Walter Rhett: Food for Thought

[DemocratsForProgress]

Holidays have traditions of food where somehow the sun, rain and soil provide a harvest of many of our favorites, to which we mix in other ingredients, add heat or cold, and share. Many of our gifts originate far beyond our reach–as food begins with sun and rain. (Yes, I know about grow lights, and drip irrigation, and the goodies in Denver!) And much of what we grasp tightly, maybe we should let go.

My case in point begins with Mrs. Lucy Washington, the head cook at the black, segregated elementary and high school I attended. I love food, and Mrs. Lucy Washington cooked food that I loved. Her school lunches were better than anybody’s cooking that I knew in the whole world.

My mother, never jealous or put off by my praise and devotion to Mrs. Washington’s school lunch, was eager to hear as I got off the school bus the epicurean delight of the day. My mother took an active interest in this high point because she, too, loved food, loved me, and believed in my judgment and taste. So empowered, together we shared, revered and celebrated the gifts of Mrs. Lucy as I described her daily triumphs in the school cafeteria.

Mrs. Lucy Washington was a cook who could cook. She brought something special to the process that magically transformed the outcome...

More at: http://www.democratsforprogress.com/2014/01/01/food-for-thought-2/