Is there anything that makes a house smell better than the wonderful scent of bread in the oven? I really cannot think of anything that makes a house feel more like a home.
As I prepare for our fall opening, I have been collecting and trying out recipes for my future guests (every time I make something new, my kids feel obliged to assume the role of Iron Chef judges…). I feel so lucky to be surrounded by friends and family that have been contributing their favorite recipes and sharing their talent and love of cooking. I grew up in an Irish-Italian family that LOVED food. Every memory I have involves the eating or preparing of meals. My mother always told me that the best way to learn about any culture was to sample its food first and I couldn’t agree more. I know that some people think that math is the universal language, but I disagree. I think cooking and eating bring people together more than anything else. Someone is getting married? Let’s have a feast to celebrate! Did someone die? Let’s find comfort in home-cooked meals to help us grieve. Stressful day at work? Unwind with a long dinner. The list goes on.
Baking Bread by Helen Allingham, 19th Century
Baking banana bread will always remind me of my mother. Whenever we wanted to give a Christmas gift to someone special or whenever we wanted to bring over a treat for someone in the community, my mother and I would bake banana bread. She taught me how to make her special cream cheese-chocolate chip version and I have been making the same kind ever since. I hope that when my guests sit down to eat at the inn, I can provide them with yet another special memory that will revolve around a great meal.