What to cook in February: Foods to transport you to places out of reach

The case for leaning into your nostalgia, and cooking something you long to taste again.

The case for leaning into your nostalgia, and cooking something you long to taste again

Jessica Brooks · CBC Life · Posted: Feb 04, 2021 1:25 PM EST | Last Updated: February 4, 2021

(Photography, middle: Eric Wolfinger; right: Ksenija Hotic)

I was 18 when I went on a tour of Central America, and tasted food that blew open my horizons. Not that surprising. I grew up on a remote island of British Columbia with no traffic lights and restaurants that used to close in the off-season except for the pubs.

My friends and I made our own fun during those winter months, and food was at the centre. The events helped to brighten the rainy, grey days of the season. We'd throw themed nights, like sushi night, pizza night and other 'worldly' dishes that I might routinely order in today, now that I live in a city.

While the meals we made were most definitely not authentic, they gave me a glimpse into a world beyond the brown rice and tofu I was eating at home, and a taste of places I hoped to travel someday. They were also a boon to my mood, especially during February, with its lack of celebrations and getaways — although yes, Valentine's Day chocolate helped.

This year as this month rolls around, I'll be tapping into the thrill of those teenage themed nights again. I can use cuisine as a way to experience a taste of cultures and places out of reach for now. On my list of things to cook are crispy Corn Pakoras and Pho Beef Dumplings. You can do the same, or even lean into your nostalgia and recreate the best meal you ate in the place you long to get back to.

Normally I'd suggest you cook with in-season ingredients when possible, and you still can. For example, if you're making tacos, add shredded cabbage to them, or spiralize a rutabaga and toss the curls into Pad Thai. Staying flexible is a good rule for travel and it's a great rule for cooking too.

If there's one thing growing up on a remote island taught me (before the internet was even a thing), it's that food can take you places.

Here are some recipes that may do that for you.

Paella del Carmen