Black Wood Spoon

The worn and burned wood spoons of my Black (African & African American) ancestors and my favorite culinary professionals symbolize the very things that make food scrumptious and soul-satisfying.

When my Grandmas, Mamas, and Aunties held their wood spoons, they were on a mission to prepare food that would sustain their families and neighbors. Often, they were known to ‘make-something-out-of-nothing’, because ‘nothing’ (aka ‘extremely limited resources’) was all they had. Other times, those worn and burned wood spoons indicated that an ‘inner hug’ was the main ingredient in whatever sweet treat was prepared. The aromas of favorite meals, cakes, pies, and cobblers were always compelling, but nothing ‘tasted’ better than love.

Those wood spoons transformed in the hands of my favorite culinary professionals. Suddenly, efficient movement and a deft hand took center stage. Awareness of flavor combinations, sharpened techniques, and stunning presentation were paramount. The events in a commercial kitchen seemed like an adventure, filled with camaraderie and a common purpose. Each kitchen operated with its own distinct rhythm and personality that infinitely captured my attention and stoked my passion.

Food, either savory or sweet, is not as one-dimensional as I initially believed. Food is dynamic. Food is alive. Whether presented as an ingredient, a smoothie beverage, a completed dish, or a treasured dessert, Food has a ‘voice’. Food can invite people to do more than consume out of necessity. Food can…no, wants to…invite people to enjoy it.

I accept Food’s invitation. This blog is a record of my journey to explore and enjoy Food in ways expected to shift my perspectives and impact the course of my life.

Yes. Enjoyment of Food can do that. #blackwoodspoon #bws