The first kitchen I worked in, outside of my mother's, was St Paul's Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran church in Leavenworth Kansas. I was lucky enough to go to grade school at one, and then attend church at the other. For reasons unbeknownst to me, I was always on "potluck detail". Read more
Food not only provided sustenance but also represented wealth, power, and social status in ancient Rome. The elites of Rome were known for their extravagant banquets, which showcased exotic foods and rare spices from across the empire. However, most of the population had limited access to such luxuries and had to rely on a more basic diet. In this post, I will attempt to explain the Roman diet during the time of Christ and how it reflected the culture and society of the ancient Roman Empire. Read more
Food can also serve as a form of worship in religion, where preparing and consuming it becomes a religious practice. A few examples include these practices by other world religions. In Hinduism, food is deemed sacred, and cooking and preparing it is considered an act of worship. The concept of prasāda, which refers to food offered to deities, is a crucial aspect of Hindu worship. In Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is considered a way of worship, where abstaining from food and drink during the day is viewed as a means of purifying the soul. Read more
Before delving into possible dishes, it is crucial to understand the cultural and culinary context of biblical times. During Jesus' era, meals were often eaten while reclining at low tables with cushions supporting their bodies. The cuisine predominantly consisted of simple ingredients such as bread, fish, fruits, vegetables, and wine. Read more
Food Deserts Another contributing factor is the prevalence of food deserts - areas where affordable and nutritious food is scarce or nonexistent. In these communities, access to fresh produce and grocery stores is limited or very costly. Instead, fast-food chains dominate the landscape, marketing affordable meal deals on junk food full of salt and fat, and offering very little in terms of nutritious options. This lack of access exacerbates food insecurity and leads to poor dietary choices. And malnutrition is as bad as hunger. The lack of education on a proper diet become a generational issue, and leads to ever increasing poor health which puts a burden on the health care industry. Read more
Food and cooking play a significant role in the Christian Bible, with many pivotal events being related to them. For instance, the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden centers around the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which as we all know, was a fruit tree. In the book of Exodus, the Israelites are led out of Egypt and sustained by manna from heaven while in the desert. Jesus, in the New Testament, is often depicted sharing meals with his disciples and performing food-related miracles, such as turning water into wine and multiplying loaves and fishes. Read more
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