Updated: Aug. 12, 2023
Originally Published: May 9, 2023
I can’t whip up a meal without reaching out to my mom for a little culinary guidance—whether it’s to confirm I have the right ingredients, the best pan, or if I’ve set the oven to the correct temperature. My mom is a phenomenal cook, with her chicken parmigiana standing out as a true masterpiece. And let’s not even get started on her homemade pizza; Christmas Eve simply wouldn’t feel the same without it! Honestly, I’m convinced she could open a pizzeria and make a fortune.
What strikes me the most about my mom’s cooking style is her intuitive approach. She has plenty of well-loved cookbooks, but whenever we chat, she shares wisdom from her experiences instead of just rattling off a recipe. It’s all about feeling the dish, and that’s something I’ve taken to heart as I navigate parenting my three kids.
Raising my little ones often reminds me of the selflessness my mom exhibited while raising me and my siblings. Sure, I’m sure she had her tough days—everyone does—but she was always present, driving us to activities, tackling mountains of laundry, and somehow knowing exactly what we needed, even during those tricky teenage years when we were less than forthcoming. Sometimes I find myself thinking, “This is probably karma for how I treated her,” but more often than not, I think, “I could’ve handled that better—like Mom would have.”
Her role as a grandmother seems tailor-made for her, and she sets such a high bar—not just in cooking but in everything. If you dropped me in a kitchen with some eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese, sauce, and chicken, I’d probably manage to make a decent chicken parmigiana. But let’s be real, I’d much prefer having my mom’s expert advice to create something that even remotely resembles her delicious version.
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In summary, my mom has taught me that cooking—and parenting—are about more than just following a recipe. They’re about instinct, love, and a healthy dose of experience, not to mention the occasional phone call for reassurance.