Traveling offers a wonderful opportunity to discover and appreciate the culinary delights of various cultures. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting countries like China, the Bahamas, Mexico, Peru, Greece, and many regions across the United States, and I must say that some of my most cherished meals have come...

Welcome to the New Year! As you begin this fresh chapter, carve out time for meaningful conversations around the table. Choose one night each week or month that suits your schedule best for quality family time. Make it a non-negotiable commitment to prioritize time together this year. Allow your...

Gathering around the Thanksgiving table is a familiar experience for many of us, yet some may find themselves sitting alone. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your journey and consider how these meals have shaped your life. Think about the individuals who have graced your...

I grew up having dinner every evening around our family table. My mom made sure we all sat and ate together at the end of the day. So many memories were built around the table with my family that we still recall today. I don’t remember our last “family”...

Time; we either need more of it or have too much of it. Personally, there are many different areas in my life that time touches. The time it takes me to get ready in the morning, the time it takes me to sit in traffic to work, the time...

Research in psychology reveals that even when individuals express that they are full,  they still will make space for dessert. This is attributed to a phenomenon called sensory-specific satiety, where new flavors, textures, and presentations rekindle the appetite. While many shy away from baking due to the need for...

Before diving into today’s blog, I invite you to reflect on a cherished memory of a gathering that positively influenced your life. What was the event? Who attended? What made it impactful for you? A gathering is more than just providing food; it’s about creating an experience that brings...

I’ve been going to Lang Van, a small Vietnamese restaurant in Charlotte, NC since I was four years old. For as long as I can remember, it’s been more than just a place to eat—it’s been the backdrop for so many moments and milestones in my life. Over the...

Grilling is probably the one thing in the summer that consistently brings my family together for meaningful conversations. Most days, we eat together but end up too hungry from our busy lives to say much—it’s more about getting food on the table and in our bellies. But that’s what...

I’ve learned over the years that I came from a family who opened the cabinet to find the ingredients for creating what would become a meal, a special treat to bake, or to pull together a snack. This skill is one that was passed from both my parents, who...

There are things we do automatically without even thinking about it. Some things we observed as children became part of us, having grown up with them. And maybe you have grown up with traditions that you have now taken for your own. That’s happened to me when it comes to...

I come from a big family! My dad’s mom was one of nine siblings. They all grew up, married, and raised their families close to each other. There were lots of family get-togethers, but the ones I remember most were the family reunions! These events would last all weekend...