Have you ever bitten into a flaky, buttery croissant and instantly been transported to the Paris trip you took in your twenties? Or caught the fragrant scent of bubbling, tomato-infused garlic and reminisced about your mother’s comforting spaghetti bolognese?
Each of us carries a treasure trove of culinary memories. From the simple pleasures of childhood treats to the unfamiliar flavours savoured at a special occasion, food has the power to unlock cherished moments from the past.
Here, we recall the delicious dishes that evoke warm memories from our past.
Magical Mince Toast
“When my sister and I were little, Mum’s savoury mince on toast was magical. It had healing powers after we’d been down with a bug we’d picked up at school, and always brought a smile to our faces after a rough day.
“It was a warm hug made with love, served on a piece of buttered toast and topped with a blob of tomato sauce. Now I make it for my girls, and they think it’s magical, too.”
-Rachel DeHosson
Special Schnitzel
“For special occasions, my Mum would make chicken schnitzel. And for super special occasions, she’d top it ‘parma’ style with tomato paste, ham, and melted cheese. It was my older brother’s favourite, and we would sit around the dinner table waiting in excitement. It was like a restaurant meal, but in a warm and relaxed space filled with laughter and family connection.
“When I miss my mum, I make the same chicken schnitzel parmigiana topped with ham, cheese and tomato and serve it to my own children. They don’t know the heart-warming feeling it gives me, but they are just excited for this meal as my brother and I were as children. The difference is, today it’s easy to cook! I use Ingham’s chicken schnitzel and top it, or make schnitzels in a roll for their lunches. Total family favourite.”
-Franki Hobson
Simple Pleasures
“Dippy eggs and soldiers! It’s the simplest of pleasures for me and it takes me back to my childhood when Mum would make it for my brother and I.
“We had our own ‘special’ egg cups (mine was Holly Hobbie) and we’d always fight over the last pieces of buttered toast to dip into those perfectly boiled eggs.”
-Delicia Smith
Homemade Cupcakes
“Whenever I visited my Nana’s house, we always made time to bake together. I especially loved making her famous vanilla cupcakes, using a recipe she picked up from her local baker in Buchan (Victoria).
“Biting into the light, fluffy cakes still warm from the oven never failed to make us smile. I still make them for special occasions, or just when I feel like a little treat!”
-Kayla Wratten
Brought to you by Ingham’s.
Ingham’s is one of the largest integrated poultry producers across Australia and New Zealand, employing 8000 people. It supplies locally farmed chicken, turkey and plant-based protein products to major retailers, quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators, food service distributors, wholesalers and to export channels. Ingham’s was listed on the ASX in 2016 as Inghams Group Limited. Ingham’s is proud to have RSPCA Approved certification in Australia, with animal welfare and sustainability two of the company’s top priorities. For more information, visit inghams.com.au
