Living over 10 hours from my family for the past 15 years, I know what it’s like to want a “taste of home” with the comfort foods I grew up with. My mom, grandmother and aunt made the BEST home cooked meals ever. And, even if I try – they’re never quite the same. But, they come close. I think it’s the little bit of love they stirred in each time they made a bowl of Veggie Soup, Texas Sheet Cake or even a sandwich.
My family wasn’t very large but I did have a large extended family. Aunts, uncles and cousins were always around and there was always a meal involved when we got together! We wouldn’t always have the exact same dishes, but there were definitely our family’s signature meals. That’s why when I watched this video from Western Union – I got all teary remembering my favorite dishes from home! Western Union captured 24 customer stories through Home Cooked opportunity and decided to surprise 3 of them with a popup surprise meal from their family and their reactions are priceless!
“This whole project began when Western Union held a customer-appreciation event at their iconic 1440 Broadway retail location, where they spoke with customers, gave away branded merchandise and invited our customers to share their stories around food, family and culture on camera. “We were struck by the cultural diversity of the participants, their strong sense of family and their love of native foods. It’s clear that food is a part of someone’s cultural identity and a link to family and good memories. Western Union’s aim is to connect people globally.”
As we all know, food is a connective tissue to a person’s family and culture and a popular topic on WU’s social channels. Just one bite of a familiar food and it can take you back! That’s why I crave the comforts of home and cook them up in my own kitchen to share with my family. I have a feeling that one day they will crave the comfort foods I made as they grew up and make them for their own family.
“Our customers are often what we call, “Dual-Belongers.” They are folks currently living in one place and from another – their heart feels like its in two places. Many are pursuing education, career or simply a style of life for them and their family; but with family members and strong ties to their birth country. A lot of customers who send money home don’t boast about it. Nor do they consider making money to support their family out of the ordinary. Albeit selfless and challenging, it is standard within their cultures. Western Union is a lifeline for our customers, connecting them to their families and friends around the world.”
There’s so many recipes that take me back – but one in particular that I find myself making quite often is my Mom’s Vegetable Soup.
It’s noting fancy but it exactly what I remember about home – the smell as it cooked on the stovetop for hours, the warmth it provided on chilly days and most importantly, the comfort it provided as I sat around the table eating a bowl with my family. It’s exactly what I need when I’m missing my family.
What recipe takes you back? What foods comfort you when you need to be reminded of home?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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