Dear Mom and Dad,
I have always prided myself on being a foodie, just like you guys. I simply love food. I find it a sensory experience: the taste of the different flavors of the dish, the sight of a beautifully plated dish, the various scents of the ingredients wafting up towards me, the textures and all of those components coming together to create a masterpiece.
This love of food all stems from you and how you made me into who I am today. I am so thankful that growing up I ate so many different cuisines for dinner and learning how to cook for myself. Thanks to you I understand why Remy in Ratatouille is so passionate about food and why, to this day, this is my favorite Pixar film.
Not only do you both make these wonderful dishes, but you both have always been willing to explain what is going into each meal, so I've learned how to properly debone a chicken and the best way to make a pie crust.
Even though I love some of our more intricate dinners, like brisket or quiche, some of my favorite meals have been breakfast for dinner (like a Taylor Ham Sandwich) or a simple spaghetti and meatballs. But without exception all these meals have been made from scratch and with your love.
My favorite memories growing up are when I was allowed to help in the kitchen. From helping Mom make cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving or finally being able to flip a pancake with Dad on a Sunday morning.
As I got older I got more adventurous. Because of you I am not a picky eater and I always try new foods. I love it when we can all try something new, like the grilled octopus we had at Christmas.
Growing up with this has shaped how I see the world and how I live my life. For that I thank you. I don't hesitate to try something new at least once, find new adventures and do something crazy. This has led me to study abroad in England this semester, make panettone and join Spoon.
I am forever grateful for the joyful memories I have with you and the rest of our family enjoying food together. Like when we all come together on Christmas or Thanksgiving to enjoy good food, good drink and great company.
If I had grown up differently, I would be a completely different person. I would be less willing to try things and more stuck in myself. So in summation: thanks Mom and Dad. I couldn't have done it without you.