I Love Food Series 2: A Journey of Culinary Creation and Cultural Connection
Jenny Guan
Founder of LEO | 2024 Greenleaf Center Hall of Fame Inductee | Fostering Servant Leadership Globally
Food has always held a special place in my heart. From my earliest memories, I have been captivated by the world of culinary arts and the way it can bring people together. In this series, I will take you on a journey through my experiences in cooking, exploring different food cultures, and the joy that comes from sharing delicious meals with others.
When I was a child, I discovered my love for the culinary arts while reading "Charlotte's Art Diary" by Joan McPhail Knight. The book's instructions for making French crepes inspired me to try my hand at creating them at home. I was overjoyed when my first attempt resulted in delicious crepes, and this experience sparked a deep passion for cooking within me. As a result, my focus shifted from watching cartoons on TV to avidly following cooking shows that showcased diverse cuisines from around the world, enabling me to explore various food cultures.
In the early stages of my culinary journey, I dedicated myself to mastering a range of desserts and indulged in the pleasures of afternoon tea. However, as I matured and had the chance to travel extensively, especially through more than ten cruises, I had the privilege of sampling international cuisines that combined flavors from different countries on a single ship. I relished the chance to savor Mediterranean grilled fish, Greek lamb dishes, Asian fried rice, Italian pizza and pasta, Japanese sushi and sashimi, Thai curries, Mexican tortillas, and American steak, lamb chops, leg of lamb, etc. Each dish showcased the distinctive flavors of its respective culture, tantalizing my taste buds and deepening my appreciation for the remarkable diversity found in global cuisines. Moreover, my travels took me to countless countries and regions, where I encountered memorable encounters with food. Whether it was the vibrant street food stalls or the lavish meals at the Burj Al Arab, each gastronomic experience left a lasting impression on me. It also made it possible for me to explore and experiment with creating dishes in various styles.
Within my culinary pursuits, I delved into the art of baking and preparing afternoon teas. From freshly baked cakes to delicate fruit yogurts and more, I carefully crafted each element to create a memorable experience.
Additionally, I excelled at making a variety of cold dishes, including vibrant vegetable salads bursting with colors and flavorful seafood salads. These creations showcased my unique touch. I also became proficient in making cream of mushroom soup.
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I also ventured into preparing breakfast, both Chinese and Western.?
I crafted delectable pasta dishes.
I can also make steamed dishes, stir-fried dishes, stews, and Yangzhou fried rice.
Beyond the boundaries of my kitchen, I discovered that food had a unique power to transcend language barriers and forge connections between people. Whether fluent or not, we could always find common ground and bond through the shared experience of food. For me, cooking was not merely a means to satiate hunger, but a process of creation. Every dish I prepared was an opportunity to express my creativity and passion, as well as pay homage to the art of cooking. Through my cooking, I aimed to share love and art, bringing delicious food to others and forging connections that spread happiness.
In conclusion, my culinary journey was a source of joy, connection, and personal growth. It allowed me to explore different food cultures, connect with people from various backgrounds, and express my creativity through the art of cooking. Food is a universal language that unites us all, and I am grateful for the experiences and connections it brought into my life.