By Apollo Woods
Cooking, in my family, has always been more than just preparing a meal—it’s a way of keeping our family’s spirit alive. Growing up, the kitchen was the heartbeat of our family, where love was expressed through the meals we ate and colorful stories told. My desire to cook was shaped by the two most influential women in my life: my mother and maternal grandmother.
My grandmother was an incredible cook, feeding her family of 12 with seemingly effortless grace. There was no alarm clock. Only the smells of country sausage and biscuits. I don’t know if she loved being in the kitchen, but I know Granny loved serving her family. My Grandfather was a happy recipient while he sat by, sipping sweet tea in his coveralls after working long shifts at Halliburton. Granny never seemed to tire of cooking for us, and she did it all with a sense of purpose. Her food wasn’t just sustenance—it was an act of love, a way of caring for her family.
My mother learned how to cook from her, and she passed on that same love of food to me. One of my earliest memories is sneaking into the kitchen to make my mom breakfast. Without permission, I whipped up one massive pancake, which ended up being the size of a medium pizza! I’m sure I left the kitchen a mess, but looking back, it’s clear that those moments were about more than just the food—they were about learning, bonding, and showing my love in the way I knew how. At an early age, I learned to equate cooking as an act of service.
As I grew older, my connection to the kitchen deepened. In college, I found myself longing for my mother’s cooking—her famous potato salad, baked beans, and perfectly tender oven-cooked ribs. These were more than just dishes; they were reminders of home, of belonging, and of a family history passed down through generations. Recreating those recipes helped me feel connected to them, even when we were miles apart.
What I’ve learned from both my grandmother and my mother is that cooking is about more than just feeding people. It’s about creating moments where we can come together, sit around the table, and share our lives. In every recipe passed down, there’s a story—a piece of family history preserved in flavors and techniques. Cooking binds us to the past and gives us a way to pass on our traditions to future generations.
The value of food in our family goes beyond the kitchen. It’s about connection, love, and legacy. Whether I’m making my mother’s cornbread dressing or experimenting with a new recipe, I’m reminded that the food we share reflects who we are and where we come from. Food culture has the power to create lasting family and friendship bonds, preserving not only recipes but the memories that come with them.
In my family, cooking is more than just a friendly competition—it’s a way of life, powered by purpose and driven by love.
