simple joy

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to "cater" my first event when a friend hosted a fundraiser on his rooftop.  I put it in quotes because he says I catered the party, I say I helped him out by bringing a few dishes to go with the burgers, brats, etc that he was serving.  No matter what you call it, it was the first time I made more than a small amount of food for someone else's guests.  Feeding people is nothing new to me, but there is no real pressure in feeding your family and friends.  They will appreciate you for the effort even if the food isn't amazing.  Feeding someone else's guests is different.  You're putting yourself on the line.  The thought of a rooftop full of hungry people and bad food is a nightmare!  Thankfully, that wasn't the reality.  In reality, the food got several compliments, a few people asked for recipes, a few asked how/where I came up with my recipes, and at least one person asked why.

Why?  I love the question.  Subconsciously, it's something that has often rolled around in my mind.  But no one had ever asked the question, and I had not spent much time thinking about it on a conscious level.  Cooking and entertaining guests in my home was something that I enjoyed and I was content to let that be my "reason".  It's time to reveal the rest of the story.

I cook because I love food, I like trying new things and I like the challenge of making something at home that you would be "wow"-ed by even if it was served to you in a restaurant.  (As long as you can get past my imperfect plating skills!)  Equally as much, I appreciate the simplicity of a dish that requires few ingredients but can still impress your taste buds.  I like the creativity in throwing in a little of this or a little of that or taking a chance and altering a recipe just to see.  And I like learning to taste.  Not to just say "this is good", but to really TASTE.  To be able to identify what I am tasting and store those flavors and associations for when I may need to call on them when there is "something" missing from a dish.  There is such a simple joy in knowing and appreciating what I am eating.

I cook for other people because it gives me the opportunity to bring happiness, even if only short-lived, to others.  I was surprised (and delighted) by the reactions and compliments at the party a few weeks ago.  Considering the atmosphere in my home each month for Sunday Supper and the wonderful time my Mom, Grandma and aunts had when I hosted them in Chicago the past few years, maybe I shouldn't have been, but I was.  I'm not someone who likes being the center of attention and I'm not very comfortable receiving praise or recognition.  My greatest joy that night came from seeing all of the smiles, happy faces, clean plates and trips back to the table for more food.  Food makes people happy.  For me, there is simple joy in bringing happiness to people, and I am able to do that through something I find great joy in doing.  Isn't that what life is all about?

When the day comes that I am able to spend more time doing this thing that brings me such simple joy, I suppose I may have to thank my first "customer" with a hefty discount!  Thanks, Mike, for the opportunity and for asking the question.