Some fragmented thoughts on learning to eat fufu, being in the kitchen, Jesus cooking for his friends, failed Yorkshire puddings, and transformation amid COVID-19
Kitchens are safe haven for introverts. No eye contact necessary, busy hands, tiny respites from conversation to focus intently on chopping, ability to walk away from chitchat to fetch a pot...just perfect amount of human interaction for us.
Looking over the reading recs that have been shared so far, it strikes me how many of them are written by women and how few by men. Maybe this is another indication of how theology has long been seen as a field for men and the kitchen so often as a space for women, hence the disparity.
Hearing your thoughts on the theology of compost has been life-changing. Looking forward to what will come out of the theology of the kitchen. Osheta Moore’s prayer of Reconciliation Soup is just 👌🏼
I would love to read more books on the theology of food and eating and preparing food to eat as well. Please share more as you find them! I recommend Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist.
Hi Jeff, My husband is Nigerian and in over 15 years of marriage I’ve learned how to use fufu or pounded yam as a soup-delivering vehicle well enough, but I have still not mastered the art of swallowing it without chewing first. :)
Jeff, I loved this! I spent my childhood in Nigeria and your recollections brought back many wonderful memories. I'm also a doctoral student researching hospitality in the home and loved your insights on the kitchen. Now I'm musing about hospitable meal prep in Scripture...Abraham's extravagant meal, the widow of Zarepeth's meager but generous meal, the angel's meal for Elijah in the desert, and the final Banquet where God is both chef and host. So much to think about! Thank you!
I loved Barbara Kingsolver's book, Animal Vegetable Miracle: A Year of Food. It gave me lots to think about even though I am not much of a cook or gardener. I did much more local buying and cook from scratch often now. I highly recommend it.
I adore reading your newsletters, Jeff. Thank you for taking the time to write them. Top tip for your Yorkshire puddings: use plain flour and once they are in the oven don't open the door until they are done! Louise from London, UK with family in Yorkshire :)
Two thoughts: I read an article for my Intro to Worship class this week that dove into the whole economy behind the bread of Eucharists in the early church. It was really interesting to think about the whole system that got the bread to the believers, and not just the bread once it's on the altar (which is what we usually do, you're right). Secondly, the camaraderie of women in the kitchen is one of the things I miss most after my transition. I still gravitate to the kitchen at events and I'm generally welcome there, but there's a distance now there wasn't before.
I look forward to and always enjoy your newsletter. Thank you so much for suggesting Marilyn McEntyre’s book, Where the Eye Alights several weeks ago. It is lovely. Her mix of poetry and theology is beautiful. Please keep sending your newsletter. It is always such a bright spot in my day. Thank you for reminding me through the John story that we all have something to bring to the table.
Kitchens are safe haven for introverts. No eye contact necessary, busy hands, tiny respites from conversation to focus intently on chopping, ability to walk away from chitchat to fetch a pot...just perfect amount of human interaction for us.
Looking over the reading recs that have been shared so far, it strikes me how many of them are written by women and how few by men. Maybe this is another indication of how theology has long been seen as a field for men and the kitchen so often as a space for women, hence the disparity.
Tasting Grace by Melissa D'Arabian
THANK you! Jesus preparing the meal in John 21! Never have I considered this.
Take This Bread by Sara Miles. I haven't read it, but Preston Yancey's book Out of the House of Bread has always looked interesting to me as well.
Hearing your thoughts on the theology of compost has been life-changing. Looking forward to what will come out of the theology of the kitchen. Osheta Moore’s prayer of Reconciliation Soup is just 👌🏼
I would love to read more books on the theology of food and eating and preparing food to eat as well. Please share more as you find them! I recommend Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist.
Hi Jeff, My husband is Nigerian and in over 15 years of marriage I’ve learned how to use fufu or pounded yam as a soup-delivering vehicle well enough, but I have still not mastered the art of swallowing it without chewing first. :)
Hi Jeff! A long time ago when I was more naive about what could be accomplished in this world, I created a directory of food and faith resources. It's so outdated that I am going to take it down soon, but it still exists and has 70 books listed. Some may be what you seek. http://christianfoodmovement.org/directory/?gv_search=&filter_11_4=&filter_17=Book&filter_15=&mode=all
Jeff, I loved this! I spent my childhood in Nigeria and your recollections brought back many wonderful memories. I'm also a doctoral student researching hospitality in the home and loved your insights on the kitchen. Now I'm musing about hospitable meal prep in Scripture...Abraham's extravagant meal, the widow of Zarepeth's meager but generous meal, the angel's meal for Elijah in the desert, and the final Banquet where God is both chef and host. So much to think about! Thank you!
I loved Barbara Kingsolver's book, Animal Vegetable Miracle: A Year of Food. It gave me lots to think about even though I am not much of a cook or gardener. I did much more local buying and cook from scratch often now. I highly recommend it.
I adore reading your newsletters, Jeff. Thank you for taking the time to write them. Top tip for your Yorkshire puddings: use plain flour and once they are in the oven don't open the door until they are done! Louise from London, UK with family in Yorkshire :)
Jeff, Have you read "Food and Faith" by Norman Wirzba? I really appreciated his writing. From growing to preparing to eating.
Two thoughts: I read an article for my Intro to Worship class this week that dove into the whole economy behind the bread of Eucharists in the early church. It was really interesting to think about the whole system that got the bread to the believers, and not just the bread once it's on the altar (which is what we usually do, you're right). Secondly, the camaraderie of women in the kitchen is one of the things I miss most after my transition. I still gravitate to the kitchen at events and I'm generally welcome there, but there's a distance now there wasn't before.
I am always grateful when I take the time to read your Notes. I always feel spoken to and come away with fresh thoughts on a subject.
Also, I would totally tune in to a Jeff Chu cooking show ;)
Jeff,
I look forward to and always enjoy your newsletter. Thank you so much for suggesting Marilyn McEntyre’s book, Where the Eye Alights several weeks ago. It is lovely. Her mix of poetry and theology is beautiful. Please keep sending your newsletter. It is always such a bright spot in my day. Thank you for reminding me through the John story that we all have something to bring to the table.