Memorable Moments And Food

By Courtney Sessler - Paseo Club Cafe Manager

So many of the memorable moments in my life have food in them.

Be it a happy or sad moment, there is usually a fantastic meal (or two) somewhere nearby.  Coming from a family of “foodies”, this is how I was raised.  Multiple generations of my family have fed others, both personally and professionally.  My family even has their own cookbook, full of recipes from family and dear friends.  Years ago my parents made it as a gift for those they love.  Food, especially good food, is a gift.  And being able to make others happy through food is a blessing and a gift.  My parents started off the cookbook with the following passage:

“A family’s history can be told through the food they share.  These recipes hold our family’s history along with some of the history of good and treasured friends.

“Michael (my brother) once told us he wanted to become a chef because he witnessed the happiness we gave and received from others as we ‘broke bread’.  He wanted to make others happy through food and drink.  May you find and give happiness to others when enjoying these dishes.

“Bon Appetit!”

This passage rings true for myself, as well.  I feel a sense of happiness when feeding others, either at work or at my home.  Food is one of those things that connect all of us and has the ability to (at least temporarily) break down those barriers that divide us.  Almost everyone loves food and can talk about a good meal.  I feel so fortunate that life has allowed me to cook for others, to share cultural and learned experiences.

The late, great, Anthony Bourdain once said, “Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it’s a start.”  If we allow it, food can bring all of us together.  There is a chance of laying aside prejudices when diving into a good meal.  When we permit ourselves to try to understand others, even if it is just through a recipe or ingredient, that is the start of something amazing.  Politics and preconceived notions can be set down for a moment, allowing for us just to be human.  Food allows us to share with one another, from an amazing dish to the moments spent together while enjoying that dish.  The food we eat and share with others becomes the symbol of humanity and hospitality that has the power to bring people together.

In the spirit of sharing, I will close with a family recipe.  This is an old Viennese recipe that was made by my great great grandmother.  It is a cake that is great in the morning with a cup of coffee or at the end of a long day.  I hope everyone enjoys!

Kugelhopf

2 cubes butter or margarine - softened at room temperature
1 pint sour cream
2 eggs
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp almond extract
Raisins
Powdered sugar

1. Beat butter, sour cream, and eggs
2. Add sugar gradually, beating well
3. Add flour mixed with baking powder, raisins, and almond extract
4. Beat
5. Grease kugelhopf pan (bundt) well
6. Bake about 45 minutes at 375 degrees on until toothpick comes out clean
7. Fluted pan should be about 6-7 inches high
8. Let cool in pan
9. Once cool, remove from pan and dust with powdered sugar

Bon Appetit!