Is Creamed Corn the Reason Why I Cook?

This is coming at you a day late but it’s here. Enjoy!

Why do we cook? This is a question many have been asked with varying answers. Of course, the easy answer is because we need sustenance. While reading, Why We Cook by Lindsay Gardner, she asks other women chefs, home cooks, writers, etc. that age-old question, why do we cook? The answer most offer is not about the nutritional value but rather how others enjoy it-seeing people enjoy what was prepared. 

Since venturing off on my own, I have always enjoyed sharing the food I loved growing up. In college, I would have nights I would cook for my roommates and friends. The meal that stands out the most is making cubed steak and gravy with mashed potatoes and creamed corn. 

Was it my best? Absolutely not. One of my roommates called my potatoes overcooked because they were smoother than a baby’s bottom. She apologized because everyone cooks differently and I appreciate that about her. 

The cubed steak was on the tough side but the creamed corn-that was the star. At least to me. Besides it being the easiest dish to make, it is also one that can be changed simply by adding a few ingredients and cooking it differently.  

As a kid, we always had creamed corn from a can. We had access to fresh corn and would shuck it in the grandparentals living room but we never made creamed corn from scratch. The first time I saw how to make it not from a can was watching an episode of Jamie Oliver, a British chef and tv personality. I was immediately thankful for using canned cream corn- work smarter, not harder. 

My mom elevated it by adding sugar (we love a little sweet and savory) and flour to thicken it. It was put into a glass loaf pan and baked in the oven for about 30-45 minutes. It would be browned on the top and sides of the glass. I loved the way the spoon broke the top and out came this steaming hot golden creamy goodness with a slight crunch. I suppose you could say it was like corn pudding. 

The creamed corn was the one dish I knew I wouldn’t mess up; after all, it is cooked already. The joy it brings me to take something like canned creamed corn and add a few ingredients to make it better is why I cook. Making something your own and sharing it with people who love and appreciate the effort even if it’s not their bag is what life is all about-to me anyway. Even better if they actually like it. 

I guess creamed corn from my childhood taught me to be creative. Who knew?

What dish made you realize the reason you cook? 

Until next time,

Xoxo~Christilisa

P.S. If you have not watched Everything Everywhere All At Once, do it now! It honestly was the most unique film I have seen in years. It made me laugh, cry and contemplate. It is a family love story in a sci-fi film.