Stephanie Bane, Batesville, IN
When it comes to food, I'm the right person to talk with.
When I was younger, this was not the case. As a child, I hated when my mom made dinner. I did not enjoy eating anything other than bologna and Spaghettio's – which could not even be considered real food. When I grew up, I realized I missed out on incredible food experiences.
Growing up, dinner consisted of a big meal with mashed potatoes, steak or chicken, vegetables and bread. I never really thought much about the significance of this meal; it was always just the norm. Once I came to college, I realized the role food plays in life. My freshmen year I was very homesick – and I found myself ordering foods at restaurants my mother used to cook to get my fix.
People oftentimes don't stop and pay attention to the social and emotional value that food holds for them. It seems that every function, business or social, always has some type of food being offered. People love to eat. People also love to talk about eating.
After opening my eyes and taste buds to this new unexplored food territory, I started trying everything new that I could. I tried sushi for the first time and I began to eat Mexican, Thai, and other ethnic foods. Although they were something new and delicious, I still found myself wanting the food I grew up eating. Nothing beats homemade mashed potatoes, corn and other country cooking we used to have.
I've slowly realized that cooking is a calming experience, and it's nice to do after a long, busy day. There's something comforting about creating your own meal, rather than putting a TV dinner in the microwave.
When it comes to learning how to cook, I look to Rachael Ray and my Mom. Ray has this incredible ability to make delicious food in a short amount of time. If I have a problem with something I'm cooking or need some tips, my Mom always seems to know exactly how to help, too.
Food is a huge part of Indiana life, not just because it sustains us, but because it is a holds our culture together. It is important to remember to buy food from your local farmer's market and to grab a piece of Hoosier pie at the church social event – because why pass up something so great that's right in your backyard?
