The other day my sister shared an icebreaker question she has heard, “if you were to pick a food and beverage to represent yourself what would it be?” My first reaction was to try and narrow down a long list of my favorite foods, but upon reflection on what the question was asking, what would best represent me, I knew what I would serve up as my answer.
A cold glass of Mayfield’s Milk and a warm bowl of Macaroni and Cheese.
Growing up in rural east Tennessee our local milk was from Mayfield dairy. Since my childhood, I have lived in many different places. Each of these places had several brands of milk that seemed to have fairly equal shares of the dairy market. This was not the case in my childhood hometown of Spring City, TN. Mayfield dominated the dairy market in east Tennessee. In most of the places I have lived as an adult, I have been unable to find Mayfield’s milk in the store dairy cases of those areas.
After thirty-plus years of not tasting Mayfield milk daily, I still consider it my milk and it remains my favorite beverage. In much the same way, my childhood hometown of Spring City, TN will always be my hometown, no matter how far away I may live.
My selection of milk to be the beverage to represent me is based on my strong association with it growing up in rural Spring City, TN, a place, time, and life that was so idyllic in its simplicity. The influence of my Mayberry-ish life childhood remains at the core of who I am. Much of the things I seek out and try to replicate today can be represented as a glass of Mayfield milk.
As a caterer, the food that I prepare is often upscale or elaborate. But it’s Macaroni and Cheese that I hope would best represent me. At its core, it is very humble, yet it can be elevated in preparation in many different and distinct ways. This can be done by altering its cooking method or ingredients. As a rather simple person, but one who also appreciates a bit of flair, Macaroni and Cheese mirrors this. As someone who in both my personal and professional life seeks to make those around me feel warm and welcomed, I can not think of anything better than a big bowl of comfort food, Macaroni, and Cheese.
So there you have it, Mayfield Milk and Macaroni and Cheese.
What beverage and food would represent you? I would love to hear!
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