Making food has been a passion of mine for many years. I
recall learning from my mother, and grandmothers’ different recipes. Many of
them were not “fancy” dishes, but delicious homecooked meals that they grew up
eating. I have fond memories now thinking back to those times. Cooking and
baking have become more than just a necessity but a spiritual practice.
While cooking for a reunion, I also offered a spiritual
practice of making biscuits. This came out of a personal experience I had
making biscuits one morning for myself. I had gathered all my ingredients and
stood at the counter measuring out each. I incorporated a few secrets that
ensured a tender biscuit with a crisp bottom and flaky layers. After I combined
the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt I began to work the cold butter
in with my fingertips – all the while staring out the window with the birds and
spring foliage in front of me. I contemplated the hands that had worked to
produce the ingredients I was using, the farmers and cows. I added the
buttermilk, mixed, rolled, and cut out each biscuit, being present with the
textures and sensations of the process. Round soft pillows of dough all lined
in rows as they entered the oven.
As they came out of the oven, I split one open and added butter
and a spread of homemade raspberry jam. For a moment I closed my eyes and smelled
the butter. I then took a bite savoring the crisp and flaky texture and the
tartness of the jam. I am thankful for the peace that filled that moment and knew
that God was there.
During this reunion experience I had the participants do the
same steps I did, being present each step of the way. They noticed the
sensations and were prayerful about the ingredients and pondering the hands
that assisted in the process. Later, as they consumed their fresh out-of-the-oven
biscuit, they were silent, filled with memories of times past with food,
families and friends. For each of them God was there in God’s own way,
providing a sense of peace, memory and nourishment.
Editors note: You can find Tyler's biscuit recipe at: MarthaStewart.com/316713/flaky-Buttery-Biscuits
