Breaking Bread

Hi folks, it's Karen here. Eating is not just about nutrition. Eating, especially with others, nurtures connections, makes memories, and creates shared experiences. Very recently, two nine-year old boys reminded me of the importance of breaking bread.

My son Liam recently had one of his best friends sleep over at our house. This friend's parents emigrated here from China when they were young adults and they prepare a lot of traditional Chinese food at their house. The first time my son slept over at this friend's house, his mom said to me "Does Liam like Chinese food?" Then she added with a smile "I mean real Chinese food, not American Chinese food!" I had to admit that my son probably never had "real" Chinese food, but that he was not a picky eater and would try anything once. When I picked my son up the next day, he raved all about the Chinese food his friend's mom had made them for dinner. The dumplings were an instant favorite ;)

When it was my turn to host this friend for a sleepover for the first time, I felt some anxiety about what to make for dinner. I asked the mom and she said "He loves trying American foods. But not pizza, burgers, or hot dogs - he's had plenty of those!" I decided to go with my trusty fallback of homemade spaghetti and meatballs (not American cuisine in the true sense, but you know what I mean!) It was a big hit and my son's friend asked for pasta the next few times he slept over.

But back to the most recent sleepover at our house. I decided I'd fed this poor kid enough pasta, so I prepared mini chicken parmesan burgers (I know, they're still technically burgers. Oh, and it happens to be this week's EatWell recipe!) The friend was totally into it and excited to try something new. He even came into the kitchen to see what they were all about and watch me make them! MIC DROP on that dinner.

But it all got me thinking about how sharing food, especially when it's from different cultures, bonds us together. Every time my son sleeps over at his friend's house, I hear about all the "different" foods he ate. And the mom tells me her son does the same (I guess he also digs my chocolate chip pancakes at breakfast!) These boys are experiencing the magic that comes from breaking bread. They are learning how to share food customs and be open to new ones, while making happy memories in the process. But most importantly, they are learning that food is an essential part of connection and friendship.