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I've always been food oriented. You can give me just about any treat I've ever eaten and I'll tell you a sentimental reason to explain why it appeals to me. This isn't to say that I eat my memories. It just means that the pleasant experiences of the food went a long with great times I had making or eating them.

There are snacks your grandma sets out before Thanksgiving dinner, there are bags of chips your uncle carries around in the summer, but nothing beats a good old fashioned family recipe. Take chocolate oatmeal drop cookies for example.

Did my family make up this recipe? No way. I thought so when I was little because other kids would snicker and ask "what is that?" When I pulled them out at lunch. They don't look like much, lumpy bits of fudge from the stove top quickly spooned onto tinfoil couldn't possible look like much.

But to me, they taste like Saturdays in the kitchen, my mom in a good mood. They taste like learning how to cook from her without her even realizing it. They also happen to taste like deep chocolate, bits of oatmeal and a hint of peanut butter and vanilla.

They started with those Saturdays but they've moved on to an every so often treat my sisters and I make together late at night during a game-a-thon. The memories I associate with this cookie are numerous. When I think back on them I can taste them, smell them and hear our excitement and laughter as we debate who gets to scrape the bowl, lick the spoon or clean up the crumbs.

Food is a huge part of memory. Recipes that make food are even more so because they're specific. Also because the activity of making the food is more memorable than just popping open a package. It's time spent with someone else creating food that is (cheesily enough) filled with love. There is a reason why homemade tastes better than factory. It isn't just the ingredients, it is the process.

And so, if you're interested in creating some healthy eating habits, food memories, or just good food, start working on your recipe collection. Try things out and don't worry if you get it right, just worry about having fun and eating something you'll remember later.

Learn more about this author, E. Rae Fallesen.
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