Food holds a special place in all of our hearts. It connects us to our community and it bridges generations. The taste, smell and texture of food can be powerful, evoking emotion and eliciting memories. With one bite you can find yourself transported back into your childhood kitchen or your grandparent's garden. Our food memories are made stronger by the fact that all five of your senses are utilized when eating, so you may even find that you can smell your great-aunt's perfume or hear your grandfather's radio playing in the background. Food is embedded in our relationships with loved ones. In honor of Mother's Day, we asked Farm Fresh To You employees to share some of their favorite food memories and the foods that make them nostalgic. We hope you enjoy their stories and we hope they spark some sentimental memories in you as well!
Who inspired you to start cooking?
My mom - she had an innate ability in the kitchen. When my mom was ill, the importance of food amplified. Cooking was something she could still be passionate about and physically manage. In living with my mom for 4 months during her illness, I gained a greater education of food, flavors, and connection to the seasons. Preparing farm fresh feasts is now a favorite pastime.Leila, Marketing Specialist
All of the women of my family. One of my fondest memories is hearing the loud laughter and chatter of my mother, aunts and grandmother cooking together. That love and laughter has always been the main reason why I love cooking so much. I like that I am able to pass that down to those I love and care for.
Chloe, Customer Service Representative
My grandmother. She always made amazing meals for me. Growing up, I wanted to learn from her so I could return the favor.
Mariah, Customer Service Representative
My mom and my grandmother. I remember helping them bake chocolate chip meringue cookies and banana bread when I was little. My mom used to call my grandma all the time to ask cooking questions, and now I do the same thing with my mom!
Heather, Marketing Specialist
What’s a food that reminds you of your childhood?
Potato salad. It’s my grandma’s recipe and it’s the first thing my mom taught me how to make. (I think it was so time-consuming she couldn’t wait to hand it off to me.) The recipe has been handed down to each daughter in the family. I have also taught my daughters to make it.Kimberly, Payroll Specialist
My mom’s chicken soup that she made from scratch was everything. Even now, I still ask her to make it for me when I’m sick.
Gabbi, Customer Service Representative
I'd make toast for my mother and I most mornings. She is British and loves Marmite, though I can't stand it. I'd be dismayed if any accidentally got on my toast or fingers because of its pungency, but I knew it was important to her and reminded her of the foods she enjoyed growing up in the UK.
Sophie, Customer Service Representative
Lasagna. It was always my favorite meal to make with my mother. I enjoyed this so much because my job was to mix the ricotta and spinach with my hands. Even now when I make it for myself as an adult, I still enjoy mixing the ricotta and spinach!
Chloe, Customer Service Representative
Green bean casserole! My mom would make this for dinner every now and then. She made it with tons of green beans and topped the dish off with onion shoe strings and baked it to a crisp. It holds a warm spot in my heart - it reminds me of a time when things were simple.
Daniel, Event Booking Admin
Tell us about a food memory that makes you feel connected to your family.
I found a recipe card of my great grandmother’s lemon meringue pie. Through practice, I was finally told by my family that it was just like hers, which warmed my heart.Mariah, Customer Service Representative
I have fond memories of the Capay Crush festival at the farm with my wife and children. The kids had so much fun!
William, Field Manager
My grandmother would organize birthday dinners each month for anyone with a birthday in that month. It was a mix of everyone’s favorite dishes all at one dinner. So much time was spent around her long oak table with one another.
Amanda, HR Coordinator
My maternal grandparents were both first-generation children of Italian immigrants, and they could whip up some serious plates of pasta. However, it wasn’t the eating of the food that I remember most. It was the smell of the gravy (which most people call sauce). My grandma would start making it the day before and it would simmer all night. You could smell it when you walked up to their front door and everyone in the family would have to say something about how good it smelled. My mom has mastered this, and I think it’s time I learn.
Jim, IT Manager
My grandchildren and I walk to the local farmers market to get some fresh organic produce. Then we go back to my house and they help me make Sunday dinner for the whole family!
Cynthia, Inside Sales Representative
My mom and I always cook together when I’m home and we use the time to catch up and talk about life. She makes the best chicken alfredo - this meal reminds me of pure comfort and love.
Samantha, Digital Marketing Manager
