Memories around the dinner table
I can never remember what I did yesterday, but my lunch time memories from when I was achild, those are with me forever. For starters, the meal was always late in the afternoon to make sure we all made it in time to sit down together at the dining table. My mom would rush home after her long day as a teacher, and make sure lunch was on the table. My brother and I would wash up after school and grab a seat. My dad, a career military man would schedule a break between office and the barracks and be home in time for lunch. Afterwards, he would head out again for afternoon rounds at his unit but lunchtime would be together. 
I have the worst memory. I forget many things – why my husband and I fought yesterday, how to operate our security system (that’s me!), what the kids did this morning to incur my wrath…many things. But mealtime memories usually stick in my head. A whiff of dhokla and kachori and my dad’s fondness for (sweet, spicy, sour) chatpata Indian street food comes rushing back.
My dad passed away recently and it shook the ground underneath my feet. Months later I can still feel the tremors. My fondest memories of him are at mealtimes when we would chat about school and how everyone hated me ever since I started wearing glasses. Somehow the deepest conversations took place over steaming hot chapattis. Decades later, my favourite childhood dishes still stir up strong memories of those times and the people I love.
My dad retired as a Lieutenant General – the highest rank a person can reach in the Indian army. His position meant we pulled up roots and moved houses and cities every 18 months. In every new house, my Mom would unpack the kitchen first. Cutlery, crockery, pantry jars all would get tackled first to make sure dinner was served at the dining table or on top of a still-packed metal trunk. The location didn’t matter as long as we ate together.
Since we were married my husband and I have followed the same tradition, multiple times. We have uprooted ourselves from India to Canada, house to house, from shared kitchens to rentals to condos to our very own piece of land. Each time we leave behind a big chunk of our life and take along our memories of our home, and our family and friends, people with whom we have shared a meal. As a child, I mourned the loss of good friends every time we loaded up the truck. Thankfully today, in the age of Facebook and WhatsApp it’s easy(er) to stay in touch, and if the stars align, even meet again. 
Memories Of What We Eat
Research has proven that our memories of the past influence what we eat, the ingredients we use and how we cook our food. Memories create our story and food fills them with colour, flavour and aroma. This canvas helps define who we are, where we’ve come from and all that we care about. I’m living proof of that and my history, experiences and knowledge have all influenced my kitchen.
What is Your Food Memory #MyFoodMemory
To celebrate my dad and in his memory, I welcome you to share your favourite food memory. What do you remember of your childhood kitchen? Is there a food that takes you back to your roots? A dish that reminds you of your home and your family? You can share it on your social media with the hashtag #MyFoodMemory. I will repost as many as I can on my social media. Please make sure the caption includes what the dish is and why it sparks your memory. If you would like, share the recipe as well in the caption or you can email it to Puneeta@MapleandMarigold.com. Don’t forget the hashtag #MyFoodMemory.
Join me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to share your
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