Food for thought or...

Thought for food.

We often say of something that intrigues, impresses or otherwise provides us with a mental stimulus for thinking that it gives us “food for thought”. Although I am not sure where it originated, it was used already by many French authors centuries ago: Victor Hugo, Jules Verne, Alexandre Dumas.

But what about Thought for Food?

How often do we consider what food can bring to our souls? Do we consciously think whilst making that sandwich on the run that we are not only feeding ourselves, but transmitting a message as well: I am so busy that I only have time to “grab a bite”; I am not worth the effort of making something better for myself; I have no time to properly nourish myself.

We all have, at one time or the other, given a dinner party: oh the thought that goes into the planning of the menu (or the thousands of thoughts: what type of food; any known allergies; any known dislikes?). The effort and love for those that we have invited to share with them our appreciation. We don’t just throw something together do we, we actually give it a great deal of attention.

For various reasons, but mainly because a friend had been given a very encompassing cookbook many years ago by her father and have never really used it much, three of us started what we are want to label: LWL – Ladies Who Lunch. Taking turns we invite the other two to sample our efforts. Very few rules, the only true one being that at least one part of the menu has to be a recipe that one has never tried. This leads to great discoveries as well as “o.k. I’ve done that and can now throw out the recipe” moments.

Recently we had one such: the table was gorgeous, the tomato “tarte tatin” a savory marvel, the placemats a trip to the U.K. and the “Eaton Mess” very tasty indeed. Much thought went into the whole – thanks S!