More Than Just a Morning Brew: How Coffee Connected Us
Rituals
There's something about the aroma of freshly brewed coffee that does more than just wake me up. It takes me back. Back to early mornings, the kind where the sun was just starting to paint the sky, sitting in the kitchen with my mom. Before I’d head off to my grandpa’s butcher shop –, for a long day taking care of customers in their culinary journey. We had a ritual, Mom with her trusty percolator (a cherished gift from her mother-in-law, my wonderful grandma), and two steaming mugs.
Storytime
That percolator wasn't just a coffee pot; it was a storyteller. As it gurgled and hissed, filling the kitchen with that rich, comforting scent, my mother would share tales. Stories of my grandparents, their lives, their laughter, their challenges. We’d sit there, sipping on good, strong coffee – the kind that felt like a warm hug – and nibbling on her homemade cranberry and almond biscotti, perfectly crisp and just sweet enough. Those moments, those conversations, that was the real "pick me up." The coffee was the catalyst, the warm companion to connection. It was never just about the caffeine; it was about the shared time, the stories woven into the steam.
Memories
That feeling, that comforting expectation around coffee, is so deeply rooted in my memory. I can still hear my grandma – the very same one who gifted that percolator – her voice clear as day after a big holiday feast, "Anyone for a cup of coffee?" It was the signal for the next, equally cherished part of the meal. Out would come the platters piled high with Italian Wedding Cookies (those little lemon-drop anginetti!), delicate pizzelles dusted with powdered sugar, the sweet rolls of kohlachi (try Buttermaid Bakery!), and a delightful parade of other homemade sweets. Each one a perfect dance partner for that hot, dark cup of coffee that capped off those amazing, joy-filled holiday dinners.
It’s funny how a simple beverage can hold so much, isn't it? It's more than just beans and water. It’s a thread connecting generations, a warmth shared, a comforting presence in the best of times.
What are your cherished coffee memories? The Foodie Box Love team would love to hear them- over a cup of coffee of course :)