I learned to make chocolate chip cookies before I could reach the counter.
My mother swears that I learned to make chocolate chip cookies before I could reach the counter. She offered up this picture, circa 1973, as proof. I’m the one in the footed pajamas balancing perilously on the edge of the chair.
Later, I would discover that food was an integral part of any celebration or get together. Why not make a party out of any mundane gathering? Just add food.
For the bus ride to junior high, I organized brunch parties. Fellow riders would bring something to share. On birthdays, decorations were hung. When word got out of the fun we were having, we actually had transfers on to our bus.
My passion for cooking, meal planning and entertaining didn’t subside. It became my hobby. My husband Steve is a fabulous cook and, at my home, drop-in visits around dinner time are frequent. When we have a party, RSVPs are unnecessary. Vacations have been rescheduled around our get-togethers all because of the food.
I have been a news reporter for 18 years in Tulsa. For about 16 years of that time I have told you stories of crime and occasional chaos. I have covered more than 1,000 homicides, the Oklahoma City bombing and the largest mass killing in Tulsa’s recent history which included the slayings of three little girls.
But that was just a glimpse of the tragedy. It has taken all of my heart at times. But if it doesn’t hurt, I don’t think you are doing it right.
When food writer Natalie Mikles choose to leave her job as food writer to spend more time with her three young children, I felt humbled by the opportunity to pick up where she left off.
I can’t wait to read more of her blog, Tulsa To Do. And, I’m excited to make the transition from crime to cuisine.
I’ve been told that food writing is about as far as you can get from what I have been doing.
I agree.
