I am often asked the question: 'What is your favorite type of

The gentle hum of the café filled the air, blending with the rhythmic tapping of rain against the window. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his coffee cup cradled in his hands, staring out at the rain-soaked streets. Jeeny, sitting opposite him, seemed lost in thought, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup.

Host: After a moment of silence, Jeeny spoke, her voice thoughtful, with a hint of nostalgia.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote from Martha Stewart today that made me smile. She said, ‘I am often asked the question: "What is your favorite type of food?" Although I always answer Japanese, the real response should be and is pierogi, the delectable Polish dumplings that my mother, Big Martha, made so well in many incarnations: potato, sweet cabbage, blueberry, peach, plum, and apricot.’ What do you think she’s trying to say here? It’s interesting how food can represent something deeper, like family and tradition.”

Jack: He looked up, a soft smile forming on his face. “I think Martha Stewart is saying that, while she may have a public or easily recognizable preference—like Japanese food—what truly resonates with her on a personal level is something more meaningful. Pierogi are not just food to her; they represent family, tradition, and memories of her mother. It’s a reminder that food isn’t just about taste—it’s about the emotions and connections it evokes.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Pierogi, in this case, are more than just dumplings. They carry memories of her mother, Big Martha, and the love and care that went into making them. The variety of fillings—potato, cabbage, fruit—represents the different aspects of tradition that are passed down, but also the nourishment of family. It’s interesting how something as simple as food can carry so much emotional weight and history.”

Host: The rain outside had softened, leaving a quiet stillness between them. Jack shifted slightly, his fingers still resting on his coffee cup as he continued.

Jack: “Food is such a powerful connector. It’s how we express love, share memories, and celebrate traditions. What Martha’s saying is that pierogi—her mother’s pierogi—carry a deeper significance than just a favorite food. They remind her of her heritage, her family, and the times she shared with her mother. The Japanese food she mentions might be her favorite flavor or something she’s more publicly associated with, but pierogi represent something more personal, something tied to her identity.”

Jeeny: “Yes, it’s also about comfort and roots. The foods we love most are often tied to where we come from, and for Martha, pierogi are that connection to her Polish roots and her mother. Even though she may have other favorite foods, the pierogi are a direct link to her childhood, to a place in her life that holds deep sentimental value. Food has this amazing ability to connect us to who we are and where we come from, even in ways we may not always realize.”

Host: The conversation seemed to deepen, as they both reflected on the power of food in shaping memories. Jack set his coffee cup down gently, his expression softening.

Jack: “Exactly. Food, in many ways, is a way to preserve our histories and relationships. It’s about more than just sustenance—it’s about passing down stories, feelings, and traditions from one generation to the next. When Martha talks about her mother’s pierogi, it’s not just a list of ingredients or a recipe—it’s a piece of her legacy that she carries with her. And that’s what makes food so special—it becomes intertwined with everything we love and value.”

Jeeny: Her smile was small but filled with understanding. “Yes. Food carries so much meaning—it’s a way to bring people together, to remember loved ones, and to honor tradition. Even if we try new things or explore different cuisines, there’s always something about the foods we grew up with that holds a special place in our hearts.”

Host: The rain had stopped, leaving a calm stillness in the air. Inside, Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that food is much more than just nourishment—it’s a bridge to our past, our family, and our identity. Martha Stewart’s words remind us that some of the most powerful connections are made through the foods that carry memories of love, tradition, and home. Whether it’s pierogi, a family recipe, or any dish that’s dear to us, food is a reminder of what we cherish and the stories we carry with us.