Growing up in the 20th and 21st centeries, I've become accustomed to the race of technology. When I was young, our TV was black and white and our remote control (which was awesome) was wired. Now I can hook up my phone to a projector, both of which fit in my pocket, and watch movies anywhere. Then there are computers, wireless HDMI, self-driving cars, and 3D printers. The world today is unrecognizable from the world my parents grew up in.
Which is why is surprises me that my kitchen hasn't changed. The same appliances that exist today existed when my mom was my age. There were microwaves, stand mixers, blenders, fridge-freezer combos, garbage disposals, ovens, stoves, and can openers. With all the technology in the kitchen I would expect things to progress faster. Even knives are the same.
More people now have espresso machines, and I'm sure the Slap Chop hasn't been around for long, but tell me it isn't odd that your grandmother would be immediately at home in your kitchen but likely be stimied by the operation of your TV or telephone.
And why is this? Is food inherantly simple? Have we been playing with food for so long that we've done everything possible to it? Or is innovation slowed by either the multitude of useless single-function vapourware they sell on late-night TV that all appear to be variations on the blender or, at least, the belief that these are all useless?
I don't know, but it surprices me.
For me, the feel of the knife in my hand, chopping, dicing, slicing various fresh foods, herbs with a multitude of texture and a myriad of aromas grounds me. It often brings thoughts of my children, my own parents/grandparents. It's true peace. Time spent preparing food for a few decades was replaced by fast foods, but I believe people are enjoying more time in the kitchen as they discover that fast food is so harmful to health and well being.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that has changed in my lifetime in the kitchen is the ever present dishwasher. An opportunity for great family time, often wonderful and warm chats between women, or bantering between young sibs as they do routine chores has been replaced by this 'time saving' device. Food for thought...