Encouraging a New Year of Culinary Blessings

As we ring in the new year, I must admit that 2022 was an incredible year. I experienced with my team many opportunities where food, teamwork, creativity and growth came as true blessings. It was also one of the hardest years for me personally and professionally; however, at the end of it, I feel stronger.

For those of you who may know me, I love celebrating the culinary experience. Sharing food is a portrayal of my love language. Breaking bread is the best way to describe it. The urban dictionary defines breaking bread as “affirming trust, confidence and comfort with an individual or group of people. Breaking bread has a notation of friendliness and informality, derived from the original meaning regarding sharing the loaf. A. We all came to my home to break bread and share stories.”

Today, I want to also share what I call “Culinary Blessings.” My team often sees me walking into the kitchen with a big smile on my face. That often means, “Here we go again!”

Yes, someone is in need of a culinary blessing.

We have had families that:

• Have lost loved ones.
• Are sick with a cold, flu or COVID and in need of soup.
• Have cancer and require broths, smoothies and low-sugar and spiced meals to get through the day of treatment or even transitioning.
• Team member has had surgery and we need to send home food.

Let us reflect on December. In one day, I was so honored to receive a call from Sheri Heiney, the CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.  She spoke of a woman in need of meals who was homebound. This particular individual did not sign up for a holiday meal delivery. Sheri and her husband, John Heiney, were contacted by the Sacred Heart Church. Sheri then knew who to call – Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events. We communicated with our staff and put together nine meals, fresh fruit, snacks and a freshly baked pie. My husband, Richard, and I delivered the meals to her after church. It was an amazing Culinary Blessing.

On the same day, my friend Carrie Ann Apap came into our venue with her annual gifting to provide a meal to the Prescott Area Shelter Service. (PASS) Our company provides a monthly meal and some additional services. This is another Culinary Blessing.

One of our team members, Chef Charles, mentioned to me that he has not had a Christmas off in more than 10 years. Chef Charles is a hard-working single parent to a great teenage son. Yes, you called it, Chef Charles was given the day off to be with his son and family. That was my Culinary Blessing to him.

As a community, I encourage all of you to assist with paying it forward and creating Culinary Blessings for neighbors, co-workers, family, friends and local non-profits.

It does not cost a lot to create a meal and share it with others.

I would love to hear from our community the Culinary Blessings that are created. You can email me at goodsfromgarden@gmail.com as well as post on our Facebook page: Goods From the Garden.

May 2023 be a year of love, happiness, joy, prosperity, togetherness, trust and Culinary Blessings! QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering & Events and The Natural Healing Garden.