Important Food Lessons I've Learned (And Who Taught Them To Me)

Someone recently asked me what my hobbies were and I didn't have an answer.

I thought about it some more. Do I really not have any hobbies? I certainly don't collect anything and ever since I was young various "hobby worthy" activities have come and gone. I never stuck with those guitar lessons or dance classes. Sometimes I read or workout but I don't consider those good hobbies and don't have any time to do much of either. I realized during my 23 years on this planet there is one thing I've always stuck with and loved.

And that's food.

Anyone who has met me is well aware of my obsession with food and throughout my life I've learned some important lessons from some valuable sources regarding this favorite subject of mine. 

Lesson #1: The Right Way to Cook Just About Everything

Taught by Aunty Alex (a.k.a. Dar) 

Dar was the first person who taught me everything I needed to know about food because, well ... she knows it all. Due to her knowledge and my obsession, together we have discovered a variety of interesting food through cooking, serving and eating it. Together, there is nothing we won't try and thanks to her there is nothing I can't cook (without her help/recipe)

When I was younger Dar owned a great deli and she told me I used to love to come in and knock on the deli case glass to wave to her. Now, I work behind a glass bakery case where I watch little kids do the same. 

Lesson #2: Don't Be Afraid to Try New Things

Taught by My Dog Gordy

Gordy is an extremely smart dog and I think there are a lot aspects of his lifestyle that we humans can learn from. One of these aspects would be Gordy's attitude towards food. We have fed the poor thing the exact same dog food since the day we got him, so when something drops on the ground to say he jumps at it is an understatement. And like any good dog, he's not afraid to work for his treats either.

What I really admire about the little guy is that he's not afraid to try anything. I truly have never seen him not like something. If I'm making a salad and he's begging, I'd toss him a piece of lettuce and he would eat it. He's eaten pears, tortilla chips, ice cream, cheese, etc -- there's nothing he won't try.

I like to think he's very open minded and I try to be just like him in this way.

Now only if I could take on his sleeping schedule ...

Lesson #3: The Worst We Can Have is Leftovers

Taught by My Friend Erica

I lived with Erica for two years, and we were often at the grocery store or liquor store together. Whenever we were stocking up the fridge with food or drink, I'd look at her and say "Are you sure we need to buy all that?" She'd just turn back and say "Well, the worst we can have is leftovers." And it's true. When preparing food or drinks one should NEVER under purchase. Whats the worse that can happen? We just have some leftover chicken we can throw in the freezer ... or maybe we have some extra beers in the fridge. We'll just drink them next week anyway. 

Lesson #4: Appreciate Sweets

Taught by Dad

When me my dad and my brother are eating a meal, they usually end with the two of them breaking out some sort of sweets. And anyone who's been to my house before knows which cabinet to open up & find the hidden stash of chocolate (90% of the time, peanut M&M's) While I am usually yelling at my Dad -- "You eat too many sweets,"You need to cut back, "Stop buying this junk!" I realize his love of all things sugary & chocolatey is really just an appreciation for these wonderful sweets. Desserts are served at the end of the meal for a reason -- we save the best for last!

Lesson #5 Desserts Don't Have to be Boring

Taught by The Cake Boss

Whether I'm willing to admit it or not Buddy Valastro also known as The Cake Boss had a big influence on why I decided to go to culinary school. As I started becoming more addicted to his show I started seriously debating my future in pastry. And one of my final convincing factors was when I realized how creative, fun and exciting making cakes and cupcakes can be. Thanks Buddy -- you're the BOSS

Lesson #6 Irish People CAN Cook

Taught by My Family

Things the Irish are known for: Drinking, Lord of the Dance, Leprechauns

Things the Irish are NOT known for: Their ability to cook

But anyone who believes this has never been to a holiday with my Irish side of the family. We defy the odds with amazing meals (And I'm not just talking corn beef, cabbage & potatoes -- thought we do make those damn good too) 

And the Final & Most Important Lesson:

The Food On The Table Isn't As Important As The People Around It

Learned this one all by myself!

As much as I dream about spending hundreds of dollars on fabulous meals prepared by world famous chefs .... at the end of the day I can't complain. Maybe I haven't been eating food made with the best ingredients (because those probably aren't found at Market Basket) but it doesn't mean I haven't been eating good food. And the best part of all-- my amazing friends & family who join me for these not so fancy meals.

So the most important lesson I've ever learned ... the food on the table isn't as important as the people sitting around the table.