If you’ve been reading along with our newsletter long enough, you know that every once in a while, we like to wax a bit poetic about the seasons and crops they produce. If November isn’t the time for talk of food, friends, and the warmth of a full table, then surely there is no right time at all. So, in the wisdom of seasonal eating, we better get it while the gettin’s good. But first, a question – Have you looked up the definition of art lately? Let us save you some time — “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.” – That’s the Oxford English definition anyhow.
Don’t we love the sound of that? Suddenly a garden hints that it may, in fact, be art. Even a salad is under suspicion that, yes, it too, could be art.
When we scan the tables of local farms, certain seasons lend themselves to our creativity and imagination. The butternut squash serves as a canvas, pleading – “I’m a humble and versatile vegetable.” Meanwhile, persimmons strike out against assumptions as an eye-catching autumnal treat, ready to surprise and delight.
All this can sound a little heady, sure. Butternut squash as art? But really, is anything more practical and pertinent than learning to fully utilize food with skill and imagination? Maybe the skill part is the hold up. Well, if we ever have hopes of hosting Thanksgiving at our house, we better learn to baste a turkey sooner or later. Building culinary skills inspires intergenerational bonding, community building, and probably beefs up your dating profile, too. Now, if imagination is the problem – let’s sort that out right now.
Americans, and Dallasites specifically, have access to dozens of cultural influences to inspire and surprise us with flavors we couldn’t dream up. While sticking to what we know is great for expanding creativity within a genre and honing in flavors, there’s no reason to be scared to incorporate new foods into your repertoire. The one thing all great food has in common is that it starts with fresh high-quality ingredients, which is exactly what you’ll find when you shop with local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. Oh yes, we couldn’t leave out the artisans! Small-batch spice blends, sauces, and condiments, each made with a life time of skill that can only come from an authentic connection to the cultures they represent.
As we move into this season of gathering around tables, we have an opportunity to express our gratitude for one another and the meals we share. If art is using creativity and imagination to convey beauty and emotion, then every meal prepared for loved ones is a work of art.
