Food For Thought… Cooking is Therapy

Welcome to “Food for Thought… Cooking is Therapy,” a podcast connecting us with the most powerful relationship we all have, food. From our experienced team of foodies and chefs we welcome you on this culinary journey as we explore, invent and learn more with each other about how food touches our souls, fills our hearts and bodies with nutrition, comfort and wonder. Please join us in finding your inner chef….

Cast:
Jennifer Love
Ramon Martinez
Valerie Bustos
Cory Paul

Important Links:
Calfresh
VC Basic Needs
Food Pantry

I love to cook using as much as possible, straight outta my garden 👩‍🌾 I’ve been harvesting many greens lately 🍲 We are so fortunate here as our farmers markets have anything we can’t grow 👩‍🍳 this week I picked a bag of lemons 🍋 🌳 and grabbed a bunch of mint 🍃 I’m trying to cleanse and lose a few lbs 🥴 At the moment I’m cooking up some veggie chowder 🥣 the aromatherapy is a delightful smell of onions n garlic 🥰 Have a great weekend all ⛅️
– Jennifer Love

There’s something so special about cooking that has turned it into something that is more than just a hobby or a chore to some people. I use it as a therapeutic escape, as a place where I can unwind and forget about all the stress in my life. I get stressed when there’s other people in my space because my kitchen is very small. Even though I like to be alone in the kitchen, I love cooking for my nieces and nephews. There is something so special about seeing the smiles on their faces, so content with the smallest of things. Whether it’s mac n’ cheese, a quesadilla, or even a simple fried egg they are always so appreciative and thankful for everything I do for them and It makes me so happy.
– Ramon Martinez

I love to cook ,but when I can not, I look for good food with good ingredients.  My favorite food is Indian food. I have not been successful in making it myself, but I continue to learn about new recipes. I learned to cook from my grandmother. She taught me to measure things out when baking, which I do not bake. My aunt is the baker. I enjoy creating food for friends who want home cooked food. I am famous for my burgers and my eggs and potatoes! Cooking makes me feel good, and I am able to share it with friends.  What makes you  warm the soul and makes me feel close to my grandmother who passed away in Oct 2011. We did everything together. What makes you feel good? Is it a feeling or a particular smell of something cooking? Stews.
– Cory Paul

Cooking is definitely something I have a love hate relationship with. I am a baker at heart so measuring is something I value, but entering a world where you “measure with your heart” was definitely jilting. Cooking can be such a healing experience, the way we somatically move while we cook can bring such peace. Seeing the building of community through potlucks and dinners is something I always love to witness. Food is something that nourishes us all, why not use it to bring us together.

–Valerie Bustos