I see food as a blessing, something that I am thankful for day. Something that should be used to nourish my body and my soul...i.e. ice cream along with many other things. I try not to take food for granted and love every bit of it that I cook with and eat. I love food!

LifeasKristina said...

I think i've bookmarked every page of yours on food I want to re-create! My fiance loooooves jumbalaya and i'm always trying to configure new recipes for it!

Nichole said...

That's simply awesome about your Nana. And what a fantastic celebration. Jamaican food is crazy delicious - what an amazing spread.

Food is totally hot and heavy love in my book. It becomes a passion:) Definitely for baking, lol.

Jess said...

I think people often overthink "food!" I know I certainly do sometimes! I often find myself debating over what to eat. I have to step back and just let my BODY decide :)

Suzanne said...

Lindsay, this warms my heart. Thank you for sharing the story and the recipe :).

Lisa @ bakebikeblog said...

What a beautiful and thoughtful post :) Thinking of your guys xx

Lisa @ bakebikeblog said...

I meant to say "you" guys :)

hungryrunnergirl said...

Okay thank you so much for the link!! THAT IS THE COOLEST THING EVER!!! obsessed, officially. You are so thoughtful. We are nerds for how excited we get over these sorts of things! Love ya!

(what runs) Lori said...

I can definitely feel the love! Wow, what a great recipe and what a great post. Food really is love. It's how a lot of us show someone we care and one can certainly put their love and energy into creating a dish!

What a positive post!

lindsay cotter said...

agreed! Its more than just food. Its heart, soul, love, JOY!

katie said...

THAT LOOKS SO GOOD!!
I feel the love from your blog all the time girl!! Food=love. I really feel that God intended it to be like this. It can be a way to spread HIS LOVE! love you!

VeggieGirl said...

Looks DELICIOUS!!!

VeggieGirl said...

Looks DELICIOUS!!!

amanda@runninghood said...

I always put a lot of love into my food and I LOVE to eat it!!! :) It is all about love...giving it, cooking it, eating it and sharing it with others.

mamarunsbarefoot said...

YUM!!! I'm putting this on my menu for next week!!!!!!! Yes food is love, I do notice though it takes me way longer to cook it then it does for them to consume it! HAHA!

Deb (SmoothieGirlEatsToo) said...

Wow, was she right, food being love Same thing happened after my Mom's and Dad's memorial 'celebrations"...we knew there would be too much food so we got to-go boxes so that we could 'share the love' with guests. And there was STILL so much that we gave more away to other friends.

I'm so glad that her Nana's service/party were a nice experience. The beginning of healing is so important, and that is the kickoff.

This dish looks amazing- coconut aminos?? Is that like liquid aminos with coconut rather than ?soy??

Hugs to you!

lindsay cotter said...

me too, you can throw anything in pot and it tastes pretty good, haha!

Wendy said...

"Food is LOVE!"... that's what I told myself for 2 years that I worked at Whole Foods as the lone baker.

I had my Master's, was burnt out from SpEd, and between teaching gigs. Some days I wondered, "WHY am I here?"

Yet, I remembered that the food my hands touched (with gloves of course!) would be in someone's body, nourishing them. I made sure I focused on the "Food is LOVE!" (and HEALTH!) aspect when I mixed, baked, and sometimes packaged.

Peace to you.

~W

Salah said...

hahahah I'm feeling the love!!! That meal looks wonderful!!!

Carrie said...

shazamm that jambalaya looks great :) trust me, i wonder about that food issue all the time too!

lindsay cotter said...

Us too, we always bring food to people who have babies, or are sick, or just need a good meal and some company. Compassion and food go hand in hand. I wish you could come over for leftovers! :)