They say the key to anyone’s heart is through food, and I can’t say I disagree. Food can act as the catalyst for connection, carrying us through the big and small moments of our lives. From celebrations with cake and party wings, to a girl’s night with tacos and tequila, or an intimate moment with pasta and lobster, food brings us together while also nourishing our bodies and souls.

I have always been a big foodie, spending much of my free time and money searching for new dishes and trying new restaurants, all while bringing the ones I love with me along the way. One of my favorite people to do this with is my sister.

We are 5 years apart, but couldn’t be closer in our bond. We stay in two different cities now, but every time we get together, we look forward not only to seeing each other but also going on new culinary adventures. While distance still keeps us apart, we have decided to keep our favorite ritual alive by beginning a virtual cookbook club with just the two of us.

I came across the idea of a cookbook club through TikTok, seeing a few creators sharing their experience gathering a couple of friends to cook dishes together, then sharing their creations in a communal meal. While we can’t always be physically together, I had the bright idea to make our communion digital.

Each month, we pick a new recipe to cook, then on the day of our meet we FaceTime to
prepare our meals, then debrief as we discuss results. Out of the two of us, she is definitely the better chef. So it stings a little that I can’t get a taste of what she creates, but it helps me to expand my cooking portfolio and sharpen my skills in the kitchen.
For the month of January, we took a shot at making banana bread (one of my favorite sweet treats).

If we’re being honest, it was a bit of a fail on my end, forgetting one of the key ingredients: baking soda. My sister had better luck, but even she said hers was a bit lackluster compared to what she’s used to. Regardless, I was happy with the experience.

This small new hobby that we now share is deeper than just messing around in the kitchen. For a while, our favorite bonding experience had to be sidelined when I began having chronic digestive issues. From 2024 to 2025, I had to be really selective of what I ate to avoid flare-ups that would last days, avoiding everything from spice to even some veggies.

As a natural born gastronome, this illness was tough, but what hurt even more was the FOMO I felt at social gatherings or hanging out with loved ones like my sister.

Thankfully, after many doctor’s visits and holistic care, my illness is contained now, and I can enjoy my favorite pastime with my favorite people.

Food is not only a tool to nourish our bodies, but it is also a tool to nourish our souls, especially when we gather together to eat. There have been dozens of studies that prove eating meals with loved ones can be beneficial for your physical health, brain activity, academic performance, and mental health.

In the Black community, especially, food has been a tool for communal care and joy.
Homecooked meals can feel like a hug, especially when they’re made by someone who cares for you. There’s nothing like your grandma’s sweet potato pie, your mama’s sweet potatoes, or your auntie’s mac and cheese.

I love good food as much as I love family and friends, and I want to be able to create dishes that signify this, creating as much joy for them as I had preparing it. Even though we started from humble beginnings with January’s bake, I’m excited for the year ahead to create more memories and cultivate more joy.