One of the amazing things that I’ve noticed as I’ve come to spend more time in my kitchen is that traditions follow me there, often without intent.  It is a reminder that food plays an important role in who we are and who we become.

I started to make lunch the other day based on a recipe from Hannah Marcotti.  As I was preparing it, I stuck with the basic concept but it took a twist that brought me back to my childhood.

The basic premise of the lunch I was trying for the first time was nori rolls, but not with your typical filling.  Hannah’s suggestion was actually very similar to a recent favorite snack of mine – apple slices with almond butter.  She also suggested including a leaf of romaine to get some greens in there.

As I was slicing the apples, I was reminded of a salad my mom used to make for me when she would pack my lunch for school.  Thinking about it again, I was brought back to the smell and taste of the food, the love I knew she made it with, and the room in which I ate it so many times.  I could really visualize this.  She always made me such wonderful lunches, packed with such care, and they always included a napkin note to make me smile. This lunch that I thought of was simple, healthy, and delicious – grated carrots, apples, and raisins with a dressing of orange zest and orange juice.

I realized that I had both carrots and raisins in my kitchen, so I thought, why not add those to the nori rolls?

The end result was a nori roll spread with almond butter, and then topped with a leaf of romaine lettuce, sliced apple, thinly sliced carrots (after peeling the outer layer of the carrot, I just kept going), and a row of raisins.  I rolled it up, and my first attempt at this new creation was complete.

As I sat down to eat my lunch, Chloe came over and wanted to try a bite.  She climbed up onto my lap and we enjoyed this delicious meal together.  I learned for sure that it will take practice to get the rolls tight, and I learned that the flavor of the nori will take some getting used to, but I found a reinvented version of a childhood favorite, and perhaps new traditions will blossom.

What traditions have found new life in your kitchen?

Peace, Love, and Wellness,