Food enhances all areas of our lives. Culinary treats are that extra added touch to every event and circumstance. Whether we are celebrating or commiserating, food is the centerpiece.

Every day of our lives we use food for so much more than the utilitarian purpose of fueling our bodies; we use it to communicate feelings and emotions and often our food choices are a clue to the intentions in our minds.

Some of the meaningful ways we use food to enhance our lives:

* Giving comfort

When individuals are sick we will come to their rescue with chicken soup. "Feed a cold" we will advise as we ply them with orange juice, hot tea and gelatin. When a child falls and skins his knee, we will offer a cookie as the cure. When a loved one suffers a broken heart, we offer a whole jar of cookies in hopes of somehow relieving the pain.

* Expressing condolence

A death in the family, a major surgery or an individual's job loss will be the impetus for sending a message of sympathy through a warm dish of lasagna, homemade bread, or the ultimate chocolate cake. When sorrow surrounds us and words fail us, food bridges the gap and reveals what is in our hearts.

* Offering congratulations

Every milestone and achievement in our lives is celebrated with themed culinary masterpieces. Weddings, baby showers, graduations, career promotions, religious ceremonies and national holidays all have at their center wonderful offerings of edible treats. More often than not, planning and preparing what will be served is the largest part of the camaraderie and excitement of the special event.

* Socially connecting

The gift of food can symbolize love, generosity, kindness, joy and nostalgia. It serves as a mood enhancer, ice breaker, tranquilizer, panacea and bonding tool for establishing and maintaining new relationships and repairing old ones, when necessary. Food fosters understanding between generations as cherished family recipes are passed down and treasured.

Food transcends cultural differences and language barriers. Regardless of our age, creed, color or gender, we all have one universal commonality; we love to communicate and share with food.

We are inveterate collectors of food related items. We will travel the country, or even the world, and accumulate recipes, menus, dishes, untensils and cookbooks to commemorate our dining experiences.

There is immeasurable educational value derived from food. We learn to cook, to measure, to plant a garden, to store properly, to embrace the healthy and reject the negative edibles of our diets. History, geography, science, politics, psychology and medicine all have food related components to their lessons.

Food is the universal language of love. "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" may not be literally true, but it is a popular adage we have grown up with and recognize by it's true meaning; offerings of food are an expression of love. How better to receive the message of "I love you" than by a hand extended our way, holding a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie still warm from the oven.

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." (Virginia Wolf)

Learn more about this author, Carol Gioia.
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