Food Memories - what are they?
Food memories are some of the most evocative that can conjure up vivid memories from way back into childhood. Michele Di Pietro (@mangiawithmichele) and I discussed the phenomena of food memories and exactly why they are so important.
We share and discuss some of our own vibrant food memories in this episode and delve into the science behind food memories.
We talk about some of our favorite Italian recipes like pasta alla carbonara and go into why some cooks like to modify this classic recipe and others are diehards and stick strictly to the original. So much of it relates back to our food memories and our vision of what that, and other recipes, should be.
Useful links from today's podcast
Wild Chokecherry jelly
Wild Chokecherry honey
Taste aversion.
The Omnivorous Mind: Our Evolving Relationship with Food, by John Allen.
Why food memories are so powerful.
Food, memories and aging.
Classic recipe for pasta alla carbonara.
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About Michele
Michele Di Pietro is a New York City Italian American food influencer who has been in the food business for decades. Find her on Instagram, where many of you probably already know her as @mangiawithmichele. Mangia with Michele is the expression of her lifelong passion for Italian ingredients, foods, recipes, culture & traditions – all with an innovative & aspirational twist.
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I'm really enjoying your podcast! I have had many experiences with food memories, so many surrounding my grandmother who was an exceptonal cook (especially around holiday food and dessert.) Strong garlic in pasta sparks memories of Italy, pastries remind me of trips to England and France, even salty peanuts will conjur up eating lunch on the playgroud in elementary school.
I am a plein air painter and when I am painting on site I spend several hours just observing my subject while I sketch and paint. Later, even years later, when I look at a painting it brings up all the memories I made while painting it, whether it was hot or breezy, the smell of sea or green grass and sounds of birds or traffic, sometimes an interaction with a person walking by or an insect or lizard running over my foot. It reminds me of that same sensation when eating something and being immediately taken back to another place in time. Can't wait to keep listening!
Hi Leslie,
First of all I’m so pleased that you are enjoying the podcast! It’s new so spread the word to anyone you think might be interested – the more the merrier!
I love your reflections on the food memories episode. My memories of course are all food related but I can see that for you, as a painter, your life reflections are related to painting. It’s fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing!