Sweet Memories

I found my eyes wandering towards the bakery window of the convenience store, searching for something sweet to finish compliment the caesar chicken wrap I had just eaten for lunch. I stood, transfixed on a luscious chocolate cookie. My sweet tooth got the best of me, and before I knew it, I was trudging back up the stairs to my dorm room, cookie in tow.  

After the first bite, I felt immediately a sense of familiarity. Memories of my family and my home instantly flooded my mind. Mmmmm, the chewy chocolaty goodness took me back to the days of baking with my mom. Those brisk wintry days when I would stand on a stool next to her as she whipped up a bowl of fresh cookie dough. I always loved watching her bake. She would carefully measure out the ingredients, stir vigorously, and always offer me tastes along the way to make sure she was doing all right. She always was. Then we would roll the dough between our fingers, dip them in sugar and put them on the baking pan. Soon our house would be filled with the cozy warm scent of chocolate. Finally, the timer would ding and we would rush to the oven to view our little masterpieces. They always tasted best warm, as they were at their prime chewiness. I am often reminded of my childhood years and my baking experiences when I chomp down on a perfectly delicious cookie.  

It is amazing to me the emotions, thoughts, and memories that senses, especially taste, can evoke. Similar to the feelings felt by Marcel Proust as described in his “The Madeleine,” taking a bite of a once familiar food can completely transport one's mind and self to the past. Smelling and tasting can become reminders of past experiences that would have never have resurfaced without their aid.  Food is a key to unlocking the memory, as people often associate experiences and feelings with what they eat. Every time I take a bite of food, it is an adventure. What will I remember? What new experiences will I have? What new memories will I make? The possibilities are endless.

Photo Credit: http://www.delicedefrance.co.uk/dynamic/img/Giant%20Double%20Chocolate%20Cookie.jpg