Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly. ― M.F.K. Fisher

The Christmas decorations are barely back in their box and already the Valentine’s hearts and flowers have started to appear. There is much written about food and its relationship to love. The aphrodisiac qualities of various foods are well known – oysters, asparagus, bananas, chocolate, and even honey. Possibly less well known is the Puffer Fish, apparently when a non-lethal dose is consumed, it causes tingling in the, uhhm, extremities!

This all got me thinking, not so much about the contribution foods make to love, so much as the foods we love. Those favourite meals prepared with care, memories of childhood foods, or a memorable ingredient. That warming soup when we are under the weather or the delicacy we have only on special occasions.

I am still thinking about my favourites; through my photography I am coming to know some ingredients anew like the Savoy Cabbage that I wouldn’t have touched years ago but now visually transfixes me – I have come to love its sweet crunchiness. I have been asking friends and family what their remembered foods of childhood are and a wonderful array has emerged from Mushroom Stew to Angel Delight (when I mention it there is always debate as to the relative merits of the Butterscotch or Strawberry flavours).

The choice of memorable food is seldom separated from the person who creates it, usually a parent or carer, often a grandparent. All of which has prompted me to launch a project to collect these culinary memories and stories and create some accompanying photos. I would really love you to share your stories of childhood foods with me, if you have a photo too that would be even better. Just add your story below in the comments box. Thanks for sharing!