A recipe for troubled times

Guest Opinion

Eric Schwartz

If you read the news, use a computer to browse the Internet, watch television or listen to radio, you are bound to see the effects of one of the most difficult times our nation has faced since the Great Depression. For many of us, these hard times hit close to home as we strive to keep our businesses fluid, watch our neighbors struggling to keep current on bills and hear of others losing their homes.

We see the effects of the increasing unemployment rate, the failing banking and auto industries, the war in the Middle East and hear bad news daily about our country's increasing deficit while watching our government continue to throw money in the trash instead of giving it back to the hard-working citizens.

So it is very clear that most of us do not have to look far to see the effects that all of these issues have on us. Each day when I talk to my customers, family and friends I hear first-hand about their individual battles. I can see the increased stress levels, increasing marital troubles and health issues related to stress and a general feeling of being stuck and powerless to change anything. It seems all we can do is batten down the hatches, tighten our belts and simply hold on for the ride.

Well, I am not an economist, not the CEO of a big multinational company nor an expert on international affairs, so I will spare you any more of my opinions on how to fix the world. What I am is a chef with what I think is a great recipe for some simple stress relief.

The recipe is not my recipe but one that is written in the memories and cookbooks of families all over the world for many years. It is simple and nourishing and it reads like this:

Ingredients:

1 part good food

1 part family and friends

1 part comfortable surroundings

1 part good conversation

1 part fond memories

1 part laughter

Optional ingredients:

Good music

Picnic table

Neighbors

Sunshine

And did I say family?

As a nomad who has traveled most of his life working in different parts of the country as a professional chef, I often found myself living far away from close friends and family. I spent many holidays cooking in shelters for the homeless as my way of giving back and helping, while thinking about my family all gathered together around the table back home. I could clearly see visions of my mom scurrying around the kitchen and bringing big platters of food to the table, my brother and sister cracking jokes and laughing about the stupid things we did as kids and my brother-in-law and nephew sneaking off to the back bedroom to catch the game. In my imagination, I even could smell the food.

In later years and with my own family and extended family, I always stressed how important those times are. I always encouraged family dinners and get-togethers, not only on holidays but as often as possible and always remembered to invite my friends who might not have had anyone to share those times with.

I remember those times as some of the most enjoyable and comforting times in my life. It is for this reason I pass along this recipe for those who have either gotten away from or never realized the importance of enjoying good food, family and friends as a way to keep grounded and settled during an otherwise crazy and difficult time in our country.

Whether cooking your favorite recipes at home or getting together at a local restaurant for a family style meal, I assure you there is nothing you possibly could do to help forget the stresses of life that works quite as well as being with those you love, sharing a great meal in a great place and sharing good conversation and memories of good times past.

If cooking for yourself, cook healthy comforting foods, use great local ingredients and cook the things you love the most. Take the time to treat yourself, your family and your friends. I encourage you to share in the preparation process, talk and laugh, reminisce about old times, share a glass of good wine or cold beer from a great local winery or micro-brewery and then sit down together and enjoy.

So, what are the ingredients?

The recipe is simple: outstanding foods utilizing great local ingredients, gathering family and close friends, comfortable surroundings at home, a local park with a barbecue or a great local restaurant, great conversation with people you care about and sharing fond memories and laughter. It simply doesn't get any better and this is a great way to settle your stomach and your heart.

I wish you all happy, healthy and prosperous times.

Eric Schwartz, a classically trained chef, owns Olympic Restaurant Equipment Inc. in Sequim. His website is www.olympicrestaurantequipment.com.