Mental Health in the Kitchen

October 29, 2023 By Chef John Politte

Cooking is an art that demands an enormous amount of creativity, discipline, and skill. Culinary professionals are often lauded for their ability to craft incredible dishes that satisfy even the most discerning palates. However, the kitchen environment can also be incredibly challenging and stressful, exacting a heavy toll on the mental health of chefs, cooks, and other kitchen staff. In this post, I will share my personal story and delve into the importance of mental health in the kitchen and how this vital aspect of culinary arts is often overlooked. Read more

Manna: A Fascinating and Enigmatic Food

October 22, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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Manna is a Hebrew word, which means "what is it?" This name befits a food that has remained shrouded in mystery and intrigue for thousands of years. According to the Book of Exodus, manna was a divine gift that sustained the Israelites during their 40-year journey through the desert. It was a small, round, white substance that appeared on the ground each morning like dew. The Israelites were instructed to collect only enough manna for each day, as any excess would spoil overnight. Read more

Hospitality in the Bible: A Guide to Sharing Food and Fellowship

October 15, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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Hospitality is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. From the Old Testament to the New, we see examples of people opening their homes and sharing meals with others. These acts of hospitality provided physical nourishment and helped create strong bonds of community and friendship. Read more

Tips for Writing a Food Column for Faith Based Publications

October 8, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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One of the most significant challenges of being a food writer in a religious publication is adhering to religious dietary requirements. Different religions have different dietary laws and restrictions that are fundamental to their beliefs and practices. As a food writer in a religious publication, you need to be well-versed in these dietary requirements and ensure that your recipes adhere to them. I have started a collection of books on religions, as well as the trusty internet to use as reference for this specific topic. Read more

Can Religion Make Us Better Stewards for the Planet?

October 1, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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Can the world's religions save the planet? Can religion make us better stewards for the planet? What are some lessons on food production and the environment that religions have taught us? As we all know, food production significantly impacts the environment. Cultivating, harvesting, and processing crops and animal products affects land use, water resources, soil quality, and biodiversity. But how can religions contribute to mitigating these impacts? Many religions emphasize the value of nature and the importance of preserving it. Religious teachings can inspire individuals and communities to take action to reduce the negative impact of food production on the environment. In this article, I will hopefully answer some of these questions as I explore how religions can make us better stewards for the planet while teaching us how to reduce the impact of food production on the environment. Read more

7 Ways Food Can Highlight National Good Neighbor Day

September 24, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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National Good Neighbor Day is a day that is celebrated every year on September 28th. This day was created to encourage people to be better neighbors and to build stronger communities. One great way to celebrate this day is by sharing food and fun with your neighbors. Some National Good Neighbor Day food ideas will help you unite your community. Read more

The Debate Over GMOs

September 17, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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The ethical debate surrounding the use of GMOs is centered on the question of whether it is morally justifiable to alter the genetic composition of living organisms. Critics argue that the use of GMOs is unethical because it involves tampering with the fundamental building blocks of life, and that such activities amount to assuming the role of a higher power by taking control over nature. Furthermore, they contend that the long-term effects of GMOs on the environment and human health are not yet fully understood, and that we should not be willing to risk causing irreversible harm. On the other hand, proponents of GMOs argue that they are crucial to addressing the global food crisis. With a burgeoning population, the demand for food is increasing, and traditional farming methods are no longer sufficient. GMOs can help to increase crop yields and make food production more efficient. Additionally, they argue that the use of GMOs can reduce the need for harmful pesticides and herbicides, which can be detrimental to both the environment and human health. Read more

What Does Saying Grace Actually Accomplish?

September 10, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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But does saying grace actually make the food taste better? Some people believe that it does. There's something about taking a moment to slow down and give thanks that can make us more mindful of the experience of eating. When we're more mindful, we tend to enjoy our food more. So, in a way, saying grace can enhance the eating experience. Of course, not everyone believes in the power of grace. Some people see it as a meaningless ritual, or a way of imposing religion on others. And that's okay. There's no right or wrong way to approach grace. If it's something that resonates with you, then go ahead and say it. If not, then don't. Read more

How to Show Gratitude Through Cooking

September 3, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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Cooking with gratitude can help you slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday tasks. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to appreciate the little things. Preparing a meal is an opportunity to slow down and be present in the moment. By expressing gratitude for the food we are about to serve, we can cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for all the blessings in our lives. In my own experience, I lost sight of this in my career in the restaurant industry, but fortunately regained the appreciation for God's intentions with me after I became a chef in the senior living industry. Read more

Tracing Religion’s Journey Along the Spice Routes

August 27, 2023 By Chef John Politte

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To understand religions' journey along the spice routes, we need to consider the region and scope of the spice routes. The spice routes were a sea and land trade network between ancient and medieval times. Read more