English with Rachel

Hi,

The topic for the next class is called ´Food and social connections´. and the relationship between eating meals together as a social event such as ´The Valencian paella´.

Therefore, I would like you to write a 200 word essay on this topic, here is some vocabulary to help you:

The writting exercise:

Cooking paella in a group

Cooking in a group is a really wonderful thing to do, because it is fun and creates bonds with family, friends and your local community. It does not really matter the "cooking result": the process will give you satisfaction, communion with the people involved and a feeling of "belonging", not to mention a strong sense of togetherness and well-being.

We could say that these feelings are all due to the oxytocin that our brain creates during the process of this social cooking gathering, but that is only one scientific explanation, not the only one. By nature, we are social beings and we need others to survive and also to be happy and content, despite our current lifestyles, which unfortunately do not help us much in this respect. It is therefore an intelligent social aim, as I see it.

Therefore, cooking a good paella (I prefer 'Valencian') is a great way to foster those bonds with co-workers, family or friends.T he process of cooking is a lot of fun, although, sometimes stressful. It's a perfect excuse for a good social gathering, with a nutritious and delicious result. 

Eating and drinking (perhaps sometimes too much) a traditional dish like Paella Valenciana will surely connect you with your childhood and remembrances. Above all, being in good company and sharing time and special moments with your loved ones is really a luxury in these times of speed, competitiveness and lack of social bonds. So try it!


More links related to:

- Breaking Bread: the Functions of Social Eating - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40750-017-0061-4