The Significance Of the Casserole

 

     There are several ways to comfort someone in a time of need- a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a simple kind word. When none of these apply: bring a casserole.

      Being from the small town of Madeira Park, B.C., on the Sunshine Coast, you know everybody, and everybody knows you. Especially when your dad was one of eleven siblings, all but four were fishermen in those waters.  A small fishing community, where the passing and returning of casserole dishes were practically as frequent as brushing your teeth or tying your shoes. 

     The casserole signifies the intent of feeding or replenishing the soul. Its levels of carefully constructed ingredients bring nourishment to the body and a gift of time for the individual. It is a warm hug with no embrace and an offering of "I am here for you" when words do not meet these needs. Its layers of love, kindness, and something new to either console the hurting heart or to celebrate a big win. 

     When you feed someone's mind and body in torment, they can begin to heal. When feeding in celebration, you can provide the soul with other happiness, full bellies, and satisfied smiles. 

     A casserole in my family could also resemble other traditions in other cultures- for example, the potluck. Every person brings one big dish, of one kind of food for all to share- a gift of time and nourishment. Whether its a barbeque or a funeral, all people, with their dishes, feel like they are contributing in some way.

     It also has its emotional benefits-a connection with the old and new. That old recipe was brought out to celebrate the birth of a new family member. The old friend that just moved into their new house; a housewarming gift of a new dish, fully primed with the casserole. 

     Moving cultural traditions can also bring comfort and ease to an unfamiliar situation, such as moving to a new country and bringing a signature dish of your family to your neighborhoods block party- comfort from home and sharing traditions with others. Mine: is being with my Granny in the kitchen making relish as a kid. My half-pint Granny, 4 ft 8 at best, with her enormous pot of sweet ingredients simmering on the stove. The flipped-over wood crate was strategically placed in front of the stove for her to reach and stir safely. I can still smell the relish aroma, wafting through the air like my smoke-filled clothes after a long weekend camping in the bush. When that batch of greatness was complete, it was topped on a juicy plump hot dog. A hot dog with relish still reminds me of her this many years later.

     Being from a small fishing community, seafood of any kind reminds me of home. Nothing was better than waking up at the crack of dawn, setting the nets for spot prawns, collecting the much-anticipated feast, and proceeding back to gather with your fishing family for a communal dinner with the catches of the day. 

     The casserole also provides a strong social connection. Whether in good times or in bad- we need people, and people need food. So, connecting with your friends, family, or community is uplifting through conversation and cuisine. You are listening to stories from your elders and peers. The little cousins and nieces are delighted to inform you of the details of the upcoming dance recital. Alternatively, your great Aunt is beaming with pride with her recent find at the local thrift store. The connection is between sitting down to eat, enjoying the food, conversing, and giving someone your undivided attention; a great gift of relations.  

     Recipes also play a significant part in the passing of traditions. For example, we have a casserole in my family that my grandma made, then my mom, and now I make it for my family. "Mom, please bring a casserole", is my grown son's habitual request upon visits with him. So that recipe is embedded in my mind- just the way mom and grandma made it. 

     Every ingredient brings together a magnificent dish of love and familiarity. Every time, a recipe repeats the same plate, with the same ingredients and instructions. It keeps my Granny's relish legacy alive and teaches the young old traditions and keeps them going. My little recipe box is busting with cards that I connect to many different people in my life. Even when they are not around, the recipe is always with me.

     If you ever invite me over, I will bring a casserole. If you lose a loved one, I will bring a casserole. Have you got a new promotion? You guessed it; you are getting a casserole. It is my way of connecting with you, no matter your state. 

     Now, hug me and get the side plates. 

    Written By Janine Reid