SC-S29/W3- Nostalgia Of The Liitle Me : Childhood Food Memories

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I have never seen a child who doesn't love food. Food is anything that can be eaten, so if it can be consumed, a child will naturally follow you.

Even as adults, food has a strong connection to human life. We cannot survive without it. I am a food lover who enjoys making my own meals. Cooking has become such a part of my life that I can't imagine a day without deciding what to prepare.

Reflecting on my childhood and the food I loved most, I would say “yam.” Yam is a root vegetable commonly found in my country and is used in many ways. I inherited this love from my father, who enjoys yam pepper soup with fish above all.

I started to love this dish every time it was served because I was, and still am, my daddy's favorite. I would eat with him often, so I picked up his taste in food. This dish can be boiled, fried, stir-fried, used as a thickener, or even served as a swallow. It became particularly special to me because it was always prepared on Sundays. It typically comes with plenty of fish, crayfish, pepper, vegetables, and palm oil. Eating this dish with my father made it even sweeter and more special, especially since I would always get the last portion, which had lots of fish.

	Peeled and sliced yam

	In a pot ready to cook

My mother was the chef at home who always got her cooking right. Whenever she starts to prepare this dish, she first washes the fish with hot water. Since I'm always in the corner watching her, she would give me some fish to eat, which always makes me feel good.

Before she cuts the yam into slices, she has to boil the fish first. Then, she uses the water from the fish to boil the yam, making it sweeter when it's done. I love to sit and watch, and I always get a taste of salt or pepper. I cherish those experiences, and the tasting part feels wonderful.

I enjoy this food everywhere: at home, school, church, or during special events. If I take it to school or church, my mom packs it in my lunchbox, but for home meals, she uses a larger plate and serves it on a tray.

In our living room, we have a small area that resembles a dining section where the food is set up for the kids to eat comfortably. It’s not always served hot because my mom prefers us not to eat hot food, but it can be warm enough for everyone to enjoy.

During special occasions, this food is prepared and put into take-home containers for everyone present. You can either eat it there or take it home.

Finalizing the cooking

Serving in a plate

Love, peace, joy and fulfilment. It made me see my childhood as a season and time well spent and lived with my parents. The taste of the food culps in the crave for more, the smell leaves me wallowing in suspense like I would eat the food any moment, while those moments leave me hope.

Its usually a peaceful and loving moment eating together. I grew up knowing how to eat together from one plate and that alone was a sign of love and a prove of togetherness. Those moments made me feel home, cherished and wish to go home all the time, even though there's no place like home.

My mom was just the best cook anyone could think of, she made those moments rosy for me and my family.

Oh, this dish still brings back memories in my kitchen. I quickly prepare it whenever I crave it. Being a yam enthusiast, I can't go too long without enjoying what I love.

I didn't let it remain just a memory; I brought the tradition into my home. Every time I make it, I think of my mom and her cooking techniques. I don't plan to stop making this dish; I will pass it down to my children, as they need to know about my heritage. And naturally, I must share the stories behind this dish with them.