Something that makes you think of me...

and makes me think of you.

We take a bite of the fragrant homemade curry (or insert any comfort meal), close our eyes, nod a little, and chew, mesmerized, before finally letting out “now, that is the taste of home.” What do we mean when we describe a taste as home? Nostalgia is both psychological and biological, and food becomes the vessel of so much healing power especially when we are lonely, dispirited, and homesick.

“Food memories are more sensory than other memories in that they involve all five senses, so when you’re thoroughly engaged with the stimulus, it has a more powerful effect,” explains Susan Whitborne, professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Massachusetts¹. The conditioning that links food to certain nostalgic feelings is reinforced when so many senses are triggered.

Food is not just the filler for our survival. Its memories and tastes are shaped by the ambiance under which food is enjoyed –– the warm gathering of people, the environment, and the emotions.

When Salma texted me about how she missed me and that my poem (from my last newsletter) made her buy matcha powder, I begin to think of ways we could remember our friends and loved ones when they are spatially far away. Perhaps we can recreate our connections and feel each other’s presence in more endearing ways by performing an action or doing something that’s quintessentially them.

Making a matcha latte has long been my daily ritual in the morning. Back in Ohio, I shared my enthusiasm for matcha with many good friends and loved making it. The process of infusing flavors, heating up soy milk, shaking and mixing simple ingredients, and creating a final rich, creamy texture feels so pleasant and grounding.

Here is my very simple matcha latte recipe that does not require a whisk. :)

Tools you need:

• a mason jar or a wide-mouth cup with a lid

  • the recipe yields ~ 500 ml (2 cups) of matcha latte, so make sure your container is big enough

• a mug for heating up the soy milk inside a microwave

• 100% matcha powder

• honey or maple syrup (I prefer honey)

• boiled water

• your choice of dairy (I use soy milk)

Steps:

1. boil some water

2. heat 1 mug full of soy milk in the microwave for 2.5 minutes

   1. adjust the time depending on the prowess of your microwave; just make sure it doesn’t overheat and overspill

3. scoop ~ 1 tsp of matcha powder into your mason jar

4. add enough water to cover the bottom of the mason jar (not a whole lot, just eyeball 2 to 3 tbsps)

5. twist the lid back on and shake vigorously

6. add soy milk to the matcha-powder-water mixture in mason jar; stir

7. add honey (I usually squeeze lightly for 3 seconds worth of amount); stir

8. add some cold soy milk so it doesn’t burn your tongue!

9. taste & more honey maybe?

I asked Salma about the simple rituals she practices that I could integrate into my life to feel closer to her, and this is what she shared:

1. First thing after waking up –– express gratitude for being alive and a beautiful day ahead;

2. Leave a place encouraging ourselves “Let me come back to this room better than I’ve left it.”

Something Roman shared that also resonated deeply with my heart:

“Give it all up, and get it all back”

–– for this world needs more unbudgeable love. When we feel betrayed, it’s not to be taken as a sign to close ourselves off but an opportunity to re-draw boundaries and expectations for the love we also deserve.

With a warm hug,
Erica

1. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/power-of-food-memories_n_5908b1d7e4b02655f8413610#:~:text=The%20situation%20%E2%80%95%20where%20you%20were,other%20meaning%2C%E2%80%9D%20Whitbourne%20says.