Possessing Passion

I have been told by my father that the first word to come out of my mouth when I was a wee, little tot was "food". No joke. Surprisingly enough, I didn't find this tidbit of information out until a few years ago. Had I known sooner, I probably wouldn't have spent tens of thousands of dollars at a private photography school and would have instead invested in a culinary education. With that being said... I have come to the conclusion that food is most definitely my passion. 

Finding one's passion is a daunting task that seems impossible if one is searching for it. Unfortunately, many of us will never have the opportunity to experience what it means to be truly passionate about something. It isn't a trade or a skill that one can learn overnight, nor is it something you can force to make happen. Passion resides deep in one's heart and soul. For those few who are fortunate to discover their passion, they hold the key to a happy and ultimately fulfilling life.

One can be passionate about their job, their children, their cat, or even themselves. But to be truly passionate about something you must be compelled by whatever it is you are passionate about. These strong feelings can tend to take over oneself and either lead to a positive reception or one that turns into an obsession. 

For me, food is something that I must surround myself with. It is something that I feel I must give to others in order to satisfy not only their needs, but my own. Sometimes I get so caught up in food that I easily lose sight of how lucky I am to even have food in the first place. Hunger is the single greatest threat to the world's public health. It is reported that six million children die of hunger each year. I could easily drive myself and others crazy if I let these facts sink in too deeply.

I must realize and accept that I am a fortunate one... I am an American. I am female. But I am not privileged solely because of these qualities. They have helped in making my path an easier one, but my drive and determination has allowed me to overcome challenges that society has also placed in my path. My passion has allowed me to be successful and say "Thank you" out loud to whom ever is listening. 

In my line of work (private chef), I tend to cook for my clients with only the finest ingredients, the most expensive ingredients. In general, it is easier and more cost effective to purchase produce and protein from a one-stop shop like the national grocery chain instead of hunting around for local, sustainable and organic foods. But does the food taste the same? Of course not.

Mass produced food lacks quality control and care of how it is grown. The food is made with the idea that it must hold up and appeal visually to the common housewife who is purchasing food from the Super X Grocery Corp. But one thing this food lacks is... well, flavor and say, passion. So whether you purchase your food from the local farmer's market (which I recommend), or Super X Grocery Corp, remember what should be important to you: nutrition over cost; flavor over cost; environmental impact over convenience; supporting a local farmer over national grocery chains. Searching your heart for what matters to you is where you will find the answer.

So whether your passion is kitty cats or cooking, or if you are still searching, remember not to lose sight of the big picture. Remember to give lots of thanks and love to those around you. Ultimately, those things will lead you on the path that will be sure to find positive emotions. 

A few of my PASSIONS...

My first word... "Food". My love of food sets me free.

Family (this is my daddy in my Nanny's country kitchen)

Music moves my soul just like food. (Lykke Li concert in Seattle, WA)

One of my favorite places on Earth, the desert. Solitude forces me to be grounded, which in turn reminds me of all the passionate people, places and things around me.

passion fruit champagne cocktail

by Nirasha Holcomb

serves 6

3 passion fruit, cut in half and pulp removed

6 oz St. Germain Elderflower liquor

1 bottle champagne

Divide the passion fruit pulp between six champagne flutes. Top each flute with one ounce St. Germain Elderflower liquor. Finish off with the bubbly!