There is something comforting knowing our kitchen is stocked a tiny bit less than it was a day back. There are fewer serving spoons, two pans and one pot less, some spice jars gone filled with turmeric, red chilli powder, mustard seeds and cumin seeds. These old-timers have traveled a couple of thousand miles accompanying the young miss to her college campus.
Could she have bought all new kitchenware and spices? Yes, of course. But maybe she chose to be practical and frugal. The year 2020 had taught her to shop less, cook more, appreciate nature and survive online college tests with Mom’s medical device work conversations in the background, wafting up into her room! As the pandemic caused economic upheaval across the globe, we often underscored the fact how blessed we were, to be in good health and employed.
I also like to think that she wanted to pick from Dad and Mom’s kitchen because it would be like having a piece of home away from home. The pasta and paneer curry and omelette would somehow taste like it was made-in-Irvine. In all the uncertainty and stress surrounding in-person instruction, masks, travel, not meeting friends – any comfort would be welcome.
As a young adult, I too had stayed away from home for college, but not with a full-fledged kitchen at my disposal. Not that I would have made the most of it if I indeed have access to one, since cooking is neither my passion nor a favorite pastime! My own first kitchen setup was as a newly-wed in a new country. My trousseau did not include any “used” items from my family’s kitchen, though I did gladly inherit some of my grandmother’s steel cookware and Mom’s china over the years.
I wonder what from our family kitchen today will eventually make its way to the Gen-Z home in a few years. The china, some silverware, spices and Dad’s passion for desserts for sure. My circular rosewood block and rolling-pin to make Roti most likely not, as that art is already being perfected by So Cal tortilla manufacturers. Only time will tell….
~AK Irvinekar
Very nice. Totally agree on the emotional connect with pots and pans. I got my grandma’s porcelain pickle jar with me when I got married. I still use it very fondly.
👍🏼 fond memories and simple pleasures! Glad you made a connection.
What a lovely and heartfelt reflection, Archana! The fondness for your young miss and the appreciation for these “old-timers” is palpable, like a cashmere shawl gently placed on the shoulders. Your writing makes me feel warm from the inside out 🙂
Mel, your review/response is as charming as ever 🤗
Loved the twist at the start and the touching story. Many thoughts conveyed so nicely in one blog. The unique changes that 2020 is bringing to our lives. Even as Gen Z choose a different lifestyle going forward, they will still have something to carry with them from home kitchen – comforting and providing them.
Appreciate the thoughtful feedback Shilpa! And like we had Ruchira/other cookbooks Gen Z could have digital photo journals 😋
May be Gen Z won’t have a home kitchen! They are already talking I just blue-aproned my meal , netflix-ed one movie and uber-ed to office.
Hmmm….but not if Master Chef has his way 😀
Awesome start to the blog! I was wondering why is it comforting to have less 🙂
Having a piece of home away from home says it all ❤️
Indeed very touching!
The hook worked 😉 Thanks Reshma for the note!
Aww.. So touching!
I think parenting makes one more self-aware!